What’s a hobby?

In retirement, people ask you big questions. What are you doing with all your free time? Don’t you have a hobby you can enjoy?

A hobby? What’s a hobby?

“Hobby - an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure.” Imagine my horror and shame when I realized I didn’t have one. Better get on this “hobby” thing.

That’s how I started watercolor painting. First a workbook with some dry paints. Then a few attempts at (really) free form flowers. And after a while, I found out I liked it. It was relaxing. It felt creative and yet productive. It was inexpensive and easy to get supplies. Hmm, maybe this could be MY HOBBY. 

Fast forward to September when I signed up for a watercolor class at the Kenosha Public Museum. Six Mondays, three hours each. I can do this. It fit me to a tee. Instructor Barbara Farrell is a well known artist but also a very patient and gentle teacher. She brings challenging and interesting projects each week.

While my first reaction is usually “Uh-oh,” Barbara easily incorporates lessons in color, composition, and techniques, without it feeling overwhelming. I was worried about my lack of drawing ability but she quickly showed us her get arounds - tracing an image (with carbon paper, remember that?) or using stamps or stencils. It’s not cheating. “This is a painting class not a drawing class,” she reminded us.

Class starts with a demo of the week’s project, guiding you through the process, step by step. Learning by doing. Barbara generously shares her knowledge individually as she visits with each student.  She allows for personal style and has great insights to tweak your work. She completes her demo painting during the class as well. She works right along with you. Sure enough by the end of class you’ve learned something new and you’ve got a real painting! 

What I like most about this class:

• My classmates with all different levels of experience are encouraging and supportive. It’s fun to see how each of us interprets the same painting project differently and beautifully. 
• Barbara Farrell keeps the class low key, comfortable and relaxing. It’s ok to walk around to chat and look at others’ work. She encourages you to keep at it and gives you the tools to move through challenges (aka mistakes.) 
• Barbara and the more experienced students share great painting tips but also tips on paints, brushes, paper, and a variety of fun and surprising techniques. 
• Three hours seemed like a long time but it flies by! You get enough time to really get into and finish a painting. 

The Kenosha Public Museum is a great place for workshops and classes. It’s easily accessible, ample parking, large and bright classrooms, amenities are close by, and a stop in the gift shop never hurts.

The Kenosha Public Museum offers a wide variety of workshops (one session) and classes (multiple sessions) that meet a variety of interests and schedules. Two on my radar for the holiday season are Vintage Costume Jewelry and Holiday Paint and Sip! It’s a perfect break in the festive chaos for you and (maybe) a friend!  Be sure to check out their website for more information. 

I just started my second watercolor session, this time with a friend. I am almost ready to say, “I have a hobby!”

Thanks Kenosha - a great place to visit and retire!