Water coloring ain't easy

Trying something new and fun, and sticking my neck out

I painted an abstract watercolor in elementary school. My teacher liked it and included in the school’s art show. My mom and sister Betty showered me with praise and said I’d grow up to be an artist.

I didn’t — I went to journalism school, became a reporter and editor and then an editor/writer in educational settings — but, now, over 60 years later, I’m painting watercolors.

My school art show painting wasn’t intentional. It was a mess of colors with no rhyme or reason. My second watercolor painting (above) was created a couple months ago. It was intentional.

After a career of being critical of other people’s work and writing in a journalistic style (brief, factual, to the point), I’m hoping to stretch and loosen up. Is it possible? Worthwhile to try?

We’ll see.