I don’t know how it began, really, but all of a sudden I am painting! I am horrible at drawing, so this comes as a big surprise to me how much I enjoy it and how I am getting better each day! I actually started painting a few months ago, when I discovered that I enjoyed making home decor items for our new vacation home. I bought a few small bottles of acrylic paint to color some of the things I made, and it kind of took off from there!
From the time I was teenager on, I was absolutely fascinated watching Bob Ross on TV, working his magic and painting “happy little trees”. Now, thanks to You Tube, I can find some old videos of his and try to follow along. This is easier said than done, as he is so talented and makes it look so easy. I also watched other artists and tutorials to learn techniques, blending colors, etc. I have also purchased a couple of books to inspire and teach me.
I just kind of played around at first, then one of my paintings actually looked pretty good! I really enjoy painting trees and foliage, but I have a long way to go to perfect them.
I have been using acrylics mostly so far, but last weekend I ventured into a new arena for me – oil paint. I took a couple of pictures with my phone, so I could share with you.
Here is one of my acrylic paintings:
and my first try with oil paint:
Granted, they are far from perfect, but the subjects are at least recognizable – and that is good enough for me!
Oil painting is SO different from acrylics and it is very, very messy. If you happen to stop by my house these days, you just might catch a glance of my multi-colored arms. I enjoy oils as it is much easier to blend colors to get exactly the look you are trying to achieve. Acrylic paint dries very quickly, which makes it kind of tricky. I am still learning about what to mix into acrylics to keep them from drying so fast.
Painting is so relaxing to me, and it is a great way to break up the day and step away from the computer for awhile. I can listen to music and just clear my head. It is very therapeutic!
I will be sharing my latest paintings here (only the good ones), so if you are interested in following my progress, please check back!
Have you ever tried painting (other than in kindergarten)? Do you enjoy it?
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I have ZERO artistic talent, so no, I haven’t tried it. These are great and I can’t believe the top one is your first one, that’s amazing! No wonder you love it.
Hope to see more of your paintings up soon.
I didn’t think I had talent either…it kind of snuck up on me I guess. You never know! Thanks for the compliments!
Wow, these are lovely! I often want to try painting but haven’t yet. I can’t draw either so maybe that’s why I haven’t tried! Look forward to seeing your progress
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It shocked me too lol – I can’t draw at all! Thanks for your kind words
Oh Jennifer, both pictures are absolutely GORGEOUS! I would LOVE to hang that first one in my room, I love it so much
You have found quite the talent! It’s wonderful when you find something you love and are actually good at!
I had to giggle at your Bob Ross reference-My boyfriend and I can’t pass up a Bob Ross rerun on the Create channel. We love him and his ‘Happy little trees and bushes’ Hehe!! ^.^
Awww well thank you! Gosh, I love Bob Ross. His voice is so soothing though that I almost fall asleep while watching. But it’s a good thing he is so interesting – I manage to stay awake
I’ve tried painting a couple of times and failed miserably. Those two pictures you painted are lovely.
They’re lovely, Jennifer! My husband is awesome with oil paints but it takes him a good few hours to complete a painting so he’s loathe to do so and hasn’t painted in a few years. Right now I’ve got him working on finishing building the platform addition to our deck for the hot tub we ordered
Your paintings are beautiful, I especially love your tree! I remember all of those happy little trees, I miss that show! I have never tried painting, maybe someday!
I adore Bob Ross – I DVR his shows and watching them each night. It’s SO relaxing.
I love your paintings! Painting is a favorite pastime of mine as well and yours are beautiful!
That picture is absolutley beautiful, do you sell them?
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
Thank you so much! I might start selling them – I really haven’t put much thought into it!
I hoestly think your tree picture is really good like I said on the other post a few minutes ago
I’m horrible at painting. They look really good since you are just starting. I need to find a passion to keep me busy!