Verlocal Diaries: Leach Art Workshops
Each week, “Verlocal Diaries” records the Verlocal team’s adventures to various classes conducted by our hosts. From the narration of our hosts’ stories to the thoughts of our fellow participants, we piece together everything we have experienced to create a long lasting memory in the form of a diary entry — that is both personal and shareable.
Dear Diary,
When I arrived at Leach’s home where she conducted her art class, I was pleasantly surprised familial aura that engulfed the room. There were five students together with Leach and the way that they interacted with one another resembled that of a really tight-knitted group of friends. There was no teacher-student barrier between Leach and her students. It immediately struck me as the kind of environment which you would definitely want to visit regularly. And after talking to a few of the students, I realised that the magnetic effect that attracts to the lesson is actually Leach and the atmosphere her classes offer.
I chatted with Niat, a homemaker, to find out how her passion in watercolour began.
Niat has also had a keen interest in arts and crafts but couldn’t dwell too much into it due to family commitments. Hence now, she took the chance to revisit her passion and has been delving into watercolour more seriously. Although self-taught, she thought it was best to learn the basics of watercolour so that she can really perfect her craft. And that was how she met Leach.
“ It is a lot easier to watch someone do it and explain to you than to run through all the YouTube videos or run through books yourself.” — Leach
She attended one of Leach’s workshops, a 4-week basic course session. She learnt how to undo all her mistakes as well as many learn new things. It would not be wrong to add that the environment that Leach’s class convinced Niat to keep returning to Leach.
“[The basics workshop] was a great experience because there were 3 other ladies who were in here in the class… There’s always laughter and something to share. In fact, some of them have become good friends after the class.” — Leach
I could definitely tell why Niat enjoyed coming back as Leach patiently corrects their mistakes and gives them the encouragement to bounce back and try again when they feel as though they want to give up.
I then talked to Anne who went from looking at artworks on Instagram to trying them out for herself
“I’ve been enjoying artwork on Instagram (and) social media. It happened that in the beginning of this year, Leach had a weekday class and I was very keen to join.” — Anne
Looking through Leach’s Instagram page, Anne was intrigued by her works. And interested to recreate the works herself, Anne joined Leach’s watercolour class.
“It is very therapeutic and at times, it’s frustrating because we couldn’t manage to control the colours and strokes and everything. It is still a learning process, it’s a continuous learning to me.” — Anne
Watercolour is definitely an art that takes a lot of time and practice to master. So if you would like to start your watercolour journey like Anne, or revisit your passion for watercolour like Niat, join Leach’s classes!
Sign up here: https://sg.verlocal.com/vl/lichingheng
