It's Elemental My Dear

Working With The Elements

In this case, the element is water with colour.  I am a painter by trade and by heart.  I am happiest with a paintbrush in my hand. Pure meditation, pure joy.  Yet, until a week ago I had never used water colours, well not properly.   Oil is my medium of choice.  So in a moment of inspiration,when I undertook to teach the children water colour paints, it was also learning curve for me.  I fell in love with painting all over again.  Water, we all need it, it connects everything and when it comes in the form of paint its beauty does the element justice.  It is also vibrant, easy to use and non toxic. Perfect for children.

Before beginning we had a brief discussion on the joys of painting, the different kinds of paint, why it should take a while to create a painting and the unique qualities of water colour paint.  The key point here is that, unlike other paint, it does not allow for rigid lines.  It does not provide the same control as oil or acrylic. Multiple lessons within one!

You will need:

• Decent quality water colour paper
• A board
• Gummed tape
• Water colours
• Palette
• Soft paint brushes (preferably although any type will work)
• Tray
• Clean water
• Patience!

It takes a while, but the blessing of our African sun is that it speeds up the drying time!

My art children did briefly moan about how long it takes but the end result quickly eroded the groaning.  They all agreed it was worth it, delighted with their own work and unique talent!

I did warn the few immensely self critical, controlling babes, that they get one piece of paper and only one for this project, hence they need to think carefully before applying the paint.  I was truly amazed at how it conquered the critic within.  Instead of the internal critic, an internal fan emerged acclaiming the melding colours as wonderful forms, surprise mystical beings on their paper!  This watery paint allowed them to release control and accept what happened, what is.  Too beautiful!