The Responsible Artist

In 3rd grade I received an F in Social Studies, because I refused to color the pictures. Somehow, despite this bad beginning I still grew to love art. I took a few classes in middle and high school, but the class that really gave me my foundation was one that I still don't know how I managed to find.

The summer after my senior year I found information about a watercolor class that was being offered at Caughlin Ranch, an upscale neighborhood community center. I paid the fee and bought the supplies, blowing almost all of my discretionary money. I still remember walking into the studio loft and having the breath knocked out of me at the sight. It was a huge, light, airy attic room with skylights, sinks, tables and counters full of art products and potential.

Our teacher taught all the different techniques of watercolors, and I can honestly say that I learned more from her than I did in any of my future college courses. I know that watercolors are not considered a serious media in the art world, but they are my favorite. I love the vibrant colors and each painting is a surprise, because water is unpredictable. When you lay down the color you don't know how they will blend and look once they dry, so you have to be bold and hope for the best. My favorite watercolorist of all time is Winslow Homer. He had such vibrant colors despite the unforgiving nature of watercolors.

The moment I tried watercolors I was hooked.

During my college years I was two classes away from a minor in art, and even had a few people pay me to paint their portraits. Eventually I was married and trying to think of something nice to give Nathan for Christmas that was $20 or less. I fell upon the idea of painting a picture of Brandon for Christmas. That started a tradition, and I painted one of all our babies.

The next several years, I was in a couple of art guilds and displayed a few of my paintings and even had an opportunity to meet Al Rounds, my favorite LDS watercolorist.

As is the case with all responsible women, my free time to pursue my own interests dwindled when other responsibilities took it's place. I came to the point that I had to choose between music and art, and music won out.

This week I found myself with new baby, not having painted a single thing but house walls for the past 5 years. I was a little fearful of painting Danielle. I was nervous that being so out of practice, I would fall flat on my face. I'm happy to report that it wasn't too bad.


It's not Winslow Homer or Al Rounds, but it's not bad for The Responsible Woman.

A Few Things

This is the earliest that Danielle has gone to bed, and I find myself with a little free time tonight. Here are a few things on my mind:

1. I've stopped fighting it....Danielle is going to be a thumb-sucker. When I stumble into her room in the mornings, she is often sucking on her thumb. She doesn't like to be held for too long, but instead she prefers to lie on the couch or on a blanket on the floor. She spends her time being entertained by her siblings and target practicing at her mouth. Sometimes she gets her thumb stuck under her fingers, but once she manages to separate it from her fingers and actually get it in her mouth, she sucks with a fury before she accidentally pulls it out again.

Oh, and she's also 2'2" now. Quite a milestone.


2. We have been doing spring cleaning. Now that school is finally over for the year I can attack the dust, streaks, grime, and spills that I have been trying to ignore since the beginning of my pregnancy. I actually have some time, energy and desire to clean all at the same time. I have been on a simplifying kick and have gotten rid of several things including some big items. The house feels so much bigger. Every day the kids help with some big job in the morning. Once they have helped out, done their regular chores and practiced the piano, the day is theirs. They have helped weed, scrub walls, scour windows, and even spent an hour cleaning the food off of their chairs. I've touched up paint, cleaned out cupboards, attacked spider webs and gotten rid of excess "things." Please remind me not to buy anything new. It feels really good!


3. Connor lost his front tooth. I love that stage when my kids can't talk right and have a hard time eating. It felt like he'd been wiggling it for 3 months, but I think it was only 3 weeks. I thought that thing was never going to come out, and then on Monday night when we had some friends over for Memorial Day, he came running in holding the bloody stump. We were all so excited, and I think he looks really cute. Now the next door tooth is loose.


4. It is so nice to finally have summer here. We even felt hot today and the breeze coming in the windows tonight is heaven. Some thunderstorms rolled in this evening and left us with some gorgeous skies.