Magdalene van der Kamp
Watercolours
I have been drawn to the visual arts since childhood. Friday afternoons in school, when it was time for ART, my heart would pound in anticipation, my desk was cleared off in no time, my hands folded. I was ready! I can recall memorable art lessons throughout my school years. Not so much math lessons. At university I chose art education as a teaching major. At home with my children, we painted murals on their bedroom walls.
Just on the cusp of retirement from a busy family and teaching career, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I had always planned that retirement was going to be the time to pursue my interest in art. But in time my body gained a quirky mind and movements of its own. I lost my nerve to face a blank canvas. Pencils and brushes taunted me. I took to gardening instead and was gratified, for the most part, by the lush gardens around our home.
Yet I found over time that not everything had changed. My powers of observation were intact and sharpened. I picked up my brushes again and began to explore watercolour as a medium and became enchanted by the way rich colour pigment can be transported by water on thirsty paper to create stunning effects.
Working in watercolour, particularly flower studies was very rewarding for me. I used some of my studies to create a perpetual birthday calendar. The original watercolours are not for sale, but the calendar may be purchased directly from PIG for $20. With support from PIG I am still able to donate $10 from every calendar sale to Parkinson's Wellness Project.
Magdalene van der Kamp
Just on the cusp of retirement from a busy family and teaching career, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I had always planned that retirement was going to be the time to pursue my interest in art. But in time my body gained a quirky mind and movements of its own. I lost my nerve to face a blank canvas. Pencils and brushes taunted me. I took to gardening instead and was gratified, for the most part, by the lush gardens around our home.
Yet I found over time that not everything had changed. My powers of observation were intact and sharpened. I picked up my brushes again and began to explore watercolour as a medium and became enchanted by the way rich colour pigment can be transported by water on thirsty paper to create stunning effects.
Working in watercolour, particularly flower studies was very rewarding for me. I used some of my studies to create a perpetual birthday calendar. The original watercolours are not for sale, but the calendar may be purchased directly from PIG for $20. With support from PIG I am still able to donate $10 from every calendar sale to Parkinson's Wellness Project.
Magdalene van der Kamp