The Watercolor Garden Student Spotlight | Margaret Graham
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Holly & Berries by Margaret Graham from the class How to Paint Holly |
Hello, friends! I'm so excited to share something a little different with you today—a student spotlight! In this post, we’re shining the light on Margaret Graham, a dedicated and motivated member of The Watercolor Garden. Margaret’s commitment to practicing new skills and learning has been such an inspiration to me and the rest of our community. Her journey as a watercolour artist, the projects she’s worked on, and the insights she shares are sure to encourage and motivate anyone on their own creative path. Let’s dive in and get to know Margaret a little better!
My name is Margaret Graham. I have lived in Nanaimo for over 40 years.
I am happily retired from teaching, owning a retail business and owning and managing rental properties. My activities include cycling, hiking, swimming, foraging for berries and mushrooms, fibre arts and now drawing and painting.
How did you first get into watercolour painting, and what inspired you to pursue botanical art?
I took a beginner watercolour course about 2 years ago with some friends and was HOOKED. My time spent outdoors led me to now focus on botanical art. What was your level of experience with watercolour and botanical art when you joined the Watercolor Garden?
Although I have some experience now, I still consider myself a beginner. The Watercolor Garden is a good fit for me because of the step-by-step organization. I have often tried to draw and paint something, only to be completely frustrated because I didn’t have the foundational skills yet. I have joined The Watercolor Garden quite recently but feel very encouraged by the results so far. I feel my colour mixing and tonal variation have improved. The 3-step method is just brilliant!
My current goals include keeping up with my perpetual diary (inspired by Lara Call Gastinger), painting watercolour cards for friends and family and working through the courses in The Watercolor Garden.
My current goals include keeping up with my perpetual diary (inspired by Lara Call Gastinger), painting watercolour cards for friends and family and working through the courses in The Watercolor Garden.
Which classes or projects in the Watercolor Garden have been the most helpful or inspiring for you, and why?
So far, I have completed Botanical Color 101 and am almost finished with Watercolor Botanicals for Beginners. Each lesson is so clear, well-organized and approachable. I like my results!
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Loose Salmonberries by Margaret Graham from the class Watercolor Botanicals for Beginners |
What’s one lesson, technique, or approach that’s made a big difference in your painting?
I would have to say that the 3-step painting method has helped me the most. I now know that when I do step 3, the painting will look realistic and 3 dimensional. With the Watercolor Garden courses, I have a clear learning path forward. I now draw and paint almost every day because I am seeing progress and can’t wait to do the next lesson.
What’s been your biggest challenge in learning botanical watercolour, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been being in a hurry to produce quality work, getting frustrated and wanting to quit. I overcame this by sticking with simpler projects and just enjoying the process.
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Garry Oak Line and Wash Study by Margaret Graham from the class How to Create a Country Diary |
Watercolour painting has been a huge gift for me. I notice so much more beauty around me, have learned so much about plants and flowers and truly enjoy the moments I spend painting. There isn’t one painting that stands out, but when I look at my work from a year ago, I am thrilled with my progress. Being part of the Watercolor Garden community is just a wonderful gift. To be part of a tribe that loves botanical art is very special.
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Watercolour landscape by Margaret Graham |
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Watercolor Garden?
I would happily tell them how encouraging my progress has been.
Do you have any advice for fellow students or beginners in botanical watercolour?
Just keep going!- Margaret Graham
Thank you for sharing Margaret! I look forward to seeing more of your work and questions posted in The Watercolor Garden community.
Interested in FREE botanical painting tips?
Download my FREE 5-Step Botanical Painting Guide here.
Happy painting,Laura
Laura Watson
Botanical Artist & Instructor
Founder of The Watercolour Garden
www.thewatercolourgarden.com
Thank you for publishing such a flattering blogpost. I am looking forward to painting the monthly native plant lessons.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the motivation on my new plant series, I am looking forward to it! These are all going to be plants you can find locally in the Harewood Plains!
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