It is said, trying new things actively rewires your brain cells. It is healthy for us. I decided to try something I haven’t done before. When I arrived at the art class the first thing I read in the info pack was, “you don’t have to be the best (or even good) to enjoy doing something”. So, I was hopeful I would enjoy my new adventure, along with rewiring some brain cells!
I took a beginner’s watercolor class. We have bought several watercolor paintings from a local artist in town and when she offered a beginner’s watercolor class I thought “why not?” Actually, she started classes a few years ago, but the dates never worked out for me until this year, so I was excited to finally get to try this new endeavor.
A few things stood out from the instructions, for instance: relax and let it flow (water is boss anyways), don’t compare your work with others, and it’s only paper. That became my mantra because I felt I could try this technique and if it doesn’t work out it’s not a huge investment…it’s only paper…I can try to correct a mistake or throw the whole thing out and start over because it’s only paper, and I can experiment a lot since it’s only paper.
I didn’t know what to expect from this class. It was very interesting and I feel I learned a lot (one thing I learned is I have to practice! ha). Kathy told us a student from a previous beginner’s class had expectations of taking home a piece for above her mantle. I didn’t have that kind of expectation; I didn’t even bring home a completed greeting card.
The hours flew by. There were six of us in the class. I learned where to begin with watercolors and that is enough. I now need to practice…which is always the tricky part (out of sight, out of mind) …but I have had one practice session and I plan to practice more. My goal is to make some greeting cards that look nice enough to send out.
I hope my brain cooperated and rewired some cells because of this new adventure. I can say, I did enjoy myself very much, even though I’m not very good at it.