Three years in a row  I've taken a week-long watercolor workshop with Karlyn Holman, in Washburn Wisconsin. I find this woman so inspiring - not only is she a truly gifted artist and painting instructor - but she also has such a verve for life you can't help get wrapped up in her exuberance.

During the first workshop I attended in 2010 she told a story about teaching to a group of women in Ireland. She told us the same thing she told them - try dividing your full sheet watercolor paper in thirds, to make three separate paintings measuring 10" x 22". Karlyn claims that this odd size painting is very marketable, since most people have some awkward wall in their house that just needs something. Paintings this size tend to fit those spaces perfectly.

Between giggles Karlyn reported how confused she was at first when the Irish ladies kept asking about the turds... "Karlyn - are we supposed to be working on our turds today?"... "Karlyn - how do we make a turd again?"... Giggles all round. Oh yes, a little potty humor is not beneath us. Ever since then I can't call these size paintings anything but "turds". Karlyn - you are the best.

Following is a series of "Turds" that I have completed recently.

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