Page 33 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Summer 2020- Online Magazine
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degrees while maintaining a five-bedroom home Art classes were offered on several cruises we
and becoming an empty nester. In the mid-1880s, took over the years. They were mostly free hand
while a college student, my grandmother painted in drawing - looking at a picture and then painting
several mediums, and I felt blessed to own several with various mediums. Other cruises provided
of her works. I had hoped some of her talent might a variety of projects introducing a wide selection
have been passed genetically to me, but it appeared for painting or coloring, for example with felt tip
to have skipped a generation! pens. We had some excellent art instructors for
most of these classes. However, one instructor took
my drawing from me and re-drew it the way she
Not only was my husband a gifted woodcarver, but wanted. Needless to say, that was my last day to
our two youngest sons were talented artistically attend that class!
also. One son earned degrees in illustration and
in advertising at the Columbus College of Art and
Design in Ohio. I felt pretty intimidated by those Approximately a year ago, I began seeing ads for
really talented family members. a group called “Let’s Make Art”. They advertised
subscribing to learn to paint watercolor by watching
weekly video tutorials while receiving boxes with
It wasn't until after retirement that I found time four projects each month. I received my first box
and interest in doing something creative again. Not in May 2019. My two first paintings went to my
only did I return to doing some tole painting, but daughter and youngest granddaughter for their
there was a big fad in adult coloring books, and early June birthdays. Talk about getting over being
it sounded like fun to me. I have a box of several intimidated! Recently, I joined the private LMA
adult coloring books, crayons, and watercolor Facebook group which numbers 43,968 members.
That's right! It's a huge group of folks who share
ideas, ask for constructive criticism and suggest
helpful products to add enjoyment to our hobby.
I continue to watch Sarah Cray (the creator of
“Let’s Make Art”) show me techniques with new
paintings and have gained enough confidence to
paint some of my own creations.
So, over the years, I have had several creative surges
influenced by friends, by trends and by advertising.
Taking advantage of all the opportunities to learn
has given me skills and confidence in my craft.
The one thing that flows through each of these
endeavors is the discovery that I truly enjoy a
passion for painting! Even as a senior citizen, I
have found great joy in pursuing this hobby of
painting.
pencils still. Our two youngest grandchildren and
our two oldest great-grandsons were the frequent EDITOR’S NOTE
recipients of postcard colorings. I have continued to Find out more at www.letsmakeart.com
enjoy coloring, particularly with watercolor pencils.
Amarillo Senior Link 33
