My recent breakthrough has been painting on an easel — no easy feat with watercolors. It began last month when I was asked to do a demo in Des Moines. Having planned and penciled in a floral (a favorite subject) I decided it was a successful endeavor. The public was very receptive to watching, especially from the booth across the way — they watched from the first brush stroke to the end.

I’ve been thinking a long time about my series of Chairs watercolors — if I wanted to continue or begin another still life subject. Since my early days beginning watercolor, the advice was to paint in a series; then you would see your abilities progress over a period of time. I wanted instant results, and of course realized this would take a lifetime.

Looking back, I can see the changes. I feel my work moving in a new direction now, and have discovered a new subject matter: glassware! I have always admired Janet Fish’s still lifes . I began by setting up a series of goblets and pears in the sunlight in our sunroom, catching the interesting shadow shapes and reflections. And I began these paintings upright on the easel — it is a better perspective than working flat. So far, so good.