First Oil Painting

Today was a special day in my life! It's the day I finished my first oil painting.

I am so thankful for my brother-in-law, Steve, and his patient teaching that allowed me to not only understand the basics, but actually put brush to canvas and paint.

It's taken me six days to complete this small painting. And honestly, some days I didn't like it and didn't think I'd be able to finish. 

But thanks to Steve, and Claire who was also a huge encouragement, I pressed on. 

And finally today added the last highlights and finishing touches. 

Somewhere in these past six days Steve mentioned to me that the picture I chose to paint, was probably not the easiest for my first painting! Since I was working with the water's reflection, it did feel overwhelming at times. 

But when I stepped back and saw that it was good (everything in me wants to say "Good enough", but I'm not saying that!), I could put down the brush and truly be happy with what my head, eyes, hand and heart had created on that canvas.

This is definitely the fulfillment of a dream I've had for a long time of trying to paint!

Later, I signed the canvas, and I'll happily take it home as a beautiful reminder of this special time of learning to paint with oils. 

And with a reminder of a favorite place of mine that I painted.

This is the photo I used as my guide. It's the back of the cove where Dave and I stay when we are in our boat, out off the island of Lastovo. You can see I took quite a bit of artistic liberty in painting it! At one point I had a boat in the painting, but didn't like it so just covered it up! So goes painting...you can do what looks right to your eye!

This has been a truly enriching experience, trying something completely new and finding that I loved it; that I actually produced something I'm proud of, even on the first try, is even more special! 

Now I'm thinking about what to paint next! 😀