MAN OVERBOARD!

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Somehow, being told, "this is good", on my second foray into painting, by someone that is paid, is not the strongest encouragement I could have received. Cheryl, my art instructor, is a nice lady, and maybe she was looking more at my potential than my canvas. At any rate, I took the shot and painted this masterpiece. I wonder where the unlucky recipient is going to hang it. That will teach my facebook fans not to shower me with false praise. 


Although I found this painting to be very taxing (I felt like I had run a marathon afterwards), I still enjoyed the class. There is nothing better for you than going outside your comfort zone. I was way out on this one. The fact that I don't like night scenes in artwork has a great deal to do with it. Sunny, light, airy, all are words that I like to associate with my view of art.

The whole point of this posting is to tell my readers that if you have ever, even once, wanted to paint something, then take the plunge. That brings up the question of how to get started. My situation is that Cheryl teaches art in public school and has a studio on the side. I have listed some options to try so that you can find some affordable instructions yourself.

1. Chamber of Commerce or city clerks office will know who has a business license for a studio.
2. Public libraries usually have a room for instruction of various art forms.
3. Local art and craft store will know who may be offering classes.
4. Community colleges have adult education classes that usually have art classes from time to time.
5. Your local school system art instructor may be offering courses or know someone who is.
6. Senior Centers, if you qualify, are a good source reference. The director probably knows someone even if they are not offering at the center.
7. Local newspapers, shoppers, free press, etc. are worth looking into.
8. Look on line. "Googling" is a great way to find almost anything.

I hope this information is helpful and I hope you will at least try one class. You have to try once before you can honestly say whether or not  it was worth the effort. If you are fortunate enough to find a good instructor like I have, you will get the bug and look forward to each class you attend. I am not interested in some of the subject matter that is offered at time, but it is the different skills you learn that is important.

So go find a class, pick up a brush and attack a canvas! Best of luck! 

Update: since I first posted this, I have married and moved in with my wife in Sugar Hill, Ga. One of the things that she fell in love with at my old house was this picture. Her master bath had/has a nautical theme and so she seized this canvas to go in that bathroom. I now see it everyday and smile, it brings back good memories.