I'm about half way through my semester at the University, and my painting class celebrated by hanging our first completed class painting on the wall in the hallway. Most of us had never painted in this particular style of glazing layer upon layer of oil paint to achieve a very smooth finish. Though none of us may look back at this painting as one of our best ever, I thought they turned out pretty great. But the real excitement was in the learning. I feel like I've added some new tools to my tool kit and thereby enhanced my competence as an artist.
Next, we're painting alla prima using a still life set the instructor created for us. I can look forward to another great learning experience, if not a masterpiece.
Meanwhile, I'm also taking a Saturday class on painting abstracts with acrylics. I wondered if I was overloading myself, but I'm finding the shift between mediums, styles, and subjects is good mental exercise, and I'm loving the challenge.
As I take both classes, I realize there are gaps in my knowledge - color theory, for example - so I've checked a bunch of books out of the library for study. Whether I'm learning from books, from instruction, or just by experiential doing, I couldn't be happier.
I'm posting my painting, "The ABCs of Life Balance" (from my painting class) in the Daily Art album.