Testing my artistic skills

I love, respect and support the arts. One of my resolutions this year is to work on my artistic skills. I have designated year 2013 the year to explore the arts hands on. Before I go any further, I must disclose that, other than music and dance, I am not creative and I think I have no artistic skills.

On that note, I decided to start my year doing something easy. Today I took a “Paint Your Own Pottery” class at The Artful Pottery. Sounds easy, but to me it was a big deal since I’ve never painted anything before.

I arrived to the studio a bit nervous. We were a small group of seven and I had no doubt in my mind that I would be the worst. I was surprised at how many people come to this store. There was even a group of children and adults celebrating a birthday. Now, how cool is that!  Kids and adults painting pottery followed by the Happy Birthday song and birthday cake. Sounds great to me.

First, we were supposed to pick a ceramic piece. The store carries a great variety of pieces to choose from. I decided to keep it simple, so since I love the ocean, I picked a little fish - just to get my feet wet.

After picking our ceramic piece, we were supposed to pick a design. They also had assorted stencils and a book with ideas of different designs. Next, we were supposed to pick the colors, a couple of brushes and voilá, that’s all we needed to create our masterpiece.

At the beginning my mind was blocked. I didn’t know how to start or what colors to pick. But once I started painting, it turned out to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

I guess I was not wrong. I lack skills for painting and I have no sense for combining colors. This is my “master piece” and no laughing please because I’m very proud of it.

Before

In Progress

After

You need to leave your painted pottery at the studio.  They glaze it and call you within 3 to 5 days to be picked up. I'm sure my little fish will look better after it is glazed.

I am not giving up.  This is only the beginning of interesting things I'm planning to do this year that will challenge my artsy side in different ways. So stayed tuned and come back to check how I am doing.  I hope to do better next time.

Told ya - mine was the worst.

Aha!  Something for me to keep in mind.