I was written off as lacking any artistic ability by my art teacher about 65 years ago. I have always loved crafts but never tried painting until I was in my 40s and needed distraction from life's stresses. My early attempts at watercolour were fairly successful as I had no expectations- I was just 'playing with paint'. When I went back to it decades later I found I had lost that relaxed confidence so learned to draw with graphite and pen and paint with pastels. Now,living in a small flat and travelling quite a lot, I need something clean, colourful and portable so searched out my old paints, researched lots of watercolour demos and tips on YouTube and finally decided Oliver had the teaching style and ethos I was looking for. Although wildlife is my preferred subject, I need to learn basic techniques I can apply to any subject. As well as Oliver's teaching, I am hoping this forum will provide the encouragement I need to persevere and reciprocate by encouraging others.