Lessons from a Lifetime of Painting

Two Mountain Lions, Opaque & tansparent watercolor on museum board, Rebecca Latham

There is something meditative about placing a brush to canvas, watching as delicate layers of paint gradually bring an image to life. It is a process that has shaped not only my career but also my way of seeing the world. Painting has never been just about technique or final results—it has been a journey, one that has taught me patience, observation, and the quiet appreciation of nature’s details.


One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that painting is a form of storytelling. Every brushstroke holds meaning, every shadow and highlight helps shape a narrative. When I paint an animal, I’m not just replicating its form—I’m capturing a moment, an experience, an essence. Whether it’s the alert posture of a fox in the underbrush or the warmth of sunlight catching the wing of a resting owl, these details tell a story far beyond what is visible on the surface.


Another lesson is the importance of seeing beyond the obvious. Nature is filled with subtleties—the way light filters through a grove of trees, the movement of fur ruffled by the wind, the tension in a predator’s stance before it pounces. True realism comes from observing these nuances, understanding them, and translating them onto canvas.
Of course, painting has also taught me resilience. Not every piece turns out as expected. Some require revisiting, refining, or even starting over entirely. Art mirrors nature in this way—it is ever-evolving, shaped by experience and persistence. The challenges in painting are never obstacles, but rather invitations to grow.


My mentors often spoke of the artist’s role as an observer—someone who studies the world with care and translates that understanding into their work. This has been one of the most valuable lessons I carry forward. To paint is to immerse oneself in the subject, to learn its story, and to honor it through every deliberate stroke.
In the years ahead, I look forward to sharing more of this journey, continuing to learn from the landscapes, the wildlife, and the process itself. Because painting, much like nature, is endless in its lessons.