My Watercolor Story

"Birch Glow" by Charles Cherry

I am a mostly self-taught watercolor artist with a deep love for capturing the beauty of the world around me. I now call Spanaway, Washington home, but my roots go back to the Midwest—where cornfields, barns, and the quiet rhythms of rural life left a lasting impression. That influence is woven throughout much of my work.

I didn't follow a traditional art school path, but I've learned from a wide variety of sources—art books, DVDs, YouTube tutorials, and a handful of multi-day workshops. My journey into watercolor didn't begin until my mid-50s. I had dabbled in acrylics back in high school and college, but I didn't return to painting until 2013, when my wife MaryAnn encouraged me to paint something for her. That nudge reignited a long-dormant spark.

Watercolor became my medium of choice, largely inspired by the late Zoltan Szabo. I first came across one of his books in a high school library, and I never forgot the feeling of wanting to create something that beautiful.

From the very beginning, I made a commitment: if my paintings ever sold, I would give all the proceeds to support the work of Myanmar Hope Christian Mission (MyHope). At the time, I had a steady job and wasn't painting for income—but I knew that any funds raised could make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in northwest Myanmar, where extreme poverty is the norm.

Since then, I've sold many paintings, with every dollar going to MyHope to support the incredible efforts of Palal and Kikim Khongsai and their dedicated team of volunteers. Their mission—feeding the hungry, caring for widows and orphans, and providing education for children—is one I'm honored to support through my art.

My hope is that my work not only brings beauty and joy to those who see it, but also encourages others to pick up a brush and create something meaningful. And if one of my paintings, cards, or prints helps fund a school lunch or a child's education in rural Myanmar—that's the kind of art that truly matters.

As for the Watercolor Academy course, I have not yet taken it, but from the looks of the various topics and video demonstrations, it appears to be quite thorough, and will be good for both beginners and more accomplished watercolorists.

I would love to win this course and gain lifetime access to it so that I can return to it time and again for inspiration and to refresh my skills. Please vote for me in this contest so that I can have a chance to win the course, and will gain more awareness and publicity for Myanmar Hope Christian Mission! Thank you in advance for your vote.

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