I’ve just started my new hobby — Chinese watercolor painting.
I found a teacher at an “Old People University.” We would call it a senior citizens continuing education center, I think. (Chinese language is far more direct than English when it comes to describing people. There’s no problem with saying someone is fat or old. It’s just a fact.)
I observed this guy paint for about an hour.
Then the ladies who watched with me signed up for his class. I guess the idea is to evaluate his skills before signing up. He didn’t teach anything. He just painted in their presence giving a little commentary occasionally. I realized quickly that I was way over my head. I don’t even know how to hold the brush and this man was painting an entire composition! I asked around and found among the students a woman who teaches children on the weekends. She was willing to teach me on a weekday morning (8:30 AM!) in her home along with another lady. My teacher and my classmate are both around my mom’s age so I address them as “Auntie.” I tried “Big Sister” but they gave me shocked looks and started discussing ages. The teacher is super patient and speaks perfect Mandarin. (The man pictured only speaks local dialect, and I barely understood 40% of what he said.)
After my first class, I bought my supplies. It all cost under $10. (Don’t you love a cheap hobby?)
I practiced at home. I think I’m improving. Of course, when you first start, there’s no choice but to improve. Something is better than nothing.
Sprite had to try her hand at it as well, of course. I had to threaten the girl to get her out of my brushes and my paints. I’m not being mean. The child has an entire cabinet FULL of craft supplies including brushes and paints. But I’d really like to have my own things for this new hobby. You know, things that I can find and keep in good condition.
Anyone else starting a new hobby or learning a new skill?
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
This is beautiful! What a nice, new hobby.
The Tan Family´s last blog ..The Dell – Where We Learn
These are beautifu!!! We did Chinese ink painting and water colors in an art co-op last year–so much fun!!
I love it! I would love to watch that guy paint.
sarah in the woods´s last blog ..Vittles For Littles: Chocolate Teff Cake
Can you clarify the difference in use of “Big Sister” and “Auntie”. Am I right in thinking that you use “Big Sister” with someone who is a peer and “Auntie” with someone who is a bit older? What about with someone who is significantly older?
Sorry for such off topic questions…just curious!
kerry´s last blog ..Peter Piper’s Picks Sept 12th: Literary edition
I LOVE this! Yours and Sprite’s are both beautiful!
{ jamie }´s last blog ..On Safari!
Not trying anything new, but wanted to say I’m JEALOUS! That’s so cool.
Ticia´s last blog ..Giveaway and Review: SpellQuizzer
I think your drawings are beautiful.
-Phyllis
WOW!!! You both did a wonderful job!!
And, I found it really interesting that the Chinese have no problem saying someone is fat or old. I found it strange teaching my daughter that it wasn’t polite to say those words. Kids just naturally desribe things how they see them!
Dana´s last blog ..One Year After Ike
Jimmie,
Now I really wish I could be over there with you! Chinese watercolor painting is something I’ve wanted to learn for a while. Please post updates on your progress – I’ll be enjoying the lessons & art vicariously through you. I’d also love to buy those supplies for a mere $10! I doubt I could even find most of those items here. And someone who knows how to paint and is willing to show me – good luck! I hope you really enjoy your new hobby. Happy painting!
Karen H
Those are very beautiful! Enjoy your newfound hobby
DebD´s last blog ..Before Thy Cross
Jimmie,
LOVE IT!!! Have fun with your new hobby! I am seriously thinking about getting back into painting too. I was a pretty good artist as a kid, and spent the better part of my high school “career” in the art dept. Actually thought I might go to college for it, but never happened. LOL!
Continue to enjoy:)
Stephanie´s last blog ..Using the Blogosphere in Your Homeschool
Jimmie, your paintings are beautiful! Sprite’s is great too, I love her bird! Keep it up, and do post any new paintings you do
Oh my good gravy! Now I know where Sprite gets her artistic talent. Absolutely beautiful.
The new hobby I’ve started: attempting to remain sane and keep all the balls I’m juggling in the air
The new skill: not freaking out when I drop the balls.
