The Watercolour Hobbyist
I ticked off something in my bucket list recently, and that’s learning how to paint.
But I’m doing more than that for some time now. I’ve also been teaching kids who love to paint with watercolour for two years now, and witness them translate their hearts into their pictures.
Facebook says I learned to paint in 2016. That was when a friend of mine, Alelie, sat me down to teach me to paint a simple pot of daffodils. I was thrilled about my output and have been signing up for workshops as much as I could since then.
But my love for the arts started way more than that.
Beyond 2016
As a child, I used to draw pictures a lot. My father had this sheets of paper clumped together which he used as scratch papers. I remember always sitting on his chair when he was out and drawing scenes and characters on those sheets.
I had two favourite subjects, then. One was a sibling of 4 kids, where the two older ones took care of the two younger ones on their walk to school. The other was a 4-piece girl band I named “Banda dito, Banda doon” who played in barrio fiesta settings.
I seldom received any encouragement for my drawings. No one took a second look…well, except for when I was in grade school and I had this classmate, Wilma, who loved to draw female faces in comics style. She would look at my drawings and give me an approving nod.
Although my drawings were not acknowledged, they were handy for projects and homework that required the skill. I guess I was just raised in an environment where arts were not exactly celebrated and appreciated, nor was it considered a lucrative career, just as the performing arts was not considered promising.
Joining the weekend drawing class was not in the books, and when my classmates showed me their art works the following week, I immediately felt inferior seeing that they learned shades and shadows, and how light comes into play in the pictures. I did try some of the techniques they told me about for myself, on the floor of my room; but I had no one to tell me if I was doing it right, or explain to me how to do them. Later on, I resigned to simply admiring other people’s works and staring at paintings in galleries, and at the museums.
But I have always wanted to learn how to do it, and after years of staying away in insecurity, I stepped out of my so-called comfort zone to try to learn it.
A Student of the Arts
At the moment, I am a student, taking online classes to have more in-depth understanding of Modern Art (which is a personal preference) and the artists – oh, how amazing it is to find out the history behind Piet Mondrian’s New York Boogie Woogie, or the story behind Monet’s Water lilies, or catch of glimpse of Vincent Van Gogh’s mind when he painted “Starry, Starry Night” –and learn other forms of visual arts!
I’ve also signed up for Online Watercolour painting classes, to learn more, not just in technique, but to develop my own, personal and unique style.
My humble dream is to have a series of original paintings that I can hang on the walls of my dream house and they’d be interesting conversation starters for our friends and people whom we will open our doors for.
A former classmate, a legit artist, Frederick Agustin, has challenged me to dream bigger – we’ll see.
I teach
I also teach basic watercolour painting to kids and have opened a 2-day workshop for moms who are looking at learning watercolour painting as a form of rest and leisure.
My IG handle, @thewatercolourhobbyist is where I post some of my watercolour works – both those I’ve based on other artists’ works and those of my own. I’ve been working on ballet pictures recently. The one I’m currently working on is based on a photo of my son’s co-actor in Matilda.
I also shoot some Watercolour tutorials for kids and upload them on YouTube. I’ll be announcing a giveaway soon, in relation to this, so stay tuned!
A friend of mine asked me if I envision myself teaching long term, and it’s hard to answer that right now. The Pandemic has brought our lives into a standstill, which is probably how it is possible for me to host online workshops. If anything, I see myself painting with my own kids for a very long time.
All I know is that I love painting – and how watercolour has its own life – and how I sometimes have to follow its lead. I love that we can recreate a moment in strokes and colours. And I love sharing all that I have learned to others.
I love how different pictures look even though they’re based on the same template. I love how one’s personality, preferences and personal choices come out in the paintings.
I especially enjoy the company of the kids. I love seeing them get excited as their pictures start taking shape. I love hearing their young thoughts and fresh ideas, and when they overflow with them — and I love it more when they gun for it!
Here’s a disclaimer – my workshops are very basic and are for those who just want to learn watercolour painting for personal enjoyment. If you’re after a Rembrandt or Monet type of painting career, perhaps my workshops are not for you. And I say that as lovingly and respectfully as I can.
I teach for hobby. To promote a form of relaxation and explore and discover one’s own creativity. Nothing more – but nothing less.
Would you like to hold a watercolour workshop with me? I accept bookings for group watercolour workshops for kids or adults with a maximum of 10 participants on Zoom. You can email me at [email protected] or message me on Facebook.
I hope to paint with you soon!
Update: The Watercolor Hobbyist has been renamed “MangkukulayPH.”
