Capon Art Workshop Leaves Lasting Impression

By: Capon guest Bill Beckler, NY, NY who has been a regular visitor since early childhood

Like many kids who grew up coming to Capon, our family made the annual trip each summer. In our case, living in Florida, that meant a 1000 miles trek. While I loved those regular family outings and have continued with my own kids, I had no idea watercolor painting at Capon would change my life. In fact, I had no idea they even had watercolor painting at Capon.

My only intention on that particular trip was to have Janna, the girl who swept me off my feet, to pass “the Capon test”. It just so happened to coincide with the annual watercolor workshop with master artist, Fran Call. Honestly, I was embarrassed by what I considered my artistic handicap, but Janna had an interest in water color and I was in love, so we tried it. At first, when we walked in and I saw the teacher’s watercolor masterpieces displayed around the room, I wanted to run out. Then I saw there were a few kids in the class who were as eager as Janna, and I bucked up for the challenge. In fact the teacher was great for all levels of painting. She covered the basics in a way that was entertaining for the old pros, and she covered advanced techniques in a way that was useful to a total newbie like me. When we finished anything she helped us feel like the next Picasso. Janna and I were in love and painting together in one of earth’s great paradises was the height of happiness.

We got married a month later. We brought a set of watercolors paints and papers on our honeymoon to Croatia and painted the sunset together from our rocky island in the Adriatic Sea. Since then we have traveled the world, living in four countries and having three kids, and in each home we have hung on our walls our watercolor clovers from Capon Springs and sunsets from Croatia. Now I’m not saying that same experience is going to happen for you if you come to Fran’s program this year…. but I’m not saying it won’t!

Fran Call returns in 2015 for her 20th year: May 31- June 3; Sept. 27-Oct 1. Come be inspired by her wit and whimsy as she adds a 4th day of instruction to her popular program. All abilities welcome. You are encouraged to bring your own supplies or buy them during the workshop. Bonus: On the last evening, have other guests admire your work at the popular Artist Show as everyone enjoys live music from a local dynamic duet.