Memories from Mill Creek, part 1

Over forty-five years ago, I joined a water class that a new friend, Joanne Scott, offered at her studio on Mill Creek, outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

For several years, until she moved her classes to Maryland Hall, Joanne welcomed a small group of newbies and accomplished watercolorists who met in an old cottage she used exclusively for her own work and her classes.I think the first class was in early spring — I met Nina Martin in that class — more about her later in another post. I remember it being chilly, but Joanne’s patient, encouraging method warmed us all up.

Joanne’s office at Mill Creek

Her office was off to one side and I loved seeing the door ajar and seeing so many geraniums — a happy memory that inspires me today!

If painting is just another way of keeping a journal (according to Pablo Picasso) I wonder what memories these these old watercolors will tell? I guess as I work my way through the bin of water color sketches and paintings we will see. . . if you like.

One of the first assignments Joanne made was learning to mix colors. Here’s an early chart—over a painting I think I may frame.

from a bin in the basement

Here are two more memories:

class exercise

Testimony of a very happy time

By the time I painted these, I had painting for a few years; the tulip was a simple classroom exercise, and the vase was one Doug gave me filled with roses for either my birthday or my second Mother’s Day.

I miss that vase — I painted it while at our home, and while our son was napping. Or watching his morning shows: Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. I wish I had dated these!

Here’s another nap-time painting — from a snowy day in January or February 1978. The Chesapeake Bay had frozen over the previous year. You really have to work fast with watercolors:

the steps up through the garden to the swimming pool.

Watercolor is like life. Better get it right the first time – you don’t get a second chance! (Sergei Bongart)

Thank you for reading — I loved sharing “proof” of oh so many happy days!

PS: You might like A Seed or Two