Artist teaches relaxation through her art classes

When people think of stress reduction, smacking a punching bag may come to mind. Or running. Or yoga, perhaps.

But according to Sue Brown Chapin, there's another way to destress.

Painting.

"When I'm painting I lose myself in the creative process and I can't think about everyday things like what to make for dinner or the reality of daily life," Brown Chapin said.

So the second-generation watercolorist decided to share her Zen with others by offering daylong painting classes, held at the Historic Scott House in Carlton.

The classes include instruction and demos, watercolor paper, hand-outs and a binder, double matting in a variety of colors for students' completed artwork and use of supplies such as paint, paper, and brushes. A wholesome lunch is also served.

"Painting in general I consider relaxing because it is something you can do as much of as you want," Brown Chapin said. "There is no pressure. The creative process is really relaxing. It's a process you can lose yourself in. I consider my classes a mini-retreat. We are in this beautiful setting surrounded by antiques and there are beautiful grounds just outside the windows. The classes are small and we share a nice meal. It's the whole experience."

Brown Chapin's mother, Betty D. Brown, was a renowned watercolorist, and having watched her mom relax into her work for years, she also took up her brush.

"My mother had a gallery in Carlton and she was having a hard time keeping it open and I was able to go in to help her," she explained. "After watching her paint for 20 years I finally picked up a brush. That was in 2006. Within 10 minutes, she had me all set up. We ended up painting together every day for five years before she passed away."

Brown Chapin describes watercolor as a "fascinating medium: one you can control if you want to, but also one that is more fun to let loose."

Her favorite subject matter is the natural beauty of northern Minnesota.

"I grew up right next to Jay Cooke State Park, and I especially like to use a combination of paint and collage to form scenes from the north woods," she said. "I enjoy teaching watercolor workshops because I can see others losing themselves in it and can feel the stress of everyday life fading away."

To learn more about her classes or to register, visit Suebrownchapin.com.