My intention is to share my thoughts and discoveries about painting that are relevant to my art journey. I started painting in Feb. 2008 after drawing with a close friend for a few months. Even though I was drawing without any formal instruction, and not very well, I had the good fortune and dumb luck to take advantage of a community program for adult education that sadly has since been discontinued. I signed up for beginning oil painting lessons. If I hadn't done that I know I would have given up painting before long. My first instructor was wonderful and showed me absolutely everything I needed to know to get off on the right foot. I had no experience, but also no bad habits. My best advice to anyone who wants to learn to paint is to find a good instructor from the beginning, follow advice, take notes and read recommended books. Over and over again.
My last art class had been in the 9th grade. My career was in medicine and I never took time out for art. As my husband of 40 years exclaimed, once he realized how passionate I was about painting, "You never even doodled!" My mother has been gone for many years now. She was a painter herself and a good one though not prolific. We never painted together and I wish I could tell her that I do now. Most parents are happy when a child gets into medical school, but she was sad, realizing that I would abandon art- the career she had in mind for me. Things work out for a reason. I would have starved as a career artist. Now that I am retired I get to paint all I want and I love it.
So for my first blog post, I will include a sample of my artistic prowess in the 3rd grade. It depicts my favorite subject- lunch. (I didn't like grade school very much.) My mother thought I was a genius when she saw this, as mothers tend to do, and it was still in her home when she died.
Got to love the blue hair!
You've got a "follower" now, Colleen! Good for you starting your own blog. And great advice for those thinking of starting to paint or draw.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave- now I'm not so lonesome!
DeleteFeeling a little Forrest Gumpy right now. I can't find how to follow. :-)
DeleteOh that is funny! I was so Forrest Gump just setting this up, and if you had been a fly on the wall you would have laughed. Just to digress, you were the first person I knew who asked me if I had email. It totally through me for a loop, not really understanding what that was.... so a bit of history. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and hit the Post Comments (Atom) and I think that will subscribe you. Or not- LOL!
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ReplyDeleteIt's very nice to read about your journey! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteLooks like a good start! I will check back to see how it goes. Happy writing and painting!
ReplyDeletehad trouble following the directions above. I'm sure it's me and not you though....!
ReplyDeleteVery excited for you! I have long admired your diligence and dedication- not to mention your beautiful work. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laurie! Can't wait to see you in your new gallery!
DeleteHi Colleen, I saw your painting on DPW and here I am. It's a new blog, but you've written some really interesting (and informative) posts already. You have another follower:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading Nancy!
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