Story by PAF Editor
April 10, 2026
Terracotta regularly teams up with The Patriot Art Foundation led by Mary Whyte to bring online Watercolor instruction to Veterans of the United States military at no cost.
Gladys Lawrence is a veteran and an artist who has offered to share her experience of the Patriot Art Foundation’s Watercolor Bootcamp.
Here is her story, edited for brevity:
Can you tell us a little about yourself, and your service?
“I am a Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, emerging artist, movement/dance participant, ceramicist, and storyteller/writer.
I served in the US Army. I did several jobs, initially as an MP, then Pershing Missile Crew. I finished the military as Medical Supply Sergeant.”
What first brought you to watercolor and to the Bootcamp for Veterans?
“The desire to learn, to paint with watercolor, and to expand my artistry is what drove me to the Bootcamp. I learned about it from a friend and fellow Veteran. I think that passing on what we learn enriches others and also ourselves.”
In what ways has making art impacted your life personally — emotionally, mentally, or creatively — since joining the program?
“I can never overstate what art has done for me. It has become a part of who I am. It helps to keep me grounded mentally and emotionally, when all around seem to be falling apart.
Personally, the Bootcamp has helped me learn that art making is a process. It’s OK if not every painting pleases you. Keep at it. It’s humbling, but remember that it is a process.”
Mary Whyte is known for her deep respect for storytelling and service members. What has it been like learning from her?
“Mary’s art is rich and expressive. She not only captures the person she paints, but the essential story behind the person. I saw her displayed at a veteran center, and I was captivated.
It has been a blessing to learn from her. Her instruction has helped me be more loose and expressive.
Watching her paint in a calm steady manner is so helpful. Also, the ability to watch the lessons over and over is an excellent way to learn.”
The Patriot Art Foundation creates space specifically for veterans to explore art. What does it feel like to create alongside other veterans through Terracotta’s online platform?
“I would describe the atmosphere as calm and laid back, yet very instructive. Other participating vets have become my peers and friends. I am impacted by the way we learn from each other, and realizing that we all are on the same journey toward creating art. It feels similar to the comradeship we had in the service.”
Is there anything that has come out of your experience at the Bootcamp that has surprised you?
“What really surprised me was that I got better and progressed. I took up art as a senior. I have learned that it’s never too late to begin, and that we are all by nature artists on some level. The Patriot Art Foundation has helped me to see this. Also, it has taught me how to compose art to say what I want it to say, to let it tell its story.”
In 2019, Mary Whyte’s groundbreaking traveling exhibition of 50 watercolors called We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America opened to the public in Charleston, South Carolina. In the first six weeks alone over 22,000 people viewed the collection. The response, especially from veterans, confirmed Whyte’s belief in art’s extraordinary power to communicate and connect. And so, what began as fifty portraits turned into a national mission giving veterans a means of finding whole health through art and self expression.
If you have a heart for veterans, art and teaching, contact info@patriotartfoundation.org
Patriot Art Foundation
P.O. Box 620
Mt Pleasant, SC 29465
For more information about online classes or if your company is interested in becoming a PAF partner, please contact Patriot Art Foundation:
© 2026 Patriot Art Foundation | Non-Profit. All Rights Reserved.
Read how veteran and artist Gladys Lawrence shares her experience with Mary Whyte’s Watercolor Bootcamp and how art has impacted her life. The Mailchimp piece centers on Gladys Lawrence, her participation in the Patriot Art Foundation’s Watercolor Bootcamp, and the emotional and creative impact of art in her life.
