Night Light in Lefkes
Jean Ellis Newman

My sweet friend Brenda Longstreet flew in from Pennsylvania in February to join me at a weeklong Stephen Quiller workshop in Dallas. An avid collector of original watercolor paintings, Brenda has a keen eye and a true passion for the medium she is now studying in earnest. This was her first workshop and I really wanted it to be an inspiring adventure. We were both a bit nervous that first day of class. She was worried that her questions and inexperience might distract me. I was concerned that she would not ask for explanation or instruction if she needed it. Needless worry! Half a day into the workshop, we were fully engaged in learning all we could from the masterful colorist from Colorado. I had a fabulous week with my painting buddy and hope we enjoy another painting adventure soon.

Even though I have attended dozens of art workshops, I learned a great deal from this calm, articulate instructor. In particular, Quiller's demonstration of positive and negative painting on Aquabord inspired me to experiment with the clay-coated support. Nothing beats new materials to jolt my creative juices!