Some of the most beautiful landscapes I've painted are people.

For a long time I was afraid to tackle portraits and figures in watercolor. They're daunting in general, but seemed even more risky in the somewhat unforgiving medium of watercolor. Enter Charles Reid. I remember looking through his books in my dad's studio when I was young. He's a total master! Makes it look so easy! 

When I saw he was coming to Jackson Hole Wyoming to teach a workshop, I scheduled a road trip! For 8 hours a day, for an entire workweek, I painted with the master. And I have to say, watching him paint was like watching God create the world—we'd all hold our breath, and then let out a collective sigh when he lifted his brush. There is nothing quite like it.

I also studied with Arizona portrait king Ted Nuttall, who mentioned the title of this post in his workshop: "Some of the most beautiful landscapes I've painted are people." Ah, yes!