Not having any experience, and not wanting a private lesson, I found a beginners acrylic art course for retirement age folks.

So fifteen of us showed up on that first day, intimidated by the large easels and our lack of knowledge. We were promptly instructed on which end of the paint brush to hold, and we were off. The instructor, Jeanne Perry, gave us our basic lessons, based on her years of experience as a teacher (not art class), her passion for painting, and most of all a heavy dose of relaxing humor. She is a skillful instructor, and while both encouraging and critiquing, she builds enjoyment of, and confidence in, the art of painting.

I now enjoy my time spent at the easel.

There is a relaxation, a near meditative state, gained during a painting session where you get lost in the process, where you are in the flow of being completely engaged in creating. The act of having a hobby can also make you feel more balanced within lifeʼs demands. We may forget that we need and deserve ‘down timeʼ and self-care. Taking even a few minutes on a regular basis to devote to a hobby can be very rewarding.