So, it may sound cliché, but one of my retirement plans was learning how to paint. I’ve always envied people who creatively express themselves through art (and are good at it). Now with the gift of time, I was ready to discover my own inner artist (fully owning a natural lack of talent). Watercolors were of particular interest because of their transparency and simplicity of use.

Initially, I wasn’t interested in taking a class. I worried that lectures and assignments might hinder the simple joy of exploration.  For me, it was more important to have fun, learn something new, and eliminate concerns about failures and finished products. I kept thinking back to my early days as a preschool teacher and how much I enjoyed observing the children engaged in the artistic process. As they experimented with various mediums, each approached the project in their own unique way. They were free to design and create with limited intervention. This is the gift I wanted for myself.

So, I purchased a palate of paints, a few brushes, and started to explore. At first, I just painted shapes to get a feel for the colors and what happens when mixed and layered. I then experimented with water and brush strokes. And while this may not sound exciting, it was surprisingly satisfying. There’s this quote by Robert Louis Stevenson, “A little amateur painting in watercolor shows the innocent and quiet mind.” This made perfect sense.

Painting does quiet the mind. Time is easily lost when fully immersed in creativity.  And a quiet mind isn’t the only benefit. According to the National Institute on Aging, painting can improve mental health, increase self-esteem, and enhance fine motor skills. Both sides of the brain are engaged simultaneously which also strengthens cognitive functions. Who knew that something so relaxing could support healthy aging?

As the learning process evolved, I looked for guidance in books and social media. A little knowledge about supplies, color theory, and technique provided some much-needed confidence. And before long, I was painting flowers, lots of flowers. Nature is a constant source of inspiration with endless colors and compositions. Throughout the years, I have taken hundreds of photographs of flowers, knowing that one day, I would attempt to paint them.  

And, eventually, it was time to enroll in a class. I realized that instructional support was needed to build a solid foundation of technical skills. And yes, this means being open to structured assignments and constructive criticism. The local university offers an extension program for community members which fits my needs perfectly. I also connected with the local watercolor society to learn from local artists and keep informed about community events.

I wish I could say my paintings resembled a Georgia O’Keeffe or a Vincent van Gogh piece (both worked with watercolors at one point ).  But nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, my art still has a child-like quality and that’s perfectly okay. It’s all part of the journey. There are no expectations of greatness, just a wonderful appreciation for a creative outlet that provides new learning, a quiet mind, and positive aging benefits. Most of all, I have tapped into my inner artist (we all have one) and found an activity I greatly enjoy.