The 2019 Intensives That Were!

Here in Costa Rica we are moving out of Summer or the Dry Season and into the Winter or Green Season. The rains are on their way. It's a great time to look back at the Watercolor Intensive highlights of 2019. What an inspiring season it was!

I'm remembering that the morning after 2019 rang in, I walked out my nearly always open front door to sit in my rocking chair and watch the tropical morning unfold. My view was like a softly glowing watercolor wash of colors - blues to soft oranges.


I thought about the two Watercolor Intensives scheduled for January and February with a possibility in March. Would I be ready?

My morning view

I looked around to see that my surroundings were certainly looking good. The yard was finished and blooming. It had been just over a year since the Tropical Storm Nate destruction. (See Writings about Nate)  With the help of Billy and my neighbors, the gavione retaining wall of 400+ tons of stacked rocks in wire cages was in place and would surely prevent any landslide re-occurrence. Landscaping followed and many flowering plants were already showing their promise in colors and perfume. It wouldn’t be long until the top of the gavione wall would be obscured by flowering vines of orange flames and blue trumpets.

Looking up to the studio from below

And oh the Reina de la Noche (Queen of the Night) flowering bushes that cascaded like floral waterfalls over the gavione wall.  

My larger concern was personal–the state of my energy and endurance. Two serious medical emergencies had sidelined me in 2018 from May through November: the biopsy diagnosis of a lung disease and the surgical repair of my ruptured Achilles tendon. I had only been walking again since November. Just 2 months. I silently wondered if I would have the needed stamina for the Intensives.  As a precaution, I accepted reservations only from those I knew or who were recommended by a trusted source. I also arranged for more help from Anita as well as my friend, Brenda who would participate in both sessions. (Reference articles about Jan's Recovery)

Brenda and Pepper at breakfast

January’s Intensive #1 began with the arrival of Pepper and Brenda (who was also a sometimes neighbor in the village and had volunteered to help me).  This session was to be especially focused on beginning watercolor techniques, paints and color. And what a time we had! Brenda and Pepper were eager, enthusiastic and very productive!  Take a look!

Our first critique - and WOW!  Off to a great start!

February’s Intensive #2 was also filled with enthusiasm, hard work and a lot of laughter. Two dear friends from years ago came separately and were joined again by Brenda who was now ready for some more advanced work. I met Dee in 2005 when I offered my first workshop in Costa Rica. And Que had been coming at least once a year since I met her in 2009. 

   

(left), Que and Anita who have become close over the years; (right) Brenda watching as Dee works on her painting

Then we made a group decision to dive into painting the Reina de La Noches trumpet vines - in the day light and as if it was moonlight.  

  

To my delight and relief I found that I was able to immerse myself into teaching and painting. Again I found the elation in the unexpected surprises of this often unpredictable medium.  My trusted experience returned to prove that there is always a way forward in watercolor whether it is another glaze, some additions to a path of light or dark, a new emphasis or some emotional distance before serious critique. Often it is all of them!

We spent one day painting and eating fresh tuna at the beach
and an afternoon enjoying the food and bountiful
painting subject matter at Papas de Paramo restaurant.

Now I’m eager for the 2020 Intensives and the schedule is on my website. I’m still preferring to hear from people I already know OR who are referred by someone I know and trust. After all, I'm still in healing mode though I'm gaining strength daily.

Take a look!  I prefer 3 students each session – for better sharing and learning!  Send me an email if you'd like to sign up!  Inside an Intensive with Jan at Casa de Corazon.

Anita made sure our toenails were also works of art!