Exploring the Artist Within

One of the things that I wanted to do while in California was to explore some of the world of art.  I've never taken any classes, not even in high school.  I think I feared not being "good enough" and I let that keep me from even trying.  

Debra is one of my friends that I met while here and she is an artist.  Below are some pictures taken during an art show she held at her home with some other artists.  

 Debra doesn't intimidate me at all, like some artists do.  She is humble and encouraging and puts me at ease.  She invited me to attend a two day watercolor bootcamp with her this past summer.  I was surrounded by a lot of people who had so much art experience and at times I did find myself way out of my comfort zone.  But I kept telling myself the words that Debra has encouraged me with so often, "Just have fun.  Don't focus on the product, but enjoy the process of doing art."  It was my first leap into the art world and it sparked something in me that I have kept dormant for a very long time.

I then enrolled in two online courses, one called Watercolor Lettering and the other was Colored Pencils and Birds.  I enjoyed them both, but especially the bird class.  

Below are some pictures of Debra and I "playing" with art on her patio; we're making paste paper which currently we are in the process of making into a book.

I'm so thankful that I met Debra and I look forward to exploring so much more in the vast world of art.  I'm already enrolled in three more online classes beginning in January.  The gift she gave to me will forever be with me, even if I only use it for my enjoyment, but hopefully I can share it with my grandchildren as well.  One of the first rooms that I'm going to put into order when we return to Florida is to make one of our spare bedrooms into . . . a little art studio . . . I never thought I'd say those words.