The fireplace in the living room crackles like small bones breaking, and the smell of burning cedar mingles with the steam rising from my mug of hot tea. Outside, the frigid cold arrived this past week to remind us winter is here — sudden, decisive, unapologetic. I’m bundled in blankets and fuzzy sweat pants.
My tea tastes particularly bitter this morning. Or maybe that’s just the aftertaste of an email I received last week. I know I shouldn’t let people get to me, but some things sting like winter wind through a cracked window.
The Surgical Strike
Sometimes life delivers pain when you least expect it. Earlier this week, between meetings and YouTube shows, an email struck with surgical precision: “Eric, your ego is out of control.”
I could have deleted it. Should have, maybe. Instead, I took the bait: “Thanks for the feedback, it usually is, but is there something specific you want to point out?”
To his credit, he didn’t retreat.
“You talk about yourself too much. You talk about how many houses you have too much, about all the portraits you have of yourself. You need to let the artists on your show shine and stop interrupting them.”
My response: “Thank you for pointing it out.”
And I meant it.
Mirrors and Angles
As hard as it is to see, sometimes we need someone to hold up a mirror at an unflattering angle. Because that is the funny thing about mirrors — different angles show different perspectives. Some might say my enthusiasm to know more is why I interrupt my daily YouTube show guests, acting as a representative of viewers who may not understand everything at the same level. If I can get the artist to explain something or go deeper, I’m going to step in and ask. Is that ego, or is that service? Is my interruption an act of narcissism or navigation?
Take those portraits he mentioned — thirty-plus paintings by the world’s greatest artists, many since deceased. Sure, commissioning that many portraits of yourself looks narcissistic from one angle. But tilt the mirror: I commissioned them to help keep portraiture alive, to give these masters meaningful exposure, to feature them in Fine Art Connoisseur and show the world that portrait painting from life still matters. It resulted in each of them selling dozens more portraits. Was it ego that drove me to sit for hours while these artists worked? Or was it patronage disguised as vanity?
The houses? I broadcast from different locations because that’s where life and business take me — it’s logistics, not showmanship. But I understand how it lands. Everything can be viewed through the lens of ego or the lens of purpose, and sometimes even I can’t tell which lens I’m looking through. But I’ll be more careful.
I don’t think I’m a narcissist, but I’ve battled my oversized ego my entire life. What I can’t decide is whether that’s a curse or a gift.
My Two Egos
There’s the ego that drives me forward — call it my engine — and the ego that needs applause — call it my needy child. The first confidently declares, “I can build something amazing.” The second insists, “Look how incredible MY contribution is.” One builds, one performs. Yet both spring from the same source, the same psyche, the same childhood insecurities transformed into adult ambitions.
Is it possible this flaw we call ego is also our superpower?
Domes and Blindness
I returned from Europe just a few weeks ago, and I can’t stop thinking about Brunelleschi’s massive dome atop the cathedral in Florence. He built it without scaffolding — a feat so remarkable that no one can figure out how he did it. And here’s the kicker: He refused to share his method, ensuring no one could build something as magnificent.
Was that selfish? Absolutely. Was it human? Undeniably. Was it necessary for greatness? That’s where things get interesting.
When Saint Basil’s Cathedral was completed in Moscow, legend says Ivan the Terrible had the architect Postnik Yakovlev blinded so he could never build anything more beautiful. That’s carrying ego way too far — when your need for supremacy literally destroys the eyes that created beauty.
The Builders’ Burden
I’ve never talked to a professional about this, but I wonder: If egos didn’t exist, would anything remarkable ever be built? Is it possible the world is shaped by egomaniacs who need to prove themselves, to show what they can do, to change the world in ways that outlive them?
I suspect the experts would say that the drive that ego creates is a positive thing, but that if you carry it too far, in a need for constant recognition, then maybe that’s a bad thing. Yet look upon the greats who have built great things over and over again, topping their prior achievements each time. If they are doing it for repeated recognition, isn’t that OK, because they are making massive contributions? Perhaps drive eventually transcends pure ego, motivation shifting from the need to prove oneself to having something valuable to contribute, with the ego providing fuel. It’s all beyond my pay grade.
Last summer in China — which was more amazing than I expected — I walked through cities so modern they made Manhattan look like an antique shop. Is this driven by collective Chinese ego, by the need to surpass other nations? Or is it simply the drive to be the best, regardless of recognition? And isn’t wanting to be the best just ego wearing a different mask?
