Lifelong desire to paint, finally doing it

Artwork by Mark Cotrupe

I fell in love with art, and especially painting when I took a humanities class in High School. I tried painting but wasn’t able to afford lessons, and got frustrated. I spent the next 50 years doing Photography instead. I kept trying to make my photos look like paintings.

Finally, when I retired just over a year ago, even though I still had to work another year, I decided to pursue painting seriously. I am in love with painting. Now that I have left the world of working for wages, I am in serious pursuit of producing great art.

These days, there are so many instructional videos available, and I consumed many of them. It made me feel like I can paint ok, and my work is ok, but I’m feeling like I am missing a solid technical background. That is why I would love to win the Old Master’s course.

Not having technical training is like learning a song on a guitar without learning about music. You will always be limited and fall short in some area. I need the information and discipline. Even if I don’t stay with a classical style in the future, the technical skills, are never outdated.

I seem to be able to produce work that other people like, and have sold my first painting, but I still end up feeling like an imposter, because I know what I don’t know.

I understand that most artists always run into doubts, but at least they have a level of technical skill. I want that confidence that I know what I’m doing. This way new challenges won’t bring into question my overall abilities, but will just be new and exciting things to try.

I am fine with being a lifelong learner, but I want to have that solid base to build on.
There seem to be many schools available to learn, but Old Masters Academy course seems to have the most classic approach. I can’t afford to attend an Atelier, or pay for OMA, so that is why I am hoping to win a scholarship. I’m 67 years old, but plan on living a long time yet. It would be so wonderful to truly live my dream of being a talented, successful artist in my lifetime.

markcotrupeartist.com