Art in the Estuary: Watercolor with Jessie Lozanski
We were joined by local artist Jessie Lozanski to learn how to watercolor at Beaver Pond Preserve on Westport Island. Following her lead, we picked up skills like seeing light and color values around us, working in layers, and ultimately creating a painting that comes alive with the spirit of the estuary. Jessie is a self taught artist who is passionate about seeing the beauty in the everyday. An accomplished artist and naturalist, she is able to not only describe the world around her but also capture its beauty.
PC: Tyler Pascocello
We began by observing the beautiful scenery at Beaver Pond and learning to distinguish color variations, from the darkest darks to the lightest lights and everything in between. Jessie focused the group on a stand of pines across the pond. She demonstrated how to map out a piece and work by layering, keeping the brightest spots free of pigment, which we all found quite challenging! As her piece began to come alive, she sent us out on our own to put our newfound skills to the test.
The group settled in, and as silence fell over us, the gentle buzzing of life amplified around us. Birds chattered in the treetops above, a beaver swam peacefully back and forth in front of us, playfully slapping its tail to let us know it was there. We even observed a newt hanging onto the rocks just below the surface of the water. The painting process allowed us to slip into our own worlds, feeling grounded to the place we were in. As the light drifted behind the trees, the sparkling on the water subsided, we gathered back around, pulled from that meditative state.
PC: Tyler Pascocello
Around the circle we shared the focus of our pieces and the struggles or triumphs we encountered. Inspiration came from trees, lilypads, sunlit water, and the place where land and water meet. A common sentiment throughout the group was that they wanted to continue on with their personal artistic development. Having a method to capture the beauty and meaning of nature in your own style connects us deeper with the ecosystems we live within. Glimpsing through the eyes of an artist, the world seemed to broaden significantly. Jessie created a welcoming space for us to be vulnerable enough to try our hand at something new!
We invite you to attend Jessie Lozanski’s art exhibition at Union + Co in downtown Bath, ME June 17th through July 2nd. There will be an artist reception Friday, June 19th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. RSVP for the reception through the link on Jessie’s personal website.
KELT will be continuing this series throughout the year so be on the lookout for Art in the Estuary programming. Coming up on July 21st join photographer Benjamin Williamson for a nature photography walk held at Thorne Head Preserve.
PC: Tyler Pascocello