Names We Remember
Would Apple exist without Steve Jobs’ legendary drive for revolutionary ideas? Would we have Facebook-Meta without Zuckerberg’s need to connect and control others? Would SpaceX launch without Elon Musk’s desire to be remembered as the man who made us multi-planetary? Would Dubai’s skyline pierce the clouds without someone’s desire to build the biggest and best? What about Gates, Firestone, Ford, Edison — people whose names we know precisely because their egos demanded we remember them?
Is there anything wrong with wanting to be the biggest and the best?
The Holy Paradox
Here’s what haunts me: I try to live biblically, to be humble, to give credit to my maker. Yet the same voice that calls me to humility also whispers: “Do bigger things, touch more lives, help more people.” But isn’t there some ego in believing you’re the one who should be doing the helping? Isn’t there pride in thinking your influence matters? What if we answered the whisper with, “No, let someone else do it”? Are we ignoring the will of our maker?
I’ll be the first to admit I’m proud of most of my career accomplishments. I’ve often coached people to write their obituary — not morbidly, but purposefully — listing what they want to have accomplished before they die, so they can make sure their list is complete before they stop. But if we can’t be proud of our accomplishments, why pursue them? Where do pride and humility meet? Can they coexist, or are they locked in eternal combat?
Harnessing the Monster
Maybe the answer isn’t to kill the ego but to harness it. Maybe it’s about recognizing that the same force that makes us insufferable at dinner parties also makes us unstoppable in our missions. The same voice that says, “Look at me!” also says, “I won’t quit, and I won’t be satisfied with anything less than greatness.”
Gift-Wrapped Criticism
As I sit here, I think about that email dive bomber. He gave me a gift wrapped in criticism. He forced me to ask: Would I rather be liked or leave a legacy? Would I rather be humble or helpful? Would I rather shrink myself to make others comfortable or expand to my full capacity and risk their discomfort? What if the great women and men of history had listened to their critics, taken the feedback to heart, and changed course for the worse?
The truth is, every person feels this tension. Every action contains both humility and audacity. Every creation is an act of ego — declaring that your vision matters enough to manifest it — and an act of service — offering benefit to the world.
Understanding True Greatness
I’m obsessed with understanding greatness. I believe God placed us on earth to be the best version of ourselves we can be. Sometimes it’s hard to reconcile that when someone is bombastic and full of themselves, they’ve earned it through the amazing things they’ve built against all odds.
Humility is a gift — the quiet reflection of knowing what you’ve done without having to broadcast it. But ego is a gift too. They coexist, two sides of the same coin. Humility can even get in the way of bold assertions, of standing in front of potential investors who need to see your vision burn bright enough to open their checkbooks. Selling people on vision takes guts and self-belief.
Bulls and China
People with vision are often misunderstood, often disliked by those who would rather their world remain undisturbed. Sometimes it’s the bull in the china shop that sees a clear vision of wrecking the status quo for a new future. It’s why some write emails or critical and nasty social media posts. But thank God — he gave us ego, and vision, and the ability to see if we can top our last effort.
What They’d Say
Here’s what the Bible says about this: “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). But it also says we’re made in God’s image — and didn’t He create the universe and then declare it “very good”?
And here’s what my therapist would probably say: “Eric, your ego isn’t the enemy — it’s the part of you that protected you when you were told at 40 you had no talent. It’s the part that refused to accept that limitation. The question isn’t whether to have an ego, but whether you’re driving it or it’s driving you.”
The Next Email
Somewhere, someone is deciding whether to send an email telling me this newsletter was too long, too personal, too much about me. They will find flaws in good intentions.
Thank you in advance for pointing it out. I’m ready. Bring it on.
Because maybe that’s the ultimate paradox: The same ego that makes me vulnerable to criticism is the one that lets me publish these words anyway.
Yes, Mr. Email, my ego is large. My intent isn’t to brag, I need to remain humble about my accomplishments, but I don’t want to be stopped from doing what I think needs to be done just to please those who feel I’ve gone too far. The key to remember is: It’s not about me, it’s about vision to help others and big ideas to make that happen. Sometimes I’ll screw up, and for those moments, I deserve correction.
Eric Rhoads
PS: Keep reading all the way to the bottom and you’ll discover three announcements of something spectacular and new.
