By Noreen Santaluce
Many seniors are discovering the pleasure of expressing themselves in painting. Personally, I was surprised to find that watercolor painting was something I could learn to do. I soon discovered that the act of painting is very relaxing and soothing resulting in something you can enjoy (or throw away and start over).
Art teacher Marti Mariette tells us that art heals, art helps us express ourselves in visual form and, that drawing and painting help us develop hand-eye coordination skills while finding our own artistic voices. Her senior students have mentioned the fact that they can forget about aches and pains when they are absorbed in working on a painting. Sleepless night hours can be spent finishing a picture.
Marti teaches classes at La Posada, and is available to teach in other venues. Her goal is to bring out the artist in everyone. People often think that they are too old to learn, but she feels she can help bring out the artistic voice that exists in everyone. To quote her, “Give yourself the chance to learn, and with the right encouragement, you will be painting in no time.”
Amouk Johanna teaches classes in watercolor painting for intermediate or advanced painters at the Live Oak Senior Center and the Capitola Jade Street Recreational Center.
Her two classes for intermediate and advanced painters are at Live Oak Senior Center on Wednesdays, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The paintings of her students are always on display in the main building of the Center. Amouk’s classes at the Jade Street Capitola Recreational Center are on Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 and beginners are welcome. During the summer months she will be offering three different three-week courses for all levels Call 338-7716 for information or pick up a brochure at Jade Street.
Malita Israel holds classes at the Mid County Senior, 829 Bay Avenue in Capitola on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 1:30. The first part of each session is spent on drawing and the second is on watercolor painting. Her teaching goal is to help her students develop skills and techniques and compile a binder of useful information.
Malita has won many awards for her watercolor paintings at the County Fair and the Santa Cruz Art League. She is currently active in Open Studios and the Santa Cruz Water Color Society. Call Mid County Senior Center at 476-4711 for information.
Marsha Strong-Smith has the classes you are looking for if you have never painted before or you want to update your skills. Starting in September, she will be offering a series of classes with the slogan “Have Fun ‘n Get Wild with Watercolor.” Marsha brings a unique style of teaching to her students, starting out with the basics of color mixing, mastering the tools and learning the techniques of painting with watercolor. Classes will be held in the Palace Arts Store on 41st Avenue in Capitola. Registration in advance is required. Call Marsha at 462-2501 for more information.