SEELEY LAKE - "We're not in kindergarten, we don't have to stay in the lines."
With that statement, Condon artist Merrily Dunham kicked off the Painting for a Dream weekend held at Rich's Montana Guest Ranch.
Wine and laughter flowed freely at Friday night's workshop, rightly called Uncorked and Creative. The evening, hosted by Kris Gullikson and Belinda Rich, was focused around the art of watercolor.
"Watercolor is my favorite because it's such a challenge," said Dunham. "And I love teaching because I can pass along some of that knowledge."
Around two dozen women and one gentleman spent the evening listening to Dunham share her tips for watercolor and try their hands at painting landscapes. Dunham began by introducing the many tools she uses to produce her art. Specific paper for watercolor, a variety or brushes and dabs of colored paint in every color on the rainbow were made available to participants.
Dunham instructed the group on how to paint a simple landscape. She showed them how to sketch the mountains, and showed them how to paint each layer, starting with the sky.
Only a few colors of paint were used for the landscape.
"I never use black or white," said Dunham. "The paper is the white." She used blue for the sky, a darker shade of blue for the mountains and green for the lower hills.
Between each layer, the water had to dry, allowing more wine to be poured and conversations to flourish.
"I'm not an artist," said Kimberly See between sips of wine. This was an oft repeated sentiment throughout the night-the focus was on fun rather than producing individual masterpieces .
Alpine Artisans, Inc. put on the workshop. It was a fundraiser for their Youth Scholarships and Grants. This year they gave away $1,700 to help students pursue the arts. In addition to the Friday night event, a two-day workshop Saturday and Sunday featuring Julie Wulf, a silk painter from Lakeside. It is the fourth year the weekend event has been held.
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