Humbly, this year has been a magnificent whirlwind. Going to China, taking a group to Switzerland and Italy, a week of painting and meetings in Italy, a couple of new portrait sittings, countless events and speeches, and 18 million YouTube views later, I’m both exhausted and exhilarated. The next few weeks offer something precious: thinking time. No airports. No hotels. Just the quiet space to dream about what’s next.
But before I disappear into my planning cave, let’s talk about the elephant in every artist’s studio…
The Gift They Actually Want (But Won’t Tell You)
Look, I love my family, but if I get one more Bob Ross bobblehead or apron “because you paint,” I might scream. Here’s what artists REALLY want but are too polite to ask for: They want to get better. They want to learn from masters. They want to be with and paint with their tribe.
That’s why I’m sharing my insider’s list of gifts that will make any artist in your life light up like a Sorolla painting at golden hour:
The Game-Changers (Under $200)
PaintTube.TV — Imagine Netflix, but instead of binge-watching shows, you’re learning from 100+ other masters. The world’s largest library of art instruction (100,000+ hours) — any medium, any subject, instantly streaming. A gift card is what I recommend for every artist friend so they can pick one of the 700+ training videos from top masters.
The Stocking Stuffers (Under $40)
PleinAir Magazine or Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine — Give them a year of inspiration delivered to their door. Every issue is like a masterclass in art or collecting they can hold in their hands.
Easel Brush Clip — The tool every painter needs but doesn’t know exists. Keeps brushes handy without the juggling act.
Value Specs — These magical glasses help artists see values correctly. Game-changer for anyone struggling with light and shadow.
The Life-Changing Experiences
Watercolor Live (January, Online) — Four days with the world’s top watercolorists, streaming from 20+ countries. An artist can attend in pajamas and replay forever.
Winter Escape Artists’ Retreat (February, Hilton Head) — While everyone else is shoveling snow, they’ll be painting on the beach in 75-degree weather. Limited to 100 artists who become instant friends.
NEW: Gouache Boot Camp (February 19, Online) — Gouache is having a moment. Perfect for the artist ready to try something new. An event focused on the fundamentals of working with gouache.
Acrylic Live (March, Online) — Four days of acrylic mastery from artists who’ve redefined the medium.
Art Business Mastery Day (April 16, Online) — A day of coaching from the experts to make your art sell better.
The Plein Air Convention & Expo (May, Ozarks) —The world’s largest plein air gathering. The main hotel is already sold out — we’re filling four more. This is their tribe, their people, their week of pure artistic joy.
Paint the Adirondacks (June) — My personal favorite. A week painting my beloved mountains with a small, passionate group.
Gouache Live (August 20, Online) — Since gouache is having a moment, we’re having two. This event will be focused on landscape painting with gouache.
Plein Air Live (September, Online) — Three days of plein air and landscape instruction right in your studio!
Fall Color Week (October, Acadia National Park, Maine) — My other personal favorite. (Like my kids, I love them all.) A week painting in Acadia National Park and fall color.
Realism Live (November, Online) — Three days of demos from the top masters in realism art.
Thank you for your email,. I found it quite an inspiring read. I have watched a lot of your videos where you present artists and showcase their talents and accomplishments. On the contrary to the critical email you received I have found your personality to be more humble than egotistical. I might have missed those videos that others found to be the reverse. As you say it’s in the eyes of the beholder !
Thank you for devoting your time, energy, and talents to helping artists around the world.
You are a Blessing to many and to me. Love all our positive thinking. love your encouragement you give soothers. Thank ou for planing the trips you plane and inviting all of us togo with you. Thankyou for enjoying life and sharing it with all of your readers,
La Rue Hunter, Mesquite, TX
Without having someone with a large sense of self and drive, we wouldn’t have PACE or the morning Art School Live show or the online conferences or the wonderful magazines. You brought Plein Air to the forefront and I thank you for that!!! I am so grateful to you Eric, you have given artists so much!
What a great article… you are a terrific writer who uses the English language to paint such a vibrant picture of the points you’re trying to make that it’s like reading a masterpiece!!! Do all these thoughts and the writing come from within or do you have someone over your shoulder making suggestions or corrections…I am so glad I subscribed to your weekly Sunday coffee mail and have suggested it to Al my friends. G-d Bless you.
I think that person’s comment was legitimate, but your answer made sense. Thank you. From one of your follower’s from nearly the beginning of your daily show.
