You start with a palette of paint...

A Christmas-time gathering with friends. 

Dinner comes first, lot's of good conversation then a special project....

You start with a palette of paint, a few size brushes, some water and a raw sketched print. 

A glass of wine is optional but a nice touch as we begin a watercolor project taught by

 Deb (red sweater) a long time friend, an artist who is gifted in many ways

 

I have a band of friends, there are 11 of us. We support each other and we pray for each other.

We have all gone to church together, raised kids together and some of us even vacationed together. Some have moved away... then moved back. We have stuck by each other through,

 "family stuff", deaths, serious illnesses and joys. 

We've done a lot of "life" together.

Mostly we just have fun.

Deb wanted to do a class on watercoloring with us girls. 

I don't believe any of us have ever water covered except maybe in
junior high art class a bazillion years ago. Regardless of our skill level
we were all very excited to give it a try.

We started out with a scantily "sketched scene" (by Deb) of birch trees among some rushes.

The bottom of this photo is the "before" I started project, the top is my finished piece

I zoomed in on the detail of the birch trees, The little "blobs" on the trees were called "eyes" by Deb.
They were a challenge, but I think I did ok for a first timer.

There was a lot of detail, color and shading that went into this piece.
I'm cautiously proud of my work, but dont intend to make it my hobby....
For some it's relaxing, as for me...too much stress!

I love my friends and cherish the friendship we have had for many years.