I have meandered from hobby to hobby throughout my lifetime. From scrapbooking, baking, card making, gel printing, decoupaging, etc.; name it, I’ve given it a try. I’m a late bloomer, and I’ve finally found something that literally consumes my dreams, thoughts, and days–in my 60s.
I’ve discovered painting. Because of the assumption I lacked natural talent, art classes weren’t a priority in school. I’m still not talented, but learning techniques from other artists gives me the confidence to at least try. I went to a sip and paint class a couple of years ago, but I didn’t enjoy the group setting. A couple months ago, I ran across a mail-order paint and sip site, Painting to Gogh. Select a painting, and they send all the supplies and a link to a tutorial. The price was reasonable, so why not give it a try? The first painting I did was a lighthouse. It was so easy to follow the directions. When I was done, it actually LOOKED like a lighthouse, albeit a kindergarten-style, beginning-painter lighthouse.
I was hooked. Next was a mother/daughter silhouette painting. Afterwards, an angel and a painting of the famous bean for my daughter who was moving to Chicago. I’ve since done flowers, a bird’s nest, a winter barn scene, a desert landscape, an office shelf, etc. They are all absolutely imperfect, perspective-challenged, and look nothing like the original artist’s rendition. They are quirky and off-kilter, just like ME!
I love doing these tutorials and take a tidbit of knowledge from each and every one. I start in the morning and work on it all day. The time passes and I hardly notice. My mind is so relaxed and calm and concentrated on the beautiful colors while learning how to mix them together to make something pretty. It feels awesome when someone says they want the painting when I’m done, too–even if it’s only people who love me.
After doing the Painting to Gogh tutorials and learning enough to make my paintings slightly different with a touch of my own creativity, I’ve fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole in painting tips, tricks, and tutorials. I ran across Michelle the Painter, and have done a couple of her in-depth and slightly advanced tutorials. She’s extremely talented and does beautiful work. When I’m done with one of hers, some of them look like something and others not so much. I certainly learn with each and every one. If they don’t turn out, I simply paint over the canvas and start over. It’s so satisfying.
As I learn new things, my own original ideas for paintings run through my head all the time. I’ve experimented with a few and will keep trying to find my own creative voice and style. Meanwhile, I love learning from the many talented artists out there.
Have you found something so consuming in a good way? A hobby or activity you never dreamed you would do?
This old girl is enjoying learning new tricks!
