Let’s start of with this: No! This is not a painting that I found during my move of something that I painted in the 3rd grade! LOL – I painted this today, thank you very much!
Today, I think that I became even more thankful for the invention of the camera, a wonderful device that allows me to express my vision or view of the world without a brush in hand! 
I joined my friend, and fellow Tai Chi student, Deanna, to celebrate her 50th birthday. I was invited to attend the party at Painting With A Twist. A place where you can go as individual, or a group and spend 2 or 3 hours following an instructor on how to paint a certain painting, in this case, some glasses on a table, a still life.
The instructor walks you through, step by step, explaining how to do things. There were about 14 or 15 of us there and everyone’s painting looked completely different. Some were actually quite good. There were a couple of guys who decided to paint something else and those turned out pretty good, too.
As for me, it was fun. My painting, though, was so-so, but it gave me an appreciation for my camera. I had an interesting discussion with the artist that was teaching us how to paint. During the break, I thought that I should have tried to paint one of my photos. I pulled out my phone, opened up SmugWallet, and she came over to have a look. She really liked the photography and said to me: I don’t know how you do it! My photos never look good. I can paint, but I cannot take pictures. I thought that rather odd, and said so; however, they are completely different disciplines, but requiring lots of dedicated practice to become proficient. I thought – well, anyone can take a picture, which is true, but I guess that not anyone can take an image that connects with someone.
Here, in the other picture, Deanna was putting the finishing touches on her painting, by painting the bottom of the canvas – she did not paint it while it was upside down.
It was a fun time and I gained even more respect for painters!
Paul
Related Posts :
No, I'm not a painter, nor do I play one on television! :-) I've been experimenting with Phot ...
I said earlier this year that I thought that 2011 would be the year of portraits. Well, here a ...
A self portrait of sorts There are many ways in which to be humbled, or as I prefer to thin ...
Well done Paul. I’m impressed. Having tried my hand at painting myself and having a number of friends who are painters, I know a little about what it takes to make a good painting. For me though, I’ll stick to capturing light with film or a sensor rather than a canvas and a brush. No one should ever be exposed to the kind of stuff I do with a paint brush
Cedric Canard recently posted..Things are never as they seem
I think that you need to show the world your attempts. Who knows, you may have stumbled on to a new genre of art!
First of all, I have never heard of Painting with a Twist… What a great idea for a business, and apparently a franchise one. I see there is one local here, I may have to give this a try Paul. Great idea for a birthday party.
I will not make any judgements on your first Paul. Everyone starts somewhere. Do you know your first photo? I doubt anyone has seen the very first works of Van Gogh or Picasso. In fact, some period works I have seen from Picasso I would have thrown out if I found them in an attic and didn’t know otherwise.
. But you have now documented your first to the world. So don’t think of it as so-so, but as the potential for the millions it could fetch as the first work of the great painter Paul Lester. 
Mark recently posted..Accumulations of self
I’d never heard of it either, Mark until I was invited. Apparently, this is her and her husband’s second time going there. It’s a pretty cool way to get your hands ‘dirty’ and give painting a try. It was a lot easier than I thought given that the instructor was right there telling us what to do, step-by-step.
I really appreciate you mentioning some great artists along with this posting. It kind of brings up the value of the post. LOL
P.s. I noticed you didn’t sign it. For provenence sake, and the riches potentially to your kin, sign it ok?
Mark recently posted..Accumulations of self
Yeah. I’ll sign it … where’s that Sharpie???
Not bad for a first attempt, Paul. Now I’m thirsty for a tropical drink with a little umbrella in it. My own attempts at painting were not as good. At least there are some recognizable objects in yours.
ken bello recently posted..Rattlesnake Pete
That there were recognizable objects to someone else is a huge surprise. I knew what the painting was ‘supposed’ to look like, so I guess that I was close enough. I’ve yet to figure out where I’m going to hang it. Perhaps in my home office … you know, somewhere off the beaten path!
That’s not so-so, for being your first try it’s rather good! But, it is difficult, I know. I used to paint for several years, during the early 90s, when I had grown an antipathy for photography. (Yes, it’s possible).
Anyway, it’s good to see you’re enjoying life (it shows in the painting).
Ove recently posted..What’s in the rain
Paul, your painting looks great to me! My only experience with painting involves a bucket and the side of my house.
Steve Skinner recently posted..Thoughts On Being Lost