I've not been painting lately and I wish I could say why. A good friend passed away in November after a nine year valiant struggle with cancer. She was my mom's best friend and I had spent the previous couple years sitting with her on Wednesdays to allow her hubby of 61 years to get out and about. I loved the time with her and we spent each Wednesday working on knitting or crochet projects. She taught me how to crochet and I made five afghans past year as Christmas gifts for grandchildren. When she passed, it seemed that all I wanted to do was knit or crochet. Maybe a way of grieving her loss - who knows? It just seemed that I could not get into the "zone" for painting.
A few weeks ago, I attended a showing at one of the galleries here in Fort Worth and the artist talk that day of the participating artists sharing info about their process of making art. All of them work in oils. I've always been somewhat interested in oil painting but did not pursue it because I did not want to deal with the toxic fumes, etc. There are now water soluble oils that require no use of turpentine or other toxic solvents. Brushes can be cleaned with soap and water. Sooooo.....I'm diving in with private instructions beginning on Wednesday, March 20, with a very accomplished local artist, Johnny Hogue. Johnny has worked with water soluble oils for the past couple years. The main thing I need to learn from him is how to use this medium, which is so different from watercolor. Actually the exact opposite in terms of use.
I don't plan to abandon watercolor but I feel that the oils will allow me to accomplish techniques that don't work well in watercolor.
I'm very excited to get started. I ordered all the supplies on the list that Johnny gave me and they arrived yesterday. I had a great time unpacking and inspecting each item but find that I'm somewhat apprehensive to actually play with them before Wednesday. Guess I don't want to see how much of a mess I can make. Silly, huh?
So stay tuned for the new venture. And wish me luck!!
