Cranes by Barbara Mathews

Original watercolor on paper by Barbara Mathews of Janesville, Wisconsin.

Image size: 14.5" x 10.5"

Matted to 20" x 16" in a black mat board.

Pouring watercolors is all about values. I first mask off the lightest value and then literally pour paint that I have mixed in small jars on to the paper. Each additional value is handled in the same manner. I may paint with a brush for finish work. 

I love the challenge watercolor presents. No other medium compares. You can literally watch the pigment and water dance. No brush can move pigment like gravity can. It can paint itself.

I get up early, have my coffee and paint. I paint every day, and I paint like I read books—several at a time.

Winning awards for your painting efforts are gratifying, but nothing compares to watching a student realize that they have the ability to be creative and that they can paint. We are all on our own art journey, for me, teaching painting has been a highlight in my art career.

I love watching someone put that first stroke of paint down. After the pain of the process, to see that “a-ha” moment and watch someone find the joy in his or her own creativity is so rewarding. I have watched people paint through the pain in their lives. It takes us to a special place.

I was once teaching a class and afterwards, I was asked if I would be interested in teaching on a cruise. I didn’t even have to think about it and said, “Yes, of course.” That started many years of travel and painting. We have taken art trips to many destinations in the Caribbean, Ireland, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Hawaii, Maine and the East coast of the U.S.

I love to travel and have been so blessed to see so many wonderful places in the world. I must love islands because one of my favorites will always be the British Virgin Islands. Also Washington Island in Door County. For me, travel has opened my eyes to fascinating experiences and people throughout the world. Painting has opened my eyes to the beauty that surrounds us... but we don’t have to travel around the world to experience the wonders of life!

Find more of Barbara's work here.