A glance at the bottom side of a brilliant red hibiscus growing out of a pot in her driveway was the ultimate inspiration for one of her favorite creations. Painting with watercolors is all about “happy accidents,” said Artist Sheryl Corr.

“Drop one color into another” and it “explodes into it,” forming a unique painting. As the paintbrush grips the water, “you are not sure what it is going to do.”

Corr was drawn to the medium of watercolor — a medium that “makes wonderful, beautiful effects” — 12 years ago when she was working as an executive assistant in northern Virginia.

Corr enrolled in art classes finding painting to be “relaxing.” Utilizing photography to capture pictures that she would later use as models for her paintings, Corr found her photographs were also works of art.

Corr primarily focuses on flowers in her paintings and photography. Taking a stroll through her yard, she observes elegant elements of nature that she may incorporate into her art. The vibrant petals of her geraniums are the subject of one of her paintings.

Corr scans garden and seed catalogs as references for her work, examining varieties that she does not have access to in this area. Bold yellow Daffodils, the first blooms to captivate her eye in the spring, are her favorite subjects with their fine lines, shape and alluring smell.

Corr moved to Albemarle Plantation in Hertford almost four years ago with her husband. She joined the Perquimans Arts League soon after moving to the area.

As a board member of the organization, Corr is excited about the League’s first annual Arts and Crafts show on Sept. 24 at the Perquimans County Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She said the show will include photography, paintings, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, quilts and soaps. Corr said she is “blown away” by the quality of works that the show will feature. Corr plans to exhibit her own photographs and small paintings.

When she is not painting, Corr enjoys playing Bridge and Mahjong with her friends and volunteering at the Open Door Food Pantry in Perquimans.

Realizing her ease to learn new languages at a young age, Corr became fluent in Spanish and French. The former middle school Spanish teacher has relished traveling to Spain and France.

Corr said she gained valued experience in a workshop in Boone, with artist Birgit O’Connor at Cheap Joe’s a few months ago.

As soft, peaceful music flows throughout her studio area in her home, Corr finds happiness with paint when it mixes with water to produce authentic works of art.

Anna Goodwin Mccarthy is a correspondent for The Daily Advance.