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| Student created watercolor of Everett Mansion lawn. |
Nobody will mistake it for a masterpiece, but this is my interpretation of the Southern Vermont College lawn. It was sophomore year, and the course load was looking pretty intimidating. I chose Introduction to Watercolors as an (easy) elective, taught by the legendary Professor Greg Winterhalter.
The start of the fall semester brought long lines to the basement SVC bookstore. I knew I was in for a treat when manager Wanda carried over paints, brushes, and a palette but no books. Finally, a little relaxation while learning a new skill!
But it wasn't all fun and games, as Greg's infamous slideshow presentations were instrumental in teaching us the ins and outs of watercolor technique. After we formed our watercolor base knowledge, Greg did a little artwork of his own. The class watched in awe as he somehow created a sensational painting after only a few minutes work!
After a few sessions of painting fruit, we were off to bigger and better things: the great outdoors! Bring your jackets, coffee, and cigarettes - because the Everett Mansion's tiled patio offered unparalleled views of Bennington and the Green Mountains. Stone walls, orange leaves, evergreens, and the Battle Monument off in the distance - could an aspiring artist ask for a better landscape?
Over 20 years later, this watercolor still brings joy to my heart. Classes at SVC could be challenging, and I had a job in addition to demanding academics. But this class was a chance to get away from all those pressures. Hanging out on the Everett Mansion patio on a crisp fall day with a paintbrush in hand - that's the stuff college dreams are made of.
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