Watercolor Palette

This morning I had my first art class with Jude Siegel. Wonderful teacher and artist, heart wide open. She began by urging us to let go of judgment, comparisons, and expectations. She read a poem by Mary Oliver about being amazed, a poem about paying attention. As class continued, she showed us how to prepare a watercolor palette with French Ultramarine, Burnt Sienna, Carmine, Sap Green, and Yellow Gamboge.

After lunch I joined a friend for a long stroll through the rhododendron garden at Crystal Springs. There, in the slant warm light of autumn afternoon, spilling all over the water, was French Ultramarine, Burnt Sienna, Carmine, Sap Green, and Yellow Gamboge.