TWENTY YEARS

Time REALLY does fly... and very fast. Twenty years ago when this was painted, our two sons were in high school, and we still lived in our hometown. We'd probably completed a couple of months of watercolor classes when I painted this holly twig during our Wednesday night class.

Suzanne Mayes Wentzell was my first watercolor teacher, but I think Shirley Quakenbush was the teacher during this class when she taught us how to glaze using flowers as an example.

Hope your holidays are full of love and joy.

"SPRIG" Transparent Watercolor on CP Crescent Watercolor Board 12 x 12" COLLECTED

ARCHIVES

This simple still life was painted within that first year that I began taking watercolor lessons in Kokomo, Indiana. Shirley Quakenbush painted a wonderful demo showing how she glazed many layers of color to build up a glow and depth in her beautiful work, then we had to come up with our own painting.

I'd rushed from work to get to class on time and had brought a couple of apples along with some cheese and a knife to make my 'supper.' They made up a great still life after I peeled and devoured the golden delicious. I left out the cheese - probably ate it since it's one of my favorite foods.

My husband grew apples in our mini orchard behind our nursery business, and I think these came from the orchard. I'm posting them today because it's his birthday, and he grew up helping his grandparents on their apple orchard. Happy birthday, honey. And Happy Birthday to LYNNE, too. Isn't it great to be archived?

"ONE FOR THE ROAD" Transparent Watercolor on 140#CP Arches 9 x 9"