My husband, Mike, bought me my first canvas and oil paints in 2008. I had always wanted to try oil painting but never had the courage try. " I don't have the time, I wouldn't know where to start"
I had not taken art as a subject at school,and had been dreadful at drawing.
There beneath the tree on Christmas morning was an easel and a wooden box crammed full of little tubes of brightly coloured oil paint, an assortment of brushes and an ominous looking blank canvas. I was delighted and excited, but I spent three months or so glancing at the white canvas on a daily basis wondering how on earth to change the stark white into some sort of picture which was pleasing to my eye.
I received a beautiful blue planter crammed with brightly coloured plants with vivid green leaves for Mother's Day in March 2008 from my two amazing daughters. Right, this was it, time to take the bull by the horns and the paint brush by the handle and get started. I had something I thought I could paint at last.
To say I enjoyed myself is a bit of an understatement. I loved it. I got lost in a little world of my own. Concentrating on the colours and brush strokes meant that I wasn't subconsciously thinking ( or worrying) about anything else. Bliss.
I realized that it isn't about being good, it's about trying and enjoying. Nothing depended on the outcome, if the painting didn't come out the way I hoped or expected so what? I decided not to go to classes, I have my own ( rather basic) technique and style. I am happy with that.
I haven't had much time, or rather made time, for painting in the past year, but I know that just as you can do with any good friend, I can pick up exactly where I left off, no questions, no judgement, just enjoyment .
#oilpainting #selftaughtpainter #relaxation #therapy #paintinginoils # arttherapy
Comments