I concur with all the positive statements made here, big time. For a longtime artist, I really enjoy your Art videos and understand why beginners need further explanation. Your “ego” as it is called is called, is properly balanced. I don’t see any problem at all. If you didn’t have the drive to do it, somebody else would! And you do it well, confidently, and kindly. No one should fault that, it’s the way world runs. I just wish more people would do it your way!
I loved your discourse – really made me think. It’s a keeper. And for Christians an struggle sometimes. But I figure, you have a choice of how u want to be in the world, recognizing and expressing your gifts and achievements with kind intent. U must be happy knowing you are giving Eric. Big kudos to you for risk taking. You got this.
I think you are OK Eric, noy over-egoed. We need relative ego to operate in the world at all. I don’t have much money and can’t go on your trips or spend lots of money on teaching videos, but my painting has improved a great deal. I teach people now myself, so I am of use to others, so thank you you and keep up the good work.
Let them Be and let Yourself be the generous, positive self that you are my friend since 2018 in the Adirondecks when we met. I had the Red Marine Cprps Hat in the group picture! Semper Fi, Dave Quilter
Eric, perhaps you could change the intro to Art School Live where the focus is not all on you. And, Kari Stober wouldn’t have to say, I’m not Eric. I join millions of other who have benefited from your ego! Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Eric: I am an old Vietnam Marine and a few years ago YOU took your time to reach out to me. You gave me some sound advice about how you ro deal with stresses I was dealing with. You are a kind and very successful person who has changed my life through art and kindness. We first met in the Adirondacks in2018 and I love all that you have done for me and thousands of others. You are a wonderful man who has inspired me to stay alive and keep painting. Thank you for your hard work and the difference you have made in my life and art. Semper Fi
I enjoy your Sunday Coffee messages each week. It’s funny how one negative comment has so much more weight that 100 positive ones! But we learn form the unflattering mirror, as you said. I agree with everything you said and thank you for sharing it.
Thanks for all you’ve done for the art community.
Your artistry in words, paint, and inspiration are unparalleled! I look forward to your Sunday comments and am in awe of your descriptions of your surroundings! Please know how your dedication of your life to inspiring and providing many experiences for advancing artists is greatly appreciated! God bless you! Keep up the outstanding work!!!
Don’t you change a bit Eric.We love you just the way you are.
Eric, I always appreciate your writings. I have a daily blog and I’m sure there are some that quit reading it because I include a lot about my life experiences. But that’s what makes it real! In December, I’ve been writing about finding and fulfilling God’s purpose in one’s life. God wants us to grow, expand, and be His light through our various gifts, strengths, and passions. The only time EGO is a bad thing is when we Edge God Out and don’t give Him the glory while fulfilling our purpose. I’ve never observed you doing that. You are simply a driven man (I can relate) driven by an awesome and powerful God, making the world a better place while making a few disciples for God along the way. Keep being you!
Eric.
We are blessed that God made you the way you are
(Semper veritas)
I often think biting criticism says more about the person giving it and not about the person receiving it. Flip the lens with grace.
This Sunday Coffee is interesting and given the length and breadth, looks like your critic hit a nerve, I’m not sure what my stance on ego is and I don’t feel any need to interpret yours but one line you wrote especially stood out to me.
Is there anything wrong with wanting to be the biggest and the best?
I think, sometimes, there is something wrong with this idea. I believe in curiosity, lifelong learning, imagination and being proud of accomplishments. However, I also believe in satisfaction and contentment. I find that we are currently living at a time of great dissatisfaction—so many people living discontented lives, not enjoying what they have because they don’t believe what they have is enough. For me, I long for contentment—continuing on my path and knowing that whether accolades or money, someone will always have more and many will have less. I don’t believe much in legacy. I think most of us disappear pretty quickly. so enjoy who you are.
PS Just saw that Fall Color Week will again be just down the road at Acadia next year—-I’m going to try and come—it looks like so much fun! CC
Dear Eric,
Your daily You Tube show is a great gift to the artistic community. For reasons which we don’t understand your email critic turned potentially useful feedback into a vitriolic personal attack. The real issue is not your ego but the skills required in facilitating a demonstration. I have found that there are times when the facilitator’s ( not just you) comments are intrusive, time wasting, and irrelevant to the session. That seems to be the issue that needs reflection and managing. thank you for all the work you do to support the growth of the arts.
