Inner Artiste

Today is my birthday, and every year I become increasingly aware of my own mortality (not to get all morbid on you). I’ve given serious thought to my bucket list, and as someone who has never shied away from seizing the day, I have found great pleasure in checking a few of those things off recently.  Writing a novel is one, so I took a novel writing class last summer and realized, wow, to write a novel, you actually just have to sit down and do it! To be continued there…

But, another has been to take an art class. Or should I say, get back into taking art classes.

When I was in middle school, I started a business making painted t-shirts and earrings out of plastic that you melted in the oven.  I had business cards and everything (it was called Illusions if you must know), and I set up shop in the utility room off our house.  Every dime I made (and it was quite a lot for an 8th grader), I spent on more art supplies. Apparently,  I was a born entrepreneur. The artist part is still in quesiton.

But, then I grew up and life got in the way, and I had to find a way to do more “sensible” things with my time. Until…

I walked by Art Works, a studio & classroom located on Larchmont just blocks from where I live. The paintbrushes in the windows taunted me, and those beautiful easels propped up all proud like dared me to come inside.

Then one day I met someone who knew the owner and invited me to class. It was fate! Sometimes we just need a little extra push to do the things we say we want to do, don’t we?

The studio itself is such a colorful, inspirational space, but our teacher Julio is why I keep coming back. He is so patient and just the kindest soul, not to mention an incredible artist himself. He never laughs at my work (just at my antics) and encourages me to push beyond what I think I can do.

Each class starts with a little background on our topic. This week, Julio took inspiration from an exhibit he saw at the Guggenheim , which then led to him seeing cats in paintings everywhere he went. It was the first time we have drawn animals in class and it was tons of fun, if not a little challenging.

Everything is provided in class…you are given a paint tray with brushes…

And a blank canvas…yikes. It’s always so scary at first!

Which is why we need wine.

So serious.

This week we also got a lesson in color, which I loved.

I started out going to class alone and then The Mister and I decided to make it a date night. What was I thinking? My husband is a professional artist. His cat though. Gahhhhh. I try not to compare my work to his.

Everyone is welcome, and everyone is at a different level (unlike the time I decided to take ballet at the best dance studio in L.A. and left with my head hung in shame). Anyway…

You usually leave feeling quite proud of yourself.

Even if you did paint a blue and pink cat!

Art Works  has lots of different classes for children as well,  so check it out! Even if you aren’t in L.A., I encourage you to find your inner artiste or try checking something off your bucket list. YOLO!!!!

Art Works. 660 N. Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004. 323-463-2562