Unlike most members of the art league I did not grow up with any art experiences. I came to the art world in my retirement.  Retirement is  a new phase in life so new experiences are welcome.  My first step in this new phase was to winter in Rio Verde.  With this I was looking for new experiences. I wanted to try things I had never done before.  A new physical activity would be to learn to play golf.  A new mental challenge would be to learn the basics of drawing.

Since I had absolutely no natural ability or previous knowledge, Eddie Lopez's classes were an obvious choice.   I have surprised myself at how much I have learned moving through Eddie's designed program.  It isn't just about producing a piece.  You get a whole new perspective and appreciation for the world around us.  The color, shapes and movement in nature are fascinating.

Living all of my life in Northeastern Pennsylvania provided an abundance of natural beauty especially in my favorite season of autumn.  This year an early frost provided a spectacular foliage early enough for me to enjoy before my return to Rio Verde.  My home is a two hour drive from Philadelphia or New York City both of which  have so much to offer in terms of the arts.  I love all kinds of museums.

My art work is simply for myself.  Time flies during class and at home when working on a project.  It is amazing to finish a piece and realize how much you have learned and have enjoyed doing the work.

I encourage anyone to try something new, give art classes a try.  You never know what you can do.