Walk, Sweat, and Paint

My friend, Cheryl, and I have known each other since we were three.  We grew up next door to each other and were neighbors until we headed off to college.  Despite many years of coloring, Lite Brite, Spirograph, and Fashion Plates as kids, we never really painted together.  Well, that has now changed! In response to my “Who wants to teach me something?” call, she offered to teach me to paint.  She had no experience teaching painting, but I had no experience being taught (elementary school doesn’t count), so we had absolutely nothing to lose!  Long story short, we had a fantastic day together!

We did not start at the easel.  We started the day with a long HOT walk.  Cheryl has been getting herself into great shape, and I tried to keep up.  We went to the Rollins Savanna forest preserve, coincidentally the same one where my son and I volunteered in the seed nursery earlier this year.    Granted, the volunteering day was cold and wet. Our walk day was very sunny and very hot! Cheryl was familiar with the paths, so, armed with our water bottles and sunscreen, we embarked on a long walk.  It was gorgeous! Did I also mention that it was hot? Since I did not know what I wanted to paint, this served as the perfect opportunity to take some photos for inspiration.

Over the course of almost two hours, we had the time to do a lot of talking which so often seems to be lacking in this day and age.  I loved having that time to reconnect. Did I mention that it was very sunny and hot? (I know; I did.) The small patches of path which happened to be shaded felt SO good.  You could certainly feel a significant temperature change between the shaded and non-shaded areas. By the end of the almost 6 mile walk, I like to say that we were nicely glistening.  Cheryl looked happy and energized; I was happy that I survived! (I may be exaggerating a bit. I generally am a good walker, but by the end, I was wiped, looked like a mess, and “glistening” A LOT!  Plus, sunscreen managed to drip its way into my eyes. Happy to say, though, that I did not burn!)

Before heading back to Cheryl’s house, we took a brief stop at an area coffee shop called Somethings Brewing.  I really liked the look of the place. Although the food menu looked good, I had no desire to eat at that time, but an icy drink was yelling my name!  I don’t remember the exact name, but I ordered myself an icy, frosty mocha mint coffee drink (without the whipped cream–damage control). Wow, did that hit the spot!  We then took a nice little drive and tour around the area and then returned to her house TO PAINT!

Cheryl got the easel, canvas, paints, and brushes set up for me, and the painting began! I chose one of my photos from the morning walk to use as the inspiration.  I really didn’t know how to start, but Cheryl guided me along the way. Of course, 80’s music was playing in the background. Was there really any better music choice for that afternoon?  (The answer is, “No.”) She gave suggestions regarding blending colors and how to apply them. I was instructed to start with the background, and I would build up from there. She reminded me (several times) to step back to look at the work; this type of art is enjoyed from a distance, not up close.   She guided me every step of the way! I received constant encouragement which really helped me enjoy what I was doing and not get frustrated. We talked, painted, took photos, texted others for good measure and fun, and enjoyed being together.

I love my final project!  I really like how it turned out, and because it was inspired by a scene on our walk, every time I look at it, I will fondly think about that entire day!  Cheryl has been warned, though, that I am now looking forward to her teaching me more! I have seen some of her artwork, and I know that she also uses a palette knife for some of her work.  I hope to write about trying that soon (hint, hint).