The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

Caffe Bocce 

Watercolor on Paper

I got my start in painting late. My Mother was an artist. She was self taught and had a natural talent. She suffered with mental illness. Otherwise, I think she might have been very successful as a painter. I was not encouraged artistically growing up. The girls in the family were expected to learn more traditional skills like sewing, knitting, crochet, and embroidery. I was always creative and tried my hand at many crafts as I matured. Nothing held my attention, though. I would produce one piece in a particular craft then move on to the next. So it was, until I became friends with a couple who were artists and writers.

I had never seen a real artist's studio. I was fascinated by the tools of the trade: paints, brushes, palette knives. It all smelled so good. They painted with different mediums which, of course, were a mystery to me! I was most fascinated by the watercolor painting I observed. They made it look so easy. After about ten years, I decided to try my hand at it, in secret, of course. I figured it would be terrible. I would throw it out and no one would be the wiser. I was embarrassed to try but still tempted and curious.  Using my kid's paints, and craft paper, I drew the wall against which stood the shelf that held my canned goods, and then painted it.  Terrible materials: cheap paint and really bad paper.    

Here it is:

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Not too bad for a first try, right? (I'm glad I didn't throw it away.)

Well, that was back in 1992. That was my beginning. I was hooked! No more experimenting with different crafts. I painted with watercolor for many years. Finally, I tried gouache and then oil. I have painted with oil primarily for the last 15 years with an occasional foray back into watercolor.

It is a very different process working with oil versus watercolor. It is hard for me to switch back and forth. I am in the middle of a portrait done with oil paints right now. I have several ideas for oil paintings I am anxious to start. Unfortunately, I don't have easy access to my studio at this time. (That is another story!) I am thinking it may be a good time to concentrate on watercolor. I can do that anywhere. Time to hone those skills and learn some new techniques. I can't see me not working with oil though. I guess I will have to soldier on switching back and forth for awhile. Hopefully, it will get easier. 

Fellow artists, please share your experience with me. Is this an issue for you? What helps you? I would love your input...thanks!

Stay well, my friends, Barbara