I’m guessing Mr. Email Guy wasn’t around during the pandemic when you started art school live. For free! And it’s still free! You are approachable, warm and giving. I met you as a baby painter when you gave me the time of day, plus a helpful tip. You are confident but not arrogant. I am grateful for everything you do. You have helped enrich my life as a growing, thriving artist. And you have done this from miles away. No need to second guess yourself over some keyboard clown.
I recently spent 2 1/2 weeks with Eric in Switzerland and Italy, and I never saw his “ego out of control”. He stayed self-authentic and grounded, and also stayed engaged with the other 14-15 of us on this trip (sponsored by Plein Air Magazine/Streamline Publishing). He also readily sees young people in plein air painting settings who would like to try their hand at painting and tutors them briefly – and kindly. Eric works to keep other people in view and recognized. He didn’t even seem too busy on this trip – I was frankly amazed. Keep up the good work Eric. And Plein Air Magazine and Streamline are indeed doing really good works for painters around the globe. Huzzah!
Eric, I always read and enjoy your ‘Sunday Coffee’ posts. Your insights and honesty are what make them worth reading!
We all have an ego and have to live in a world with other humans who each also have one. Being genuinely interested in others’ opinions, experiences, and accomplishments tempers our own self-focus. At the same time, our need for affirmation and sharing our successes remains essential for development and learning from infancy on.
Today’s post highlights the difficulties and questions in achieving a successful balance, one that requires self-examination and listening.
Your openness says a lot!
Thank you for Plein Air Magazine, for all the events dedicated to painting and art, and for your enthusiasm and efforts that make it all possible.
Dear Eric,
I have personal experience with your kindness when it comes with correction and help in reference to painting, it was a good in-person experience.
A lot of people talk and that’s all they do, with that in mind, social media brings out all kinds.
Then there are others who “walk the talk”. I think, for whatever that’s worth, you are the type that practices what you preach and we can see, not without personal expense.
Please keep up the good work you do for all of us painters out here.
Karen Barnes
I think you’ve created a wonderful venue for artists all around the world. That being said, perhaps you might tone it down a bit with guest artists. I enjoyed guoache live, but was annoyed with your interruptions. I couldn’t get “into” the artist’s perspective. I don’t believe you mean to upstage the guest, but it does come across that way. For instance, an artist was painting traditional guoache, and you reacted with the comments ” have you tried Acrylic Guoache” You went on to say how much you loved the medium. That wasn’t the medium being used, and it took away from the artist…. Just a thought for you to consider. We all get excited , but it reminded me of the student who constantly raises their hand for the teacher’s approval, and to show the other students just how smart they are. Moderating is difficult at best. A master of this was Johnny Carson…. he kept the guest on track, moved interviews along, and left everyone feeling good at the end of the show. Sincerely, Cheryl.
Hello Eric,
There is a lot to unpack in this mornings Coffee. This could get long-winded (will, actually), but it’s all meant with good intentions.
First, thank you very much for what you do! I’ve learned a LOT from much of what you do. (I haven’t experienced it all, so I have to say most.)
Interruptions in the YouTube shows: you are looking out for your audience, never a bad thing, even though I’ve heard about value so much, I know you’re going to ask the guest to expound on it. I’ve heard it so often that when I look at a scene to paint, the first thing I look at is, where are the darkest darks and the lightest lights? (I had to laugh at myself then.) You are keeping in mind the people who are new to art and/or your shows, even if it’s just one on a given day.
Your houses: well, if I had the money to own several houses I’m not sure you could shut me up, but, yeah, you might want to reign that in a touch,.
Your portraits: I love your explanation of why you have so many done. If you can get recognition (and increased sales) for portraitists, I say great! I wish I were decent at portraiture; I’d probably do one of you just for the fun of it. (Actually I did do a sketch of you from a paused video, but as I say, I’m not good at it yet.)
The “greats” and “egomaniacs”: here we get onto tricky ground, as this brings up current politics. I am a flaming liberal, unapologetically. The ego on display in the current government is unimaginably bad (though we don’t have to imagine). That ego is fueling a desire for greatness.
Living biblically: the dichotomy between humility and ego is always with us; your quote from the bible is very apt, but in order to help people as you do (and you really do help people; thank you), you have to talk about yourself and your journey, both in a business sense and in an artistic one.
