Watercolour Weekend

We spent this weekend learning the rudiments of watercolour painting from Gavin Smith, the artist whose studio (and B & B) is across the road from where we are staying. You can see Gavin's excellent work at www.gavinsmith.co.nz

Judy and Gavin are lovely people, so friendly and warm, with great senses of humour. They had fascinating stories to tell of their several years working as domestics for the British aristocracy--real upstairs/downstairs tales! As well as Gavin's wonderful painting instruction, we enjoyed Judy's gourmet lunches each day, and yummy cookies with our morning and afternoon tea.


I'm not sure that I'll ever be a master watercolourist--the techniques are maybe less suited to my personality than the acrylics and oils I am more accustomed to, but Frank got a real kick-start on what I think will be a new passion for him. Here are our final paintings--Gavin's on the left (not painted this weekend!), then mine, then Frank's.



Gavin taught through a combination of demonstration, practice, and individual tutoring--very effective.


Rosie the longhaired Jack Russell terrier kept us company in the studio, begging to share our cookies at every break!


It rained most of the weekend (appropriate for a water-colour experience!) but we scarcely noticed, we were having so much fun and learning so much. Thanks Gavin and Judy!