Ian and I took out first trip to Yosemite in 2005 on our way I say these cows and photographed them.  A couple of hour road trip would stretch out to 5 hours because I love to explore and photograph. I started photographing seriously when I needed more subjects to paint. Most watercolor artists are exceptional photographers, after a few workshops I went and got my first good camera. Using images from my own capture was a must. I photographed these cows because I wanted to paint them. My friend and teacher Nancy Collins, who teaches all over, taught me color theory with the watercolor media. She made it easy. I am trying to get her to write a book. Now I teach my own version to Elementary school kids and they can identify mud.  She is teaching three different (a couple of days) classes at MAC the Mendocino art center.

I started this painting while we were camping in the summer of 2007 and then I started my photography business and I got side tracked away from painting for my own pleasure.  I love painting. I love the process and I love getting to see how the colors work together. The watercolor media requires a great amount of skill, which I only have a little and the other part is what the paint and water and paper will do.

I love giving demonstrations to 4^th graders who are oooweeing and aaawwwing when they see what the colors do, like it’s a magic trick. It still feels like magic to me.

I hope I can continue to make time for the love of painting.

Our Milkshakes bring all the kids to the yard….