I wish I had time…

I wish I had time to..... lack of time is usually what keeps us from doing something we would love to try.  I always wanted to take some type of art course, but never seemed to have enough time to myself to do it.  This year abroad gave me the opportunity to finally do it.  I started my first course in September, every Thursday morning and it really felt like a treat.  

Held in a tiny atelier "artist's workshop" with mainly retirees who have all been taking art for several years it was nothing fancy. The ambience was authentic and I really found myself absorbed in the classes and was surprised how quickly each class flew by. The teacher, Maurice was always patient and did a great job in educating me not only in the techniques of drawing, watercolor, encre de Chine and acrylic but also in art history. 

It was a little intimidating at first given the quality of work the others ended up with, but everyone was so encouraging and ready to offer their advice on how to improve.  After a few months my work was slowly starting to improve and I enjoyed coming home and seeing the reaction from Sal and the kids.

By January, I had enrolled in another painting course and decided to try my hand at sculpting and was now busy doing my courses 3 mornings per week.  The courses were all different, with some teachers better than others, but I enjoyed the diversity and looked forward to all of them. The welcome from the teachers and other students was always warm. They seemed happy to have me there and took an interest in what I was doing. 

I realized that art is like everything else, it takes time and practice to develop and improve. For me the classes were not just about the finished product. It was a great way to be absorbed in the process and to be immersed in French. I enjoyed listening to the French music playing in the background and listening to others speak French and believe my French improved as a result. 

The courses are all finished for the summer break, my paintings and sculptures are packed up and ready to take home. I couldn't help but feel sad when it was over and feel envious when they all re registered for the fall courses. I am not sure if I will continue with art when we get back. 

Somehow I think work and schedules will get in the way and the ambience will be irreplaceable.  I will however look at my work with fondness and it serves as a great reminder of the enriching experience I had. I will certainly miss the freedom I felt doing it, when time constraints were not a factor.
  
Nancy