Entering an old industrial building that had been turned into business offices and who knows what else, the birthday girl (51) pulled out a sheet of paper to follow the instructions on how to reach our destination. From the entrance to the right, then to the left, then to a wide service elevator, to the third floor and then two more turns and from the end of the hallway we already saw an open door and a host waiting for us.
It was a small photo studio with white walls and one large window. In the middle of the room stood a table with papers, paints and brushes. We, four women, sat down. The painter shared about his background and works, and then showed small paintings as examples for us.
One of us had gone to the art school for many years and loved painting for fun, so she chose lilies to paint. The others chose roundish objects like leaves, lemons and cactuses to try. The teacher explained how to start, the way to make brush strokes, the way to mix colours and then let us start.
Besides the one art experienced person, we had no clue of what we were doing and what was appearing on the page only slightly resembled the examples we had been presented. Nevertheless the paining was fun, each brush stroke accompanied with laughter.
A few times the teacher came around, adding some colour and lines to our pictures.
And somehow the pieces we had created with the touch from the teacher looked a bit like art.
Amazing. I think the key to painting in to not worry if you think you have made a mistake because it can be fixed, says one who only paints walls in the house. Learning something new and having fun while doing it is enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday together. I love the feeling of finding the studio with you- artists are so often in out-of-the-way, low rent locations. You have inspired your readers to try a little art. I was struck by the choice of easier, round shapes versus the trickier lilies- I never thought about that so clearly!
ReplyDeleteSorry, didnt mean to be anonymous. This is Fran McC.
DeleteOh, what a fun birthday! Make art with friends is always a wonderful experience! I love your work!
ReplyDeleteCelebrating a birthday through art sounds like a wonderful way to enjoy life. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful drawing shown. Art like writing is an expressive act. May you continue to use brush strokes to embellish your artistic nature, Terje.
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