This weekend I co-taught a class for adults. "Paint It. Write It. Book It: A Travel-Book Adventure" gathered an amazing group of people who learned how to create their own travel journals using words and pictures.
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| "Frog n' Boots" by Margaret Nevinski |
I loved teaching this class! The only problem: I'm terrified of painting. I'm comfortable with words, but when it comes to art, I'm the person in the back row hoping no one notices me.
Luckily, my wonderful co-teachers, Dorothy Matthews and Susan Callan, convinced me and the students that we can paint! All we have to do is try.
And try we did. Despite the rain falling on Bainbridge Island, we trooped out for a field trip to paint, sketch, observe, and write.
I found this large ceramic frog named "Frog n' Boots" and decided to paint it. Then I added a story in pencil:
I am Frog n' Boots of Winslow Mall. Here is my crown. Where is my prince? I wait and the prince does not arrive. Am I ugly? Am I beautiful?
Rivet! I croak with my lovely voice. A child laughs. Am I funny?
My crown is made of jewels. My cloak is made of fine wool. My boots are made of soft leather. Am I fine? Am I rich? Am I beautiful? I wait and the prince does not arrive....
I wrote this as a story that can be read in a continuous loop. Will Frog n' Boots find her prince?
The best part is, I had a great time painting! I discovered that art--my very own art--can embellish, deepen, lighten, or inspire my writing, whether it's a travel journal or a story. I'm not ready for the Louvre yet, but I'm eager to keep going.
How about you? Try adding a picture to your words. For those who draw and paint already, great. For those who have the same fears I did, take the plunge.
It's fun. And you may find your own prince...hidden in yourself.
