Dear artist,

I'm intrigued by the human brain; I love thinking about the reasons we do what we do and think what we think. And I especially find fascinating the way my own mind has changed over the years.

One area where my tastes have really changed is regarding the kind of art I enjoy. There was a time when I felt like modern art felt like a kind of gatekeeping; that there was a sphere of the art world that delighted in creating art that confused the "normal folk," and I had no desire to be a part of that kind of movement.

I now view modern art with curiosity and joy. Want to know why I've changed?

The key is that little word, "curiosity."

I started to realize that the artists who were making abstract, modern or seemingly incomprehensible art weren't trying to pose a riddle for viewers to solve, but were simply offering an opportunity to engage with the work, as you are, with curiosity. What do you notice? How does it make you feel?

Last year I visited an art gallery with a friend, and I was about to walk briskly past one painting, a large canvas painted in crisp green and orange stripes. It felt like the kind of painting that only needed a cursory glance, but as I walked past it, I stopped. Standing six inches from the canvas, I realized that I couldn't gaze at the colours without seeing them vibrate. The entire canvas was radiating movement as the two colours vibrated together. My friend, standing six feet away, couldn't see the motion. It was just simple stripes to her. The effect could only be seen by someone willing to stop and get closer.

It makes me think about my own assumptions. What ideas am I walking briskly past, assuming I don't need to explore new perspectives, or pause to consider? Where am I missing out on an opportunity to discover something new?

I thought I would be a photo-realistic artist.

I thought modern art was beyond my appreciation.

I thought I might always make forgettable art, full of mistakes.

I didn't think I could master watercolour in a way that allowed me to paint with freedom and confidence.

I wasn't sure anyone would take me seriously as an artist.

What are you telling yourself about your art journey today? Are there statements you make that could be limiting what you are able to achieve?

I'm asking this because next week I'm opening Watercolour Mastery: Dynamic Values for enrollment. And a few years ago, I might have thought, "I don't think that course is for me; I just don't think that way." I didn't know that I could find, not just my own way of working with value, but the confidence and skill to be able to teach it to students. I think this course offers a perspective on value that is rare, impacting both technique, mindset and style for the students who commit to it. I'm excited to share it and see it make a difference for students!

Watercolour Mastery: Dynamic Values opens for enrollment just once a year, and this year sign up starts August 27th. You can sign up to be on the "first-call" waiting list now: SIGN UP​

I'll be sharing more about the course over the next couple of weeks. If you're actively painting and yearning to create paintings with more confidence, strength or impact, Watercolour Mastery: Dynamic Values was designed for you.

mindfully yours,

Angela