painting is just another way of keeping a diary- pablo picasso

I started taking painting classes last week! I attend Thursday nights for a few hours and I am learning the art of oil paints. I LOVE IT! It really is so much fun even though it is very time consuming. Now that I am seeing all that oils can do, I don't think I will ever go back to acrylics.


Here is the painting I am working on. 
This is after the first 3 hour class.



And here is the painting from tonight's three hour class:



It is starting to look more life-like now! I can't wait till next week when I can work on the grapes and the pear. As pretty as yellow ochre and burnt sienna are.... I am totally sick of those colors!


The class is really fun, and everyone is at different levels which is nice. There are people around me who are working on their 3rd and 4th painting, and there is another man working on his first painting like I am, but he has more color on his. Its a nice reference to walk around and see the techniques everyone else is using. The instructor makes her way around to everyone, to show them how to do some things, offer suggestions and help get the creative juices flowing. It is pretty relaxed and pressure-free. I don't mind if I make mistakes because I know nobody is judging. Also, my class is more than half filled with men, so its gets a little rowdy and pretty hilarious. I love it!


If anyone wants a good time on Thursday nights, come with me sometime!