I often get asked by students if I can show them some of my earliest watercolors. Although most of those early paintings hang in my parents' home, I do have photos of some of my first watercolors.
These are from the early 80s. I was a teen and the images were photographed a lifetime ago. Despite the deteriorated quality of the photos, I am sharing them with you. Part nostalgia, part proof of the lifelong love affair I've had with watercolors, I hope you enjoy this peek into my early painting efforts.
I painted this gas pump during my first plein air experience. My university art instructor, George Dibble, walked the class down to this run down gas station during a gorgeous autumn day. I still remember the thrill of painting out "in the wild" for the first time!
In 1984 I took on this ambitious watercolor of Verona, Italy where I grew up and where my family still lives now.
This watercolor is also from 1984. I was already painting full sheets of watercolor paper (22 x 30) and I have continued to prefer painting full size or bigger watercolors.
These were my first steps on this journey that continues to bring me so much joy. It's been a pleasure sharing them here. Thank you for indulging my walk down art memory lane!