Because every day is a good day when you paint

Many years ago, fresh out of Graphic Design school, I got a job that I didn't realize I was going to hate when I got it.  Lets just say that a little grey cube, a computer, and boredom are not a combination my restless, artistic soul can handle very well.  Throw a little corporate attitude on top of that and Natalie only lasts a year at a job.  It's experiences like these, however, that make us all realize what it is we don't want to do, which therefore helps us realize what we do want to do.  I've been a decorative artist ever since I left that job, and although its been many a struggle, I've loved what I do for a living and am grateful that I had that job to lead me to this one.  What a great stepping stone in my life that was. That job was also where I met one of my favorite friends, Mike Callahan. Seven years later, I still talk to him weekly and find his opinions helpful and his accomplishments as an artist inspiring. 
 
Mike paints beautiful landscapes in oils and has recently realized a dream of his own and opened a studio here in Reno.  He had graciously allowed me to take a class with him and been patient with this flaky artist as I've missed several classes due to my ..........oh look a squirrel!  

This class happens to be a landscape class and meets weekly.  I think I've actually made it to only half the classes and I had to reflect as to why I had such a poor record of attending.  I think that some of it may be that I paint ALL the time and after a long day, week, month of painting, it's a little difficult to make myself go to a painting class.  After much thought, however,  I realized that it's my lack of confidence and concern for producing something so terrible that I'd be embarrassed.  Now mind you, I paint for a living!  You see, I've never really dabbled in oil paint and I think I've been afraid that oils were too good for me.  Let me tell you though, that after attending class with Mike, I'm feeling so confident.  Once I got the feel for how the paint behaves, (it's so different than acrylics) I'm really excited about finishing my Lake Tahoe painting.

During the three hour class, there is ample painting time. On our last class Mike took about ten minutes to give us a very enlightening demonstration on painting water, what gets reflected and how rocks and such can be indicated below the water. (Mike has a great knack for painting water. Check out his fabulous Lake Tahoe paintings here.) What I thought was a very intimidating subject became suddenly simple.  I'm really thrilled with what I'm learning and I can't wait to share it with you when I'm finished.   I'm thrilled that I'm finally getting to paint something that is just for me, it actually makes me enjoy painting that much more!

If you live in Reno and have any interest in painting, please give High Sierra Art Academy a look.  It's a very relaxed atmosphere with a great instructor who's not only knowledgeable, but pretty entertaining too.

Ok, ok, here's my painting so far, mind you I painted all the water in one three hour session.  It's not completely finished yet, but I'm confident that I'm on the right track.