Ottawa Citizen article
If you've always admired watercolour, but never picked up a paintbrush, then Ottawa artist Jennifer Nicol is about to make a change in your life.
This dynamic 38-year-old has spent the past two years introducing the magical world of watercolours to children and adults through workshops in homes and schools across the city.
Her latest endeavour, titled Wine, Cheese and Watercolour, is garnering rave reviews for those of us who have always been a bit intimidated when it comes to art. All you need is a free afternoon or evening and 12 of your closest friends.
Jennifer takes participants through a step-by-step process and, depending on the difficulty of the composition, guarantees that after a two- to three-hour workshop, you'll have a unique piece of art ready to put on any wall in your home.
All watercolour paper, paint and brushes are supplied. Children's artwork is adhered to a canvas as an instant, economical frame.
As the mother of two young children, the talented artist feels lucky to combine her love of art and the joy of working with children.
"Watercolour is a magical medium to work with as the colours mix right on the paper. You can't duplicate a watercolour, each painting is unique, which is great for children, as their creation unfolds before their eyes."
Her children's workshops feature an array of different themes. They range from Halloween pumpkins and ghosts to holiday flowers and festive snowmen at Christmas, gentle falling leaves in autumn, tranquil summer sunsets and winter scenes. She also encourages the use of funky beads, ribbons, buttons, pom-poms and glitter to jazz up the art and frame.
"I've been invited to schools prior to Mother's or Father's Day so the children can give their parent a painting. It's wonderful to see how much pride they take in their work."
She begins her classes by talking about the use of materials, how paint and water interact and demonstrates how to load a brush with paint and how to hold a brush.
Once everyone has decided what they want to create, she walks the group through their composition. For kindergarten classes, she will often sketch out a composition for each child in advance to minimize confusion and to keep everyone focused. She also brings a finished painting so the children can visualize what they are about to do.
The fun begins when the paintbrushes come out and she illustrates how paint is dropped onto a canvas. She also explains the different methods of allowing paint to dry between steps.
"I walk around during the workshops to assist anyone who needs help or to repeat demonstrations while you paint. I want everyone to feel relaxed, to have fun and to be proud of what they've accomplished."
Jennifer traces her passion for watercolour to her childhood, when she spent hours colouring, drawing and painting.
She began taking art classes at the Ottawa School of Art in the 1980s while working full time for Nicol Construction, her family's business. She worked in the real-estate section of R.J. Nicol Homes and would often decorate model homes by choosing paint colours, fabrics and furniture.
Two years ago, Jennifer started her own business after her daughter's Grade 2 teacher at Elmdale Public School in West Wellington invited her to teach a watercolour class.
"I remember I did a basic flower, but we used vibrant colours and the kids were thrilled. The teacher, Donna Lynch, knew I was a bit shy and nervous, but she was very encouraging and wanted me to succeed."
Jennifer has brought watercolour painting to classrooms across the region and is kept hopping by hosting workshops at children's birthday parties.
To book a workshop or a child's party, call Jennifer at 722-7579.