This month marks a birthday for me. (Right on!) It also marks another anniversary, one that makes me very, very happy.
Three years ago this month, my friend Gwendlyn gave me a unique birthday gift: she took me to a painting class. She’s an accomplished artist. A professional. Several times, she had asked if I wanted to go to painting class with her. I had always politely refused, as I was in awe of Gwendlyn’s amazing talent. Being in awe of her meant I was also intimidated. I just didn’t think I could paint beside her, since I didn’t know one end of a brush from the other. But hey, it was my birthday. It was a gift. I politely accepted.
That first class was, well, wonderful. It was so beautiful to be in that creative environment with all the other students. I was the only true beginner, but it didn’t matter. Gwendlyn did indeed paint beside me. And I enjoyed her company to no end. Watching her paint was super cool, too. Whereas I was in need of the teacher’s instruction each time he came around, Gwendlyn just painted on. She basically used the joint as studio space. It felt right somehow. At the end of that first class, here’s what I had accomplished:
Doesn’t look like much, does it? And yet, it became the painting at the top of this post. My first painting.
That first work was a copy of some artist’s original. I went on to do 2 more copies, all in the name of learning. But I longed to work on my own paintings. I had ideas I wanted to see come to life. Whether or not I was ready doesn’t matter now. My teacher allowed me to stretch and try. He still allows me to grow. And he encourages me all the way.
I’ve finished more paintings than I know what to do with. I’ve given a couple as gifts. All my walls are covered and several canvases lean against each other in stacks. Lord willing, the collection will only grow.
When someone asks which painting is my favorite, my answer is usually influenced by whatever I finished last. But that first painting still holds a special place in my heart. It still hangs in a place of prominence. And it still reminds me to celebrate the joy of having discovered a beautiful hobby. Gwendlyn – I salute you. And I thank you. Sincerely.