ROYERSFORD PA – Famed artist Pablo Picasso, who completed his first oil painting at age 9, learned his craft by copying master painters’ techniques. About 30 people in Royersford, a few young like Picasso once was, did the same thing with watercolors Saturday (July 1) morning.
They probably had more fun, though.
The group gathered in Victory Park on 2nd Avenue, laughing and talking at tables beneath its large pavilion. There they patiently followed instructor Jennifer Bulson (at right) and several volunteers, who guided them in a free program. The “Watercolor Painting for Adults and Teens” class was a first, sponsored by the borough Parks and Recreation Department.
The large turnout ensures it won’t be the last, Bulson said.
A Parks and Recreation Commission member, Bulson also is a Kutztown University-trained artist and art educator. She covered composition, color choices, and mixing. The discussion was accompanied by slides group members could see and return to on their cell phones.
Bulson talked about and demonstrated brush stokes, too, showing participants the different effects each produced. Her variety of students – women and men, some seniors, some parents with kids, all hoping to learn and be entertained – copied them dutifully. Then they compared their work with others, offering compliments.
For its part, the department set the scene for these Picassos-in-waiting. Brightly colored art smocks, brushes, containers with water, paint trays, painting boards, and paper all were laid out at picnic tables beneath the pavilion. It protected them from the hot glare of the morning sun, and also provided a quiet, nature-infused setting for their lesson.
Once equipped with the basics, participants individually went out to parts of the surrounding park. Their task: to have their brush hands duplicate, in color on paper, what their eyes took in.
On its Facebook page, the department declared the exercise a rousing success. Roughly 50 people signed up for the program, creating a lengthy waiting list. Bulson, a borough and area resident since 2010, said she was delighted by the response. Another class has already been scheduled, for Aug. 12, and a third is possible in October.
Volunteer and fellow commission member Becky Gardner reported the department has many other activities planned for the summer. They’re available online for review and registration.
Photos by Travels With The Post
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