Taking Time For a Class

It has been years since I have been able to take a painting class. I decided to just wait for the right time and place after trying several painting teachers who really enjoyed painting pictures on my canvas for me.

Last week I received a fine lesson in color mixing which included clear instructions and visual checkpoints in how to create the basic apple shape and shadow. It is important to understand how to mix colors using a basic color palette.

We were working in the studio with one apple and appropriate indoor lights which placed a highlight and shadow which we could all clearly observe. A brightly colored drape was placed behind the apple and another colored cloth was on the table underneath the apple.

One of the first steps was color mixing. We had only primary colors available. Those were red, yellow, and blue. I was interested in seeing all the shades of green which were available to me as I added a few dabs of blue to the yellow. Stirring it with my palette knife then proceeding to mix a color from the one I thought was the closest color. I came up with several shades of green including a light, medium, and dark green. This gave me plenty of options to capture the light and shadows occurring on the surface of the apple. Now one thing which took me longer to learn was to actually be able to see the color not guess it. Another insight learned was the reaction to the eye in seeing certain colors placed side by side on the canvas.

These simple exercises took focus. For a couple of hours I was mesmerized by new information about shape, design, color and interest in my new subject. Yes, apples aren't just for eating. Sweet , sour, and crisp did not count right now. Until today, apples were in a category of taste and cooking preferences.

It was an entirely new activity to consider color, relative size, and placement of apples in a picture! This new placement and subject matter came under the heading of design. What was I going to do besides just trying to reproduce a replica of the apple on the table. Each painter in our class looked upon the scene with a varied angle, size, and placement of the apple on their canvas. This is where a simple sketch done by the artist using a pencil or light line of color is helpful. My picture was my interpretation of the subject. Next to me stood an artist who played with using several apples placed on the tablecloth overlapping one another and thus shadowing one another. This was more advanced and I wasn't ready to translate all of that information into my picture just yet.

Sounds simple? It was a challenge and took all of my attention. I enjoyed the two hour class and quickly forgot all about my work concerns as a Care Giver. Driving home I realized that my class was a total refreshment of heart and soul to become so absorbed in the reproduction of a simple apple.

I encourage you to pursue your artistic interests and to go with the flow in regards to availability of opportunities in your own community. Remember to enjoy the simple things in life and be aware of the beauty around us.

When trying to repeat this study at home later in the week I found that there were all kinds of variations of background, lighting including either artificial lamps, or natural daylight . Natural daylight changed little by little by the hour. This was too challenging to me . So I decided to set up my own still life and make sure nobody touched it until I was finished. This included artificial light mostly with very little natural light entering into the scene.

I recommend you assemble some brushes appropriate to your choice of paint type. Buying a beginners set of small tubes of paint is very helpful. Sometimes it will include a color mixing palette which is so necessary. I prefer to use the glossy palette paper which you can dispose of instead of clean up after your painting session is complete. If you find yourself watching your budget be sure to take advantage of M.. the great craft store which will even send you regular email discount coupons for almost half off your purchase price of one supply item. This will save you money and enable you to get started once you assemble your basics

Yes, It has been years since I have been able to take a painting class. Finding one close to home was such a delight!

When we can become inspiration for one another to pursue our art experiences then the circle is completed. Making an ever larger circle of new insights and techniques as well as observations is beneficial to all of us. I appreciate the many opportunities here and across the world for art expression and yes even sales. Be sure to allow your children to experiment with their artistic interests at a young age. My mother allowed me to play at art from the time I was four years old. What a perfect gift!

Be sure to read the article below which has wonderful pictures and text all about Plein Air Painting!

Even if you just have time for a short workshop to introduce you to a particular type of art that is of great benefit.

If you are busy but wanting to take a little time for yourself to refresh and explore new ideas the a workshop may be just what you need. It may open a whole new world for you or show that you prefer to just read about a particular craft rather than invest in materials and equipment.

The arts open our souls to the value of unique and original ideas. They help is explore our inner desire to experiment with color, texture, sketching and even assembly. I enjoyed working with clay as a high school student. It allowed me to see how I could easily construct an object surrounded with direction and provided tools and equipment.

I encourage you to look for a local class or workshop soon.