  I've been on a fresh herb kick! When a dear friend wanted to co-host a watercolor workshop for her bible study, I gave them some options of what we might create. Truth be told, I've always wanted to paint a series of herbs for some fun kitchen art. While I did provide some other subject options, I hoped the ladies would love this herb idea as much as I did... I was in luck! After I wrangled in my artistic teaching side-kick, Holli Luther, we discussed the most effective way to bring these paintings to life through an evening of relaxed fellowship and fun. Complete with fresh herbs to study and smell. While the ladies arrived they enjoyed cheeses, fruit, crackers, good conversation and wine. I always enjoy this part of getting to know other sisters. After about 30 minutes, we got down to business starting with the rosemary, then thyme, then working our way up to the more challenging herb, parsley.  To be honest, I get a little nervous when we get started as everyone talks about their lack of painting skills, but after first practicing a few brush strokes, it always comes together beautifully in the end!   Our hostess was so relaxed and gracious. Even though being the mother of a little baby, she was able to take a break from being a mamma, paint and enjoy the evening.   As usual, I ended up loving the freshness, diversity and variety of other people's artwork!   Everyone took 3 - 8X10 herb paintings home to give or to frame. God is good all the time!
Let me know if you'd like to host a watercolor workshop.  I can honestly say that this was the most flexible, fun spontaneous and late group of ladies I've ever had the pleasure to paint with.When a group of friends asked me to lead the 6 of them in a "watercolor and wine" project night, I had no idea the box of laughter and hilarity I would be opening up. I can honestly say this was the most flexible, spontaneous and late group of ladies I've had the pleasure to paint with. I should have known by the fact that the hostess (one of my favorite friends) is Spanish and often goes out to dinner at 8:30pm. Not only were ALL of the ladies late, but there were so many interesting conversations to be had! As my evening's "schedule" began to fly out the window, I found myself a little panicky at all there was to get done with our project.  I admit that sometimes it is easy for me to lose site of the fact that these evenings are about camaraderie and fellowship, NOT a finished product. Happily, as I looked down at my own family tree I was reminded of my Italian "Caryn Lomonaco" roots. My own family was actually never on time -- ever. Everything took longer then it was supposed to. It took years of my husband retraining me before I even saw this as a problem. My kids would argue that I still don't see it as one. If they only knew how far I've come in this regard. I laughed as I thought about this heritage that my children will not inherit. Thankfully I was able to relax and just lean into the natural rhythm of the night.  Thankfully I was able to relax and just lean into the |
Caryn DahmWhether I am painting custom artwork, creating a water colored logo for a client, or teaching art students, I hope to refresh and inspire others with my work. Read more ... 
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