| October 15, 2024 NEWSLETTER |
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Kathleen and I at the Big Splash awards reception. |
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I've written previously about the benefits of learning from artists that you admire — you can read Revitalize Your Art here — so when I learned that Kathleen Giles would be in St. Louis teaching a watercolor workshop, I didn't hesitate to sign up! I was excited to attend her workshop for a number of reasons:
- I've admired Kathleen's work for years.
- I wanted to meet her!
- I wanted to learn from her!
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It's always a treat to hang out with a group of like-minded artists!
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There's More to Art than Technique |
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Of course, technique in art is important. Methods, skills, tools and materials are essential to creating a good painting. In her workshop, Kathleen covered everything technical: planning a painting, making compositional decisions, creating mood with color and value, working wet-into-wet, and handling the brush, to name a few. But there was so much more to learn! |
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He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.
~St. Francis of Assisi |
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Intangibles.
What I found most special about Kathleen's workshop is difficult to put into words, but I will do my best.
Sometimes we think of well-known artists as different or "above us" in some way, but that is not the case. Kathleen was genuine and relatable.
She got to where she is in her art journey through determination and hard work, always aspiring to the next level and painting as often as possible.
I appreciated the fact that she came to the workshop with new-to-her subjects to paint, so that we could observe how she handled unexpected issues and problem-solving throughout her process.
At the Big Splash reception, Kathleen commented on the reasons she selected each and every award winner, as many judges do. But she had the courage to do something unusual, which I very much appreciated: She also provided instructive critiques on how each winning painting could be made even better. |
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The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work. ~Emile Zola |
Wherever you are in your art journey, I encourage you to take classes or workshops with artists you admire. You never know what you will learn (and you will always learn something)!
Paint. Love. Repeat. |
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Watch, paint along, and learn how I handle facial features, flesh and hair in my demonstration at Watercolor Live 2025.
Save 10% when you register for this global virtual event with the code HELTON.
I'm also scheduled to demonstrate my watercolor techniques for painting hair on Art School Live with Eric Rhoads on October 23!
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I was recently notified that I have achieved Signature Status in Women in Watercolor! Signature Membership Status is achieved by being a member of Women in Watercolor and by winning an award in the Annual International Juried Competition three separate years within a 6-year time period.
The above three paintings were awarded in 2021 (Everything Nice), 2022 (Waiting) and 2024 (To Have and to Hold).
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Many mini watercolors, as well as older works that have been discounted, can now be found on my Daily Paintworks page! It's a great place to shop for Christmas! |
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Click the buttons below if you'd like information regarding my in-studio Next Level Watercolor classes, One-On-One Mentorship program, or to schedule a Studio Visit. |
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Bird Lover's Journal. For years I've wanted to create a bird-themed perpetual calendar/journal, and now it's here! Click the button below for more information. |
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Thank you for reading my newsletter;
I'd love your feedback!
If you know of someone who might appreciate this content, please share!
Your friend in art and life,
Janine
©2024 Janine Helton - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
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