The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

I began as a watercolorist 30 years ago. When I first picked up a paintbrush, I had no idea what I was doing. I had observed a friend painting for many years and he made it look easy. I approached it simply. 

I was quite good at it, though I never appreciated that fact. It was not "easy". I felt there was much more that could be done with the medium. I realize now that, as true as that was, I was also finding my way as an artist. Becoming comfortable with realizing myself as an Artist. Owning the Calling. 

I was encouraged by a collector to try oil paints. Now, this was something I LOVED! I loved the buttery texture of the medium, the brilliance of the color, the ability to paint over mistakes. They were "easy". 

For a while, I painted with both mediums. It was confusing, though, as the process is completely opposite. With watercolor, you work from light to dark. With oil, you work from dark to light. A bit like making bread versus pie crust. I decided I wanted to concentrate on the oil medium in order to become really good at it.

I abandoned watercolors. Every once in a while, someone would ask me about watercolor. They would tell how much they loved my work; sometimes, to the point of saying how much they "preferred" my work in watercolor.

Recently, two things have occurred to cause me to reconsider watercolor.

1. I was asked to take a group of women painting with me to Italy. Obviously, watercolor is much easier to use while traveling. 

2. Quite a few people have asked me to begin offering classes or workshops, oil and watercolor.

So, I gathered my watercolor materials again and began to remember.....

I have been in Italy for almost 4 weeks. I have done 6 or 7 small watercolor sketches so far. My travel kit consists of a small tin of watercolor pans, a pencil, a pen and brushes, simple and light weight.

I have enjoyed reacquainting myself with the medium. My work with oil is so well established by now that I have not found it difficult to revert to the process of working light to dark. I have picked subjects of interest or emotion. I have sketched and painted loosely, hoping to capture a moment. It's been great to "remember", fun, even.

"Memory belongs to the imagination. Human memory is not like a computer which records things; it is part of the imaginative process, on the same terms as invention." ~ Alain Robbe-Grillet

When I return, I will begin to organize for the new year. I will offer lessons in both oil and watercolor. Let me know, please if you are interested, in classes, or travel, or both!

Happy Creating!