You are correct in thinking that someone is deciding whether to send an email, but not with negative feedback, but in my case, positive. No, your reflections in this post are not too long; it took quite a bit to go through everything you wrote about. (How do you find the time for that?) Coffee With Eric is always kind of long and about you because it’s an introspection, a meditation. It’s valuable. I get quite a bit from each one, so keep it up.
Keep doing what you’re doing. I’ll keep reading. And I’ll see you at PACE26!
On another note, after scrolling to the bottom and looking at Paint the Adirondacks, I didn’t realize it was not “invitational” in the literal sense. I wish I could join you for it, but at this point it’s not affordable to me.
I’m sorry this is almost as long as your email, but this sparked a lot of reactions. Thank you again for everything you do for us, Eric.
I’m a retired Art Educator, Sr. high level. I listen to a lot of your weekly videos. Your actions are “instructional navigation”. Even though I understand most of what is being done by the artists, there are a lot of people who don’t, and it needs to be explained in simpler terms.
As a writer and a Christian, I have considered the pride/humility issue all my life. You can’t be a decent writer without an ego, and you can’t be a decent Christian without humility. Humility comes from recognizing we are all sinners and without Christ, we are in serious trouble. Once you understand you cannot save yourself, gratitude humbles you.
In our work, we all play a role. We try to be genuine, authentic, but just like entertainers, we’re personalities doing sometimes odd things to be effective. The biggest personalities have the biggest impact, and that’s not pride but using your God-given talents to achieve worthwhile goals.
Don’t sweat it, Eric. As long as you’re worrying about ego vs. humility, you’ve got your values right.
I appreciate your writing and I’ve found that ones who write like that are the ones usually envious of others talents, and offending them is their way soothing their egos. I thank them and move on with Christ guiding me. Thanks for all you do Eric.
You will, no doubt, receive a lot of comments, on today’s column. I, for one, applaud your critique of the critique. Just as we step back from a painting , to see it better, one has to do the same with life choices. We all come into this world in different circumstances. By the same token, we can also see limitations, not always of our choosing, having a devastating affect on the ability of young people, young families, being able to get ahead, to own a home, to be able to travel. They look around and see that the only folks getting ahead, in this world are those willing to step on others, those taking advantage of others and not being held accountable for their actions. We live in a world where, if your skin is brown and your name sounds foreign, you may be knocked to the ground, handcuffed and dumped in an over crowded cell, somewhere. It is hard to follow, the creative call when the portraits you paint are considered contrary to some political agenda. (Referring to the artist whose exhibit was canceled because one of her paintings was censored because it was of a drag queen) Artists will persevere . We won’t always agree with each other. But one thing we must do, is encourage the creative process and freedom to do so. Keep on. Doing your good work.
The world is chocked full of those who do little yet know everything. Those who actually do something/anything are the minority.
To take risks is to live life rather than watch from the sidelines.
just live your vision let others live theirs. so what if yours is bigger and louder.
Read “A New Earth” by Eckart Tolle. Great insight into the ego and our pain. In the end, I think it’s all about intention. Do we want to use our treasures, gifts, etc to help humanity or do we want to help humanity so that we can elevate people’s opinion of ourselves? My philosophy is that we are all connected in that we are all from the same source of energy. Everything we put out into the world comes back to us multiplied. Our actions and our words, negatively and positively. It’s physics. My belief was validated a few years ago when a close friend of mine won 60 million in the lottery. This is a guy who was magnanimous in helping people but always did it anonymously and graciously. I can’t guess how many people he has helped but always without expecting anything in return. Nothing. His intention was purely to help. With the windfall he set up an amazing foundation that helps children with disabilities and/or experiencing grief. Beautiful and remarkable. I wish I could crush my own ego. I wish I could live a life of complete altruism but it’s so difficult. Anyway, thank you for sharing your many gifts. Thank you for taking time to read my comment. Peace.
I loved your email. As one who had never picked up a brush until I retired I have now been teaching other beginners ( and more) to introduce them to this wonderful medium of watercolor. Many students are apprehensive because of horror stories they have heard about its difficulty and that you can’t correct mistakes, etc. I feel that I do some ok paintings but not nearly as wonderful as others in my guild. Yet I get compliments that I appreciate but don’t think they (the paintings) are that great. But as an 86 year old I get so much enjoyment creating a painting and sharing how to create one.
Keep writing your interesting articles. They are enjoyed more that you might know.
Don’t worry, you are a godsend to painters worldwide.