Art 101

So earlier this year, like three weeks ago, I mentioned how I wanted to pick up a paint brush again.

Not one for the walls, but one for canvas.

I took art classes all through high school and college and have always loved to paint and draw.

I have been a bit nervous since it has been about 17 years since I have painted and "learned" how to paint.

I have so much to relearn and so much to learn that is new.

Since I am a very visual learner, I picked up a few books and found a wonderful website that hopefully will start me on my way.

"Color Mixing Recipes" is great.  

This book shows what colors and how much of each to use to make almost any color under the sun.

"Paint Charming Seaside Scenes" is a wonderful step by step guide.   

"Jacqueline Penney's  love of the ocean is always 
present in her art, which feature sailboats, 
sandy beaches, ocean views and warm 
tropical vacations. Her award winning 
paintings include a self-portrait entitled, “Me”, 
that is in the National Association of Women 
Artist’s permanent collection housed at the 
Zimmerli Art Museum."

You can click on her name to see some of her beautiful seaside paintings.

She also has two other books that I hope to get my hands on one day as well.

She starts off by telling the reader what brushes, paints and other supplies that she uses in the book for all her lessons.

She lays out each step by telling the reader which colors to use with what brush and how to do strokes and/or techniques for that step.

Before each "lesson" she tells us what colors and what brushes/supplies she will be using for that particular lesson.

Great for me because I am be able to have what I need instead of guessing what brush or color I will need.

I don't normally guess well.

So, I lined up my supplies and jumped right in!

Learning new ways to lay out your paint.

Of course I have my little helpers.

He is doing his watercolor, the dog is apparently deep in thought or bored out of her mind. :)

After a few hours of reading, rereading, trying, retrying I finished my first lesson.

I have to say I have a LONG way to go but it was so fun and felt so good to pick up a brush again and create something,

even if it is a copy of someone else's work.

The website that I am in love with right now is Will Kemp's Art School.

He is amazing and give's both written and video tutorials and goes from beginner to advanced.

I have to tell you that I have learned so much already from him and he is so kind and always answers questions and his wonderful accent and enthusiasm for his work just makes me want to learn more.

Hopefully I will begin another lesson this week and it is good for me to take things step by step.  

I have learned a some patience (which is not easy for me sometimes) and I am ok that I am not a master artist in one week. :)

It is the journey, right?

I also wanted to welcome my new friends and THANK you so much for joining me on my crazy journey!

I am having so much fun getting to know you.