Can Anyone Really Learn to Paint?

Can Anyone Really Learn to Paint?
By Gerald Scott

The honest answer is yes! I truly believe, based on my
own personal experience and from what I have seen
others do with my own two eyes, that yes, anyone can
learn to paint and to paint very well.

I have always enjoyed looking at different types of
artwork and I especially like oil and watercolor paintings.
I just find it so amazing how one can create an illusion of
reality with just a few dashes of paint here and there.
Well, I know that's rather simplistic but I think you get
the point.

I was about 33 years old when I decided to take the plunge
into the art world and learn how to do some of what I had
admired so much. I set out on a mission to find a local art
class or someone that could teach me the basics oil
painting. Believe it or not I was very difficult to find
someone that actually taught classes that would show me
how to paint and explain how and why to properly use
the tools.

I eventually gave up on finding a class and decided to see
if I could learn from one of the program I saw on PBS TV.
I had watched the Bob Ross - Joy of Painting series many
times over the years and decided. I was always quite
enchanted by Bob Ross as he gracefully stepped through
his paintings on TV. He would always say you can do this
my friend, you can do this. I guess over time I began to
take him at his word and gave it a try.

I placed an order for a Master Paint Kit
(and all the fixins).
I couldn't wait to get started, it was like waiting for
Christmas.When I received my supplies I setup my easel
and canvas with eager anticipations of completing my first
painting. I popped the VHS tape that came with the kit into
my VCR and soaked up every word. I carefully watched
every movement and every brush stroke until I was sure
I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Now I was
ready to paint.

And there I sat, staring nervously at this vast white empty
space. One day, two days, eventually almost a week went
by and I still had accomplished nothing more then just a
stare at a blank canvas.

Now I had another obstacle to overcome. Fear had set in
and I was afraid to mess-up my beautiful white canvas.
With no one to give me that little extra push or
encouragement it was very easy to allow my fear of failure
to prevent me from getting started. Finally encouragement
did come from a vary unexpected source. My wife.

Each day she would come in to see what I had done only
to be totally disappointed. Finally she said "After all the
money you spent on those paints and brushes you either
put it on the canvas or I'm putting it on your dinner
plate". Well that was enough motivation for me. A man's
gotta eat. So I started and completed my first painting.
It took me about 9 hours to complete it and I was up into
the early hours of the next morning but I was determined to
finish it.

Well, my first painting was certainly nothing to get
excited about. And let me tell you it did absolutely
nothing for my ego. But, it taught me many things.
I realized that with a little practice I could perhaps
learn how to paint certain objects such as trees, clouds
mountains and grass.Although the painting was not
very good I could see a tiny glimmer of potential.

So I decided rather then try to do a complete painting I
would just concentrate on painting individual elements
that may eventually go into a painting. Plus this way my
mistakes would be a lot smaller and easier to tolerate.
So I began to practice, practice, practice. Using both the
VHS tape and the step-by-step written instructions as a
guide, I would simply paint each element over and over
until I got the result I was happy with.

After just a few weeks I was confident enough to tackle
another painting project. This time I was totally pleased
with my results and my wife was absolute amazed.
It only took me about 2-1/2 hours to paint the same scene
that I previously spent over 9 hours to paint. At that
moment I became a firm believer that anyone given
proper encouragement and instruction can learn to
paint and paint well.

I have since gone on to become a certified instructor for
the Bob Ross method of oil painting. I have personally
seen peoples lives change and confidence and creativity
blossom as they realize their new found talents.
Yes it is true "Anyone Can Learn to Paint" and so can you.

To your success,

- Gerald Scott

Gerald Scott (CRI) has been a Certified Ross Instructor since 1991
He currently teaches numerous classes around the country each year.

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