Keeley´s last blog ..Exercise
What a beautiful art genre! You did a fab job!
Blessings
Diane
Diane´s last blog ..Artist and Composer Co-op
These are wonderful! And…..you just started? Get out of here. What a wonderful new hobby. I’m re-visiting an old one currently. My 5 yr old daughter and I tiled a “mosaic” (broken tile) counter top and flower pots. We’ll be grouting it tomor. and I’ll have pics up soon.
Brenda´s last blog ..Giant Science Resource Book
Wow! You are both doing such a beautiful job!
And, that cracks me up to hear how direct they are about people. Aren’t cultural differences a hoot?
Angie @ Many Little Blessings´s last blog ..Introducing Kids to Needlework Arts
Beautiful! I’d be waiting to see more works from you and Sprite.
Maria´s last blog ..Dreams and Visions of Jesus
what a fun and rewarding new hobby!
beautiful :O)
Deanna´s last blog ..Baby it’s Botany. Dissecting a hibiscus flower.
Those are absolutely lovely efforts.
Jenn
Jenn4him´s last blog ..Intoducing Spelling City
SO COOL!!
amanda´s last blog ..repeating conversations
How very fun! The paintings are lovely! Sprite’s artistic habilitations amaze me.
I’ve been requiring myself to invest in some new hobbies–kinda a mother culture attempt, and have been learning to play harp and playing with photography. I love the thought that something is better than nothing, and from the beginning one can only improve! Well said. I’m enjoying taking baby steps, and progressing a little at a time.
I hope you’ll continue to post your paintings! It is beautiful! I love the cultural insights and glimpses you give as well.
Interesting, our harp ensemble teacher keeps talking to us in Mandarin. He’s teaching a course in Mandarin at the college and comes from there to harp ensemble. Although not Chinese himself, he apparently has difficulty switching gears, especially as he has us playing primarily Asian pieces. Often he’ll rattle off quite a string of instructions or comments to a bewildered ensemble class before realizing that we. do. not. know. Mandarin.
While I’m rambling:
My eldest (who is Sprite’s age) tells me that president Hoover and his wife used to speak to one another in Mandarin to avoid nosy reporters.
What a great new hobby! Please keep sharing and encouraging others to try new things!
Dell´s last blog ..Utah, Deep Space, Paella and Strawberry Soap
Oh, you are so fortunate! I love Chinese watercolors. I learned a little Japanese watercolor as a child living in Japan. I’ve got a few framed from a Chinese artist who was selling her painting very inexpensively at an art show in my area.
Chuckles at the directness of the language. Do you have to watch this when you come stateside? I know I had to adjust…sometimes I think I still am! After a while you get so acculturated, you don’t even notice it.
Eeeeeeee!!! LOVE IT, Jimmie!
I have thought of buying an instruction book on Chinese painting but was fearful of the finished product not matching my expectations (which is usually the case with me and painting– maybe that’s why I like photography so much?).
Marsha´s last blog ..beware the librarian
It’s a pleasure to read your blog.
I am a Chinese/Taiwanese homeschooling mom in the US, and you are an American(Am I right?) homeschooling in China!
This post reminds me of my art class in middle school in Taiwan. I still remember the class assignment was Chinese watercolor paintings. They are a really special form of art. Looking at these paintings makes me feel like reading beautiful poems.
You are more than welcome to visit my blog. It’s a record of our homeschooling life, especially fieldtrips to nearby museums, beaches, and more. It was originally designed to update our status with friends overseas, so you’ll see posts in both English and traditional Chinese.
Do you mind if I post your blog as a link on mine?
@ Happy Juggler
You’re welcome to link to my blog. Yours seems blocked here in China (like so many sites). It seems your site is out of Taiwan? That could be why. Taiwan is a real hot issue, STILL.
Yes, I just realized that my blog is Yahoo-Taiwan. Maybe that’s why it’s blocked!
Thanks for your reply, though. I’ll still visit your blog on days with more free time.
Those are fabulous!!!
Stefanie´s last blog ..Tot School