25 Comments
sacha
Wow you are such a great artist! I would love to try water coloring/painting. I think it’s great that you have a workshop too!
Jennie
Your paintings are so pretty, and I love what you’re doing with the kids. I think it’s a great idea.
Misskhae
Wow! This is really beautiful and it’s so nice of you to teach kids translate their hearts and emotions into an art. I’ve been wanted to learn watercolour art but I feel like it doesn’t like me 😀 LOL! I did try prior to the quarantine, but eventually I have given up and continue doing what I most love which is writing. But reading this, I thought I’d like to give it again a try.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
When there are not enough words to express the depths of your emotions, pictures may help
WanderWoMom
momma!! galing mo! buhay na buhay yung mga paintings mo! frame it please! im glad you are taking this time to hone your skills, and simply just enjoy it!
paolo
Wow your paintings look so good! I have no artistic skill, can i enroll too? lol
May De Jesus-Palacpac
haha, if you have a son, daughter, niece or nephew who will register, you are welcome to join the sessions. ?
Mary Rae Caja Floresca
You are truly inspiring! You’ve made a platform out of passion. Like you, I felt inferior to others as they do lights and shadow sooooo good and that’s something I learned the hardest way. Now, I am struggling with perspective. Do you have tutorials for that too for kids? I will join! hehe
theaoctavo
I’ve always wanted to paint because I believe its a good therapeutic activity especially while we are experiencing the pandemic. FYI, your paintings are beautiful and your story is very inspiring. I hope you continue what you do!
May De Jesus-Palacpac
thank you
Hazel
Wow that’s nice that you offer painting workshops! Nakaka inspire! Good luck and keep it up. Hopefully you can soon have your paintings in your dream home! 🙂
Michelle N Hetterscheidt
Wow! You have a talent, thats for sure! Your pictures are beautiful. I love seeing your artwork. Thank you for sharing!
Franze Garcia
Thank you for using your talent to teach young kids pour their hearts on arts and let their talent let out. And during these times, it’s a great hobby and time allotment for kids to have something to do. Great platform!
christianforemost.com
I loved reading about your story and how your passion for watercolor began. I relate to the doubts you had in the past of comparing yourself to others and not thinking your passion is not enough to pursue as a livelihood. But look at you know, you’re still painting, taking classes and even teaching others. It’s truly inspiring and i hope you continue doing with you love and sharing it to the world ??
May De Jesus-Palacpac
thank you, Christian!
Wendy
I love your story. I can sense how much you love watercolor painting. By the way, I messaged you on your fb page for September online class for my son.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Hi Wendy! I have replied to your message with the link to the form. 🙂
Sherile Guinto
I want to enroll my daughter she will enjoy it for sure. Last year during our HR Monthly activities, we had a painting session for our employees. And I also joined and it feels good painting eventhough I am not a pro in terms of painting. We had fun and it really a great stress reliever.
Dems
I’m happy you found your way back to arts. As I mentioned on your FB page, I barely know how to use watercolor (mostly because I do not practice it) but it’s the medium that I’m most attracted to. Love your Ballerina artworks and the smiles of your participants ?
Polly
These are beautiful! I specially like the landscapes (with the barn & boat)! I do art sometimes but watercolor takes a bit of precision (and a ton of patience lmao) so it’s a hit or miss for me. I admire your dedication for putting together an art class and making time to teach children. Rather than have them tinker with their gadgets I’d prefer they develop skills such as painting.
Do you accept kids at heart in your classes? ehem
blair villanueva
I guess if I am good at sewing, then water coloring is my flaw 🙂 Your creations are so good, and glad you are helping others to learn as well. This is a good venture for you.
Ark
That is the beauty of having friends, not just friends but real friends of whom we learn new things and sometimes reveal the potentials that we do not see things in ourselves.
“I seldom received any encouragement for my drawings.” Many beginners feel this too.
But you have come so far already! Goodluck to your future workshops!
MJ | Call Her Maria
You have amazing watercolor skills! I love all your paintings.
Thank you for being a good example that with practice and patience, you can learn even the hardest of skills. Good luck on your workshops. Thank you as well for sharing your skills to everyone especially the kids.
catha uy
i am a watercolor artist too. and i personally teach my daughter the technique. i love your artworks. they are beautiful.
Pinaynursemeetsworld
Very impressive, so creative artisti! How I wish God blessed me with talent in drawing or Art. I would love to draw and paint decors to sell and donate sa schools and govt buildings, only if i have a talent..