J Life Magazine - Jan-March 2018 JLifejan2018_web | Page 8
Watercolor Fun at The J
H
ave you ever said to yourself, “I wish I
could paint, but I don’t think I have the
talent”? Or “I used to paint when I was
younger but can’t seem to get started again”?
Well, here at The J people can jump start or continue their
creative journey in a relaxed and enjoyable environment
by taking a course in watercolor painting called “Painting
the World Jewish: Basic Watercolor Techniques,” taught
by Ann Marcus Lapidus. As the title implies, Ann guides
her students through the basic techniques of watercolor
painting and helps students develop their painting skills
through interesting projects that center around Jewish
tradition.
Painting the World
Jewish was so well
received in 2017
that we’ve scheduled
it again starting in
January all the way
through April. And
the best part is you can
jump in at any time, as
Ann’s method is both
informal and individual. Recent projects have centered on
the Jewish holidays, with the class painting an etrog and
lulav (traditional holiday produce) to represent Sukkot,
and images from the opening of The Book of Genesis to
represent Simchat Torah. Students create and share art
works that enhance their engagement with—or introduce
them to—Jewish tradition in a way that is fun and
interesting.
Ann’s teaching abilities come as
no surprise, considering that she
has been teaching for over twenty
years. Ann’s experience includes
teaching at the Tucson Museum
of Art, and the Temple Emanu-El
Kurn Religious School. She has
a B.A. in Fine Art from Pomona
College and degrees from the
Sorbonne in Paris.
Painting the World Jewish meets
on Mondays from 2:30pm to
4:30pm. Monthly tuition is $120 for JCC members and $130 for
non-members. Enroll online at tucsonjcc.org/programs/arts,
or at the front reception desk. For more information, please
contact Barbara Fenig at [email protected]. See you in class!
Students come to class with varying backgrounds and
abilities, but the common factor is that they all support
each other and enjoy working together under Ann’s expert
direction. As student Jenny Fisk puts it, “It’s fun to be
creative in a supportive and low-pressure environment.
You don’t have to be an artist to have fun.” Another student,
Nancy Robertson, shares Jenny’s enthusiasm: “This class
stretches your mind in a nice, relaxing environment.
Working with Ann and with fellow students has enabled
me to do things I never thought I would be able to do.” All
students in class agree that Ann is a patient, nurturing and
highly skilled teacher.
October 2017 | J Life Magazine 9