Jo Fortier

Watercolor Painting is a silver lining that appeared while care-taking my 90-year old mother. She had dementia and she was in a constant state of agitation, confusion, and aggression. I had just started watercolor painting and I found, when I painted, she would sit and watch; she would become quiet and watchful. Painting allowed us to shove away the sadness, grief, and hostility for a little while each day. My watercolor practice became a vehicle for us to connect in a wonderful, non-verbal way. Consequently, I painted a lot!!!

The practice of watercolor painting continues to be a place of great joy and peace. It helps me see the world in more detail and be present in my life. I paint what I love: canyons, mountains, nature, sage swept plains, wild places, horses, my dog, my husband, skiing, and movement, to name a few. I try to paint the feeling I have when that moment hits and I say to myself "I want to paint this". I paint awe, love, connectedness, amazement, happiness, peace, unbridled joy, and, sometimes, sorrowful feelings too. I paint because it is a gift from my mother; it is my way of thanking her for the beautiful life she has given me.

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