Watercolor Academy review by Susan Jacobson

Story and artworks from Susan Jacobson, Watercolor Academy student

I enrolled last September and have been watching the Watercolor Academy videos.

I started watercolor painting in 2000. I had a few classes here and there and enrolled in the summer Art Camp that was being held every summer at International Music Camp on the border of North Dakota and Canada. I have attended every year until Covid closed the camp for two summers. I have had teachers from Canada and all over the United States and have learned a lot about watercolor techniques. I enrolled in Watercolor Academy so that I could continue learning throughout the year. I am a music teacher (violin, viola and cello) and I direct the South of the River Youth Orchestra program in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota area. My painting time is limited with my work schedule, but I find painting to be very therapeutic.

I had learned about color harmony at Art Camp but did not realize the importance of not using tube green as opposed to mixing my own.

I recently painted a picture of a hummingbird flying next to pink Hibiscus. In the first picture I used tube green. In the second picture I toned down the pink Hibiscus and mixed my green by using Aureolin Yellow and Phthalo Sapphire. I am much happier with my second attempt. I have found that making mistakes is sometimes the best way to learn. I analyze my paintings and will frequently repaint a subject just to "get it right"!

I really appreciate being able to learn and improve my painting skills.

Susan Jacobson
Rosemount, Minnesota

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