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