30 before 30: Learn to Oil Paint

Now, I can't say that this is finished, since I feel that learning an art skill is a life long endeavor--something I've learned from my 24 years of playing the piano. But I have learned a lot since I started in January and I want to mark something off my list. :)

For most of my life, I thought that art was not for me. I thought it took a talent that I wasn't born with and so, as much as I love art, I never tried to really learn. About 8 years ago when I was on my study abroad, I took a drawing class, because I needed at least 2 classes and that one seemed better than the other. That class was the first time that I realized that I could draw something somewhat well. There were a lot of things I didn't understand and no matter how many times it was explained to me and how I tried, apparently it was never right (looked right to me though!). When it came to "figure drawing" and we were sent out to the museum to pick a statue to draw, I drew something I could be proud of.

I wasn't the only one who chose that statue (to be fair, it was probably the easiest statue to draw, so it's not surprising), and I think it's interesting that each person drew the statue differently. We unconsciously inserted our own perceptions of beauty and women (the statue is of Eve), and I think art, in a way, shows how each individual views the world, even if we are all drawing/painting/whatever the same thing.

That was a long winded introduction into my painting. I have seen myself improve these past couple of months. The way I look at the world is different; I find myself looking at colors, shadows, shapes, etc. I bought a sketchbook. After viewing a lot of different tutorials online, I have become encouraged by how positive and helpful these people are--people who believe that anyone can do art. They explain sketching things out in a way that I can follow--even simple human figures. They are teaching me different ways of interpreting the literal world into something that resembles it, but doesn't at the same time. Something that tells a story.

I know that I'm never going to be a great artist. I'm not going to be paid thousands of dollars for a painting. But I've found something that calms me, that gives me joy in creation. Creating something that I can look at, that I can give to someone else to show my love for them, that's pretty amazing.

One thing I would like to learn is how not to get messy. I watch these artists on YouTube and they may get a little paint on their hands. For me, it's like paint is just drawn to my hands the moment I open my pallet. And then I get paint all up my arm. It's a good thing I have an outfit specifically for painting, but those are also covered in paint. (There is something about the fact that you can tell that I'm right handed by where most of the paint is on my clothes. Like, if I were arrested of murder or something and the person was killed by someone left handed, these clothes would prove me innocent)

Here are some samples of my paintings:

The first painting I ever did. Still makes me laugh.
 I was trying to follow a Bob Ross video.

My second painting. It was slightly better. 

After this point, I got some advice on better paints, which made a big difference.

This is the first painting I was truly proud of.

Another attempt at mountains. Look how much better they are!

My latest (finished) painting. "Second Star to the Right"
In my sketch book I have a lot of plans for paintings
based on my favorite movies and books.