Happy Trees

I'm taking a painting class this semester at CPCC. I've decided that to accomplish anything in painting, I need a little structure. I considered renting a studio space, but that proved to be fairly expensive. For awhile, I even considered using the retail space that I bought as an investment a couple years ago. Considering the fact that the rates that I can charge in NoDa, continue to go up, that didn't seem to be the right decision either. I finally decided that the better route would be to take a class at the local community college. That way, I'd have some instruction, a place to work, and some people to relate to. Somehow I'm an extrovert stuck in an introvert's body. I really enjoy people. I didn't expect much going into it but there are some really talented folks in that class and it's been so much fun. It's very relaxing being creative in a setting where there are no deadlines. I go there every tuesday and thursday after my high-stress design job at Lucquire George Andrews Advertising. It's a nice change. My buddies in the class so far have been "The Kim," this crazy cool art chick with a great sense of style that loves to read and is working on a "question of the day" podcast. The other is Dustin, who is a student by day and an indie rocker by night. We all just chill and ask each other "would you rather" questions. An example might be, Would you rather be Hans Solo, Indiana Jones, or Jack Ryan, and why? You can get to know someone pretty quickly that way. The ages range from 19 to 60 so it's a pretty eclectic group. Good times. I'm currently working on my first oil painting, which is turning out pretty well. I'll be sure to post a pic of it soon. For now, I've pulled out some of the old acrylic paintings that I still have around. My best one to date resides in my parents house, but these will do for now. More to come.