Watercolor with Jane DeFazio
I have been wanting to take an online watercolor class with Jane DeFazio but always missed the deadline. I’m certain this is no coincidence—I have a case of “fear of drawing” (it’s the blank page) and an irrational fear of drawing in public. What could be safer than an online course, right? The delivery of instruction (pdf files, videos, posting) is stupendous and I learned a lot from watching her videos. Still, it took me 3 hours to do the first watercolor because I kept finding things to do: laundry, another cup of tea, walking the dog, cleaning out my pen drawer, and vacuuming the entry closet. Stuff like that. When I finally finished, I was surprised that the painting wasn’t so bad and I actually enjoyed the process. I needed to give it a second go so I got out my props (lime, tangelo, pear) and supplies and headed to a PUBLIC PLACE!! No one laughed. Actually no one looked and I happily slipped into that right brain mode with my fruit and coffee latte so it wouldn’t have made any difference if they were snorterling over the lady in the corner with her table of fruit because I wouldn’t have noticed them! How liberating that was. And here I am posting it on my blog because if I can do this, anyone can. This class is Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style. I would recommend any class of hers. OK. I’m a week behind so it’s on to drawing leaves next. Stay tuned.
How wonderful! This sounds very interesting. I have a fear of drawing too. The trick is to do it anyway (or so I keep telling myself!). I *love* doing sketchbook and journal play stuff in coffee shops. I think the bustling atmosphere and getting out of one’s own space make such a difference. I used to feel a tad self-conscious, but discovered that if anyone notices at all (and they rarely seem to), they usually are either (a)impressed–ooo, an artist! Or (b) completely paranoid that you are secretly sketching *them* and far more unnerved than you are. (Heh.) I imagine if you are sitting there with a pile of fruit, though, (b) would not apply.
I think it’s fantastic you’re doing this class!
Btw… I keep seeing announcements for your class next week, speaking of classes. I’m so impressed! Good luck! (Not that you’ll need it–having had the pleasure of experiencing your Norbag workshops, I *know* what an excellent instructor you are!)
You have touched on a couple of things I’m finding. I need to get out of the house. This is a watercolor JOURNAL class and I”m taking it with the idea I might actually draw something when we are traveling. So, my coffee shop adventure was my first “trip”. I’m still very slow but that will get better. One cannot learn algebra by watching someone do it or by doing a couple of problems or by doing it perfectly every time. Why would I expect drawing to be any different? Oh. Because you’re born with drawing ability! Not. The other point you made is about the bustling atmosphere. There is something about it isn’t there? I actually thought about going to the HSU library but the coffee shop seemed more appealing and it’s because of the hustle and bustle. Why would that be more appealing? Any ideas? I haven’t tried to draw people yet. I may need another class for that.
My class is going to be SO much fun. We are going to be making our own book cloth and exploring the other options for the star: tunnel, pop-up, etc. The people in the class are so much fun. They have started a focus group that will meet once a month to explore tips, techniques, resources.
OK. On to lesson two of watercolor. LEAVES.
I think the bustling atmosphere helps because it is stimulation, but it’s not so distracting that you can’t work on anything. I find that I feel a bit more alert (ok–the coffee is a factor, but still…). I think there’s a reason why artists gravitate to coffee houses. There’s also a lot to be said for getting out of your own space. For some activities, I definitely prefer my studio. But for sketching/journal kinds of things, I love being somewhere else. It’s all stimulation and a form of different perspective, I think. Also, you are reduced to using whatever you carry with you. There’s less opportunity to get distracted in an unproductive way.
Sigh… leaves! Leaves are so beautiful. Makes me want to go find some myself!
And your star class is going to be fabulous! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
It’s a bit like background music, I can tune in whenever I want. I also love the idea of being reduced to what you carry with you. It does limit one’s options and for me that a good thing. Here’s to our next coffee visit.