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Students Color Their Worlds

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By SHERRI LONON

In The Loop

Published: November 12, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Someone once told Bob McAnespie that if he wanted to learn how to do something well, he should teach the topic to someone else.

That advice led the 80-year-old artist to begin hosting watercolor classes more than a year ago at the Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway.

McAnespie has more than 1,000 paintings under his belt after 30 years and a faithful following of students who come to learn each Thursday.

"I love it," McAnespie said of teaching and painting. His chosen art is watercolors because of the "luminosity, transparency and casualness" of the medium.

On a recent Thursday, about six students busied themselves creating their version of a vivid autumn scene McAnespie had painted. The students' skill levels ranged from first-time painters to those who have dabbled for some time.

"It has always been a dream of mine and one of the things I always thought I would do when I retired," Linda Coles said.

When Coles moved to the Land O' Lakes area after her retirement from a media specialist post at Okeechobee High School, she found out about the class and started attending.

Now, more than a year into the class, she's working on her own projects but continues to come to gain McAnespie's tutelage and advice.

"He is a fantastic teacher," she said. "No matter what I do, he seems to find something very nice to say about all the pictures."

Since beginning the class, Coles has completed about 50 paintings and hopes to keep learning more, she said.

Betty Lonborg was a first-time student in the casual class that welcomes learners.

"I've always wanted to do this," she said. "I'd like to stick with it."

McAnespie, who is known across the Tampa Bay area for his award-winning watercolors, welcomes more students at Thursday's class. Lessons are open for those 18 and older at a cost of $10 each session. The classes meet 9 a.m. to noon each week, but McAnespie said it's not uncommon for painters to stay longer.

For a supplies list or to learn more about the class, call the center at (813) 929-1220.

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