Some of my students are learning to paint later in life. They were interested in art early on, but partners, careers, kids, health got in the way, and they had to put it aside. Now that the kids are grown and they've saved enough to retire, they can spend their free time creating.
One of these students recently expressed regret that it had taken her this long to get going. Time feels fleeting. Is there enough of it left? Will her skills ever catch up to her vision?
It took me about fifteen years to achieve what I consider mastery (for myself). I mean, I had some training in high school and college, and on-the-job practice at Disney, but I put off taking formal painting classes until I was 38. It took me that long to become teachable.
One of many studies in figure drawing classes--building my chops!
Part of it was arrogance. I'd already been making a living as an artist for 17 years. Why did I need to take classes like a beginner?
Mostly, it was fear. I was afraid to admit how much I didn't know. If people found out, maybe they'd clue in to the fact that I had no idea what I was doing. So, imposter syndrome played a part.
I'd never received formal training in commercial art. My college education taught me how to think critically about art, not how to draw and paint. So, I'd scrapped together a career by teaching myself, finding mentors, grabbing up whatever tips my colleagues could give me. I kept my own painting separate from the commercial work so I could protect it from other people's opinions. I felt like I had everything I needed, and it didn't make sense to start over with my training. I didn't want to undo what I'd built.
An early figure study at Cheryl Kline's academy
But when I finally did take a drawing class—with Steve Huston—it transformed my work. Suddenly, I could see what I'd been missing. A great hunger woke up in side me. I took whatever workshops Steve taught. I joined the California Art Club, attended classes at realist academies in LA, and learned from teachers at the Animators' Union. There was something useful in every class. Even the most boring workshop—watching Stephen Assael paint for two days—gave me the key color I use to this day: transparent oxide red by Rembrandt. That was worth the $400 investment!
Two years ago, I attended Joseph Q. Daily's workshop in Atlanta, and my mind was blown yet again. How did I not know that shadow edges are blurrier as they get farther away from the source object? And that reflected light is not just about temperature, but includes the color of the reflecting plane?
Another early figure study from the aughts
There are so many subtleties to painting. It starts with drawing well (something I resisted for years). Even then, there's no end to what we can observe and translate into paint.
Because it's about seeing. The artist sees the world differently. After a workshop, I have to be careful driving home—because I'm so busy analyzing shapes and colors, it's hard to concentrate on the road.
That's what I teach: how to see. That's what I learned from waiting so long to become teachable: we can practice drawing for years and never get the secret until someone shows it to us. I'm a big fan of teachers and guides. I've had many in my life (and still do).
And it's never too late to start…
A quick portrait study for a recent workshop I taught (there's never enough time to finish these things, but they show progress).
Art Heals
If you're going to choose classical oil painting, then knowing the rules of the medium are essential. I don't always follow that path myself, but I appreciate those who do. Joseph Q. Daily is one of those who has a uniquely sensitive eye, and works very hard at bringing his subjects to life. He's also a generous and kind teacher. I look forward to seeing how his work evolves as he ages.
Joseph Q. Daily's portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for the Kirby Civil Rights Center at Lafayette College
With love and light,
Maggie
PS Whenever you’re ready to start working with me, here are three ways:
1. Want to learn the basics of drawing and find your unique voice, without pressure or doubt? Sign up for my next 6-week online workshop, "Draw Like You Mean It." Lessons include weekly office hours and one-on-one guidance from me.
2. Already comfortable with drawing? The follow-up 6-week online workshop is "Take a Piece from Start to Finish." You'll get to develop a piece of your own to maturity.
3. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation and I’ll ask you the single most important question to help you become the artist you’ve always wanted to be.
