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experimenting with multimedia collage,” she
added. “Astoria is such an awesome, sup-
portive community of local makers and art-
ists, that I feel I’ve really been able to spread
my wings. I don’t think I could have reached
the measure of success I’ve had in any other
place.”
Teaching was always on her radar, but
she never pursued it. “Then, last year, out
of the blue, the director of the Maritime
Museum stopped by my Sunday Market
booth and asked if I’d be interested in creat-
ing a watercolor class at the Barbey Center.
“Of course, I said, yes. Then I thought,
‘What have I gotten myself into?’ I had
never taught a class. I was at first nervous
facing students for the first time. And if
that weren’t enough, the director himself
showed up for the class. How intimidating
was that? It all went fine, though. Everyone
was so responsive and I found it so reward-
ing. I’m happy to be back teaching again
this year.”
Aarts will be offering spring and fall
“Illustrating the Northwest” watercolor ses-
sions in both beginning and intermediate
courses, each of which includes four, three-
hour classes. Classes for beginners
start on March 1 and Oct. 1 and
the four intermediate water-
color classes begin April 5
and Oct. 1. Each class will
accommodate up to 15
students.
“With that first
class of students, last
October, I learned a
lot of what can and
what can’t be done
in a large class
with a wide range
of abilities,”
Aarts said. “It
made me realize
that it would be
better to split the
class into begin-
ning and inter-
mediate groups.
All the better to
focus on individ-
ual capabilities.”
Classes will begin with an
assessment of participant’s skill
levels and continue with the fun-
damentals of painting and
watercolor.
Aarts will pro-
vide natural ele-
ments, like rocks
or driftwood,
for still life draw-
ing, and she says all
classes will begin with “warm
up” exercises, such as quick
sketches, to loosen up hands.
As begin-
ning
classes
move for-
ward, dis-
covering how
to apply color
and repre-
sent shadows
and textures,
students will
be encouraged to bring in their
own items to draw. Some may be working
toward a final watercolor drawing they want
to accomplish by the end of
‘Pacific
Sardines,’
by Lindsey
Aarts.
the course. Intermediate classes will refine
skills already learned on one’s own, or from
the beginner’s class, and delve deeper into
technique.
“Whatever level anyone is comfortable
with — whether inexperienced, or even
new to art of any kind, or having many
years of painting experience — we’re going
to have fun,” Aarts said. “I want everyone
to feel comfortable. I’m looking forward to
helping others discover and express through
watercolor the natural beauty of the Pacific
Northwest. It’s so inspiring.”
Lindsey
Aarts’
‘Great
Blue
Heron.’
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 // 7