(My first ever attempt with oil paints, February 15, 2008)

"I think you could write a great memoir about becoming a painter," a friend, neighbor, and big art supporter said to me the other day. 

I noted her words: "becoming a painter." Not a phrase I've been quick to consider as a self-description. But if a painter is someone who paints, for whom painting has become a primary means of self-expression, and who can't easily imagine not painting, then I guess even I can call myself a painter. 

Another friend has recently encouraged me to think about writing "a little book--about your life and your art. An illustrated book!"

Let's just say I like this convergence of ideas from two intelligent, creative people. And it occurs to me that perhaps this blog is a place to tinker with bits and pieces of the story. Just for fun. Just to see what emerges.

When I titled my first post "Gotta start somewhere," I wasn't thinking of how I became a painter, or of writing a little illustrated book about my life and my art. I just knew that I needed and wanted to start an art blog!

But now I'm letting that title also refer to my starting point as a painter, or at least as a painter in oils. Because that's a recent story. And I even have physical evidence--a photo!--to go with it.

The above photo shows my first time ever using oil paints. It was February 15, 2008 in a continuing studies class at Maine College of Art (MECA). I was still so scared of oils (thinking they were only for "real artists" and for experts) that I hadn't even fiddled with any of the paint before that first class.

After some introductory information, we were set loose to try our hand at a still life of sorts--the set up had both real fruit and colored blocks of various shapes. Others in the class seemed much faster than me, I remember. I didn't even finish my small canvas by the time we had to clean up.

What I remember most was making those slanted ragged marks in paint on the lower margin of the painting. Simply pushing the paint around with my brush was thrilling! And far more satisfying than the not-quite-finished product would suggest.

I don't know if I'd say I was hooked on oils then and there. Perhaps not. Though I know my smitten-ness became clear to me a week later at the class's second meeting.