OIL PAINTING AND THE EAGER AMATEURS

Since word about this popular oil painting class has spread widely, the enrollment has maxed out. We are now up to 28 student artists according to the last figure, and not a space remains for another. No wonder, really. Most good "Mature Learning" classes draw a number of enthusiastic learners, but when the subject and the instructor are both exceptional, well, call it the the grapevine, or jungle drums, or just plain gossip. Word does get around. Fact is, more folk want into this group every term than there are places to fill.

Skills range from the somewhat experienced painter to the raw tyro. No matter, because the class spirit happily accommodates both sort. Everyone is encouraging and helpful and quick to lend supplies, favorite hints, generous complements, and even snacks. Sometime in each session, each budding artist will quietly move around the room for a stretch, a look-see, and a bit of visiting. We are a mixed lot of folk, with a varied set of backgrounds, and a and an equally wide variety of styles and goals in our own paintings. Still it is fun to compare and to see the progress others are making in a single painting or in a series of art works.

Without doubt, the draw and loyalty of this class centers around the guru who guides and cajoles and pushes us to our best. An accomplished artist in oils himself, Stan is a master of color, knowing from experience and intuition (and perhaps a little black magic) which tube colors to combine in what ratios to create exactly the shade or tint needed for the picture in progress. He will advise or he will "sit in", as above, to demonstrate how to distance the background, control the apparent light in a picture, create the impression of great detail in a few carefully woven strokes. He is astoundingly versatile in working with such a range of amateurs. It is always a joy to learn under a talented, informed, gentle, and stimulating instructor. No wonder Stan's class is packed. No wonder everyone is eager for their turn to receive a couple of minutes of his time during the three hour session. No wonder we all are eager to sign up for each new semester.