Why I started watercolor painting ...

And I'm so glad I did.

I mentioned in my last post that the reason I decided to try painting is a story in itself. So here’s the story:

I became a Nana in 2020. I have three sweet grandboys as of this post, and I adore them. Most nanas want to give their grandbabies a special gift. Something they create for them. The classic gift is a sweet baby quilt for their crib or first bed.

Well, I don’t quilt. I don’t sew. I’ve tried my hardest to make things out of fabric. Let’s just say, it’s never been pretty, and it’s always exhausting. If you sew, I’m impressed!

So I thought about what I could make for my babies, and the answer was obvious. I write.

So I wrote Beckham’s Backpack for my first grandson and wondered how on earth I would find an illustrator. Lo and behold, my daughter’s friend, Grace, was more than happy to help. Over the next two years, she painted incredible watercolor illustrations for my book, bringing it to life. It is beautiful!

When the book was published (by published, I mean I paid Gorham Publishing in Centralia to print a limited number of copies, not for resale), I quickly found that my sweet illustrator would not be able to help me with another book. She has two little boys and ambitions to illustrate her own children’s books. I understood completely. If I’m honest, by that time, the idea of me illustrating my next book was exciting. Daunting, to be sure, but a fun challenge to consider.

I wrote Kai’s Wild Ride for my second grandson. It is about a sled ride gone awry. On the way, a fox, musk ox, moose, bear, and hare join in the ride, ultimately to be rescued by a watchful bald eagle. When I realized I must illustrate the book, the animals scared me. Why, oh why did I write so many animals into the story?

I didn’t know how to draw or paint, nor where to go to learn how. So right away, I consulted YouTube. What a treasure trove. Still, I needed more, so I sought a teacher. Thank the Lord, I found one!

I’ve spent countless hours practicing and learning—and it’s paid off. I will continue to glean knowledge and skill for the rest of my life. I don’t fancy myself an artist in the traditional sense … yet. To lump myself in with my grandma or any working artist is silly to me, but I’m starting to believe I can eventually finish illustrating Kai’s book, which was the impetus for my painting journey.

I have one more book to write. I have an idea in mind, and now it’s a matter of writing the prose. The working title is Ollie’s Quest. Blueberries will be involved. I’m excited. I’m pretty sure I can paint a decent blueberry!

So, that’s the story. My grandma instilled in me an admiration for art and painting, and my grandsons spurred me to action.

I’m thankful.

(The first photo is a collection of 2” x 2” paintings I created to inspire me as I work on Kai’s Wild Ride illustrations. All the characters in the book are represented. It hangs over my worktable in my studio, reminding me to work on it, because I tend to avoid things that intimidate me. Illustrating a children’s book is very intimidating!)