I started a new beginner’s class today. We will do six classes.  That gets everybody started with the basics and then they can proceed on their own or come for intermediate classes.  I have been told that many artists resist the encouragement to share their ‘secrets’. In my class I have had students tell me that I am the first teacher who was willing to share so thoroughly all the tiny things that help the artist learn.  Maybe I teach the same way I was able to learn.  I learned to paint portraits because no one told me I couldn’t do this or that, and I didn’t ask, I just did it.(Don’t get me wrong, I asked a lot of questions but no one could answer them.  Maybe I didn’t know the right questions to ask.)  I tell all my information because I am trying to help my students accomplish a successful portrait. I never have learned a programmed method and so I teach from the heart. The reason I am enjoying the teaching experience is because my students seem happy and fulfilled.  This, in turn, makes me happy and fulfilled.  I will take some photos and try to get them up for you to see.

Also, I went to the Artist Group where a bunch of us happy, crazy, silly, strange people gather for a social evening with wine and snacks.  Sometimes we challenge ourselves to a specific art project. This time we simply did a show and tell.  The types of art done in our group varies from knitting and sewing to building dioramas to glass blowing and taxidermy. I am single minded. I can hardly switch mediums, let alone use my imagination! So my show and tell was a how to of my latest portrait. I am always amazed at how excited people are to see a half finished painting.  Often my sister in law says, “Stop there!”  They do have a certain charm at this stage. Then they pass into the scary stage. And finally, they come out as pure poetry or art or whatever.  I love it.  That’s all.  Shalom, Diana

By the way, it is Sept. 11, 2016 at 9:22 in the evening, not Sept 12 at 1. 30 in the morning as this says.?????