Nothing I say could give a true picture of the man who  was Bill Paxton.  Botanist, artist, adventurer, poet, humorist, friend.  There is so much more to him.  I only became acquainted with him a few years ago.  I long to know more.  During our first conversation he talked to me about dancing, dancing with his wife. Of course we talked about art and he encouraged me.  He scolded me for not taking his favorable critique of my work as strongly as I should have. We talked about butterflies and picking up road kill and grape vines and wild roaming stands of milkweed and all his myriad of interests. He wrote the most winding, twisting, fun, interesting poetry and it usually made us laugh.  Our group of artists always hung on the edge of our seats, quietly waiting to see if he would show up.  It wouldn’t be as much fun if he was late, or, dread, maybe not make it because of another engagement, teaching or what ever.  Busy, busy, busy.  I saw him a week ago.  He died this morning.  Earth Day.  He left a big empty space.

I want to tell you all about the wonderful experience I have had with my portrait painting class.  Originally I had arrangements made to teach with a local art group but the class never came about for a few reasons.  Several people who were very eager to do this called me a number of times to ask when and where I might be teaching. Eventually I made the decision to set up the class myself.  By the time we were getting started there were six people who were driving as far as forty five minutes to get here.  Each student was very serious and dedicated.  All of them were sure they would never be able to accomplish much but they all had determination and talent.  Now I have two others who would like to begin at the beginning as the others did.  I would like to have at least two more students before I set up a schedule.  The class is so intense that I just don’t think I can put that much energy into it if I am doing it two here and two there.  Let me tell you a little more.

I will be telling you about all the things I learned over the past years by observation and trial and error.  I want to impart the things that I have learned so that it won’t take you as many years as it took me and also so that you will see impressive results that will encourage you to continue in this endeavor.  The beginner class will use a photo reference that I will supply because it embodies many things that I will teach you to look for when you are choosing your next project.  I will be teaching my methods.  You will not necessarily come away with a finished product.  We will work for six consecutive weeks if possible and if the class decides to do another six weeks, then we will set that up.  Once you have watched and tried each of the steps in this process, you will have the information to apply these techniques in your next project.  The students I have in class right now are so enthusiastic that I come away from the experience exhilarated and encouraged as well.  They tell me they never could have believed they could do what they are doing and they are amazed that they never learned any process like this in the differing levels of art education they have between them.

It is a joy to work with them, and truly, we do work.  The social aspect is there because they are friendly and willing to help and encourage each other.  But we begin promptly at two and try to finish up between four and four thirty.  Sunday afternoon is my day for teaching and it has worked well for everyone.  You will find my contact info on my home page.  I will enjoy meeting you and sharing as much as possible with you..  Shalom, Diana