I want to perfect my oil painting skills, especially in the style of the old masters

Artwork by Anne Sheppard

Talking about myself is not a comfortable conversation to have. It is not that I feel sorry for myself, but I often berate my self for not seeming to produce more work. I studied Art at school, Art school and college and the promptly changed track to that all familiar territory of earning a regular living.

I am 56 woman who leads a quiet life, reading, writing, gardening, sewing, cooking and a keen amateur astronomer. I have a part time retail job, with the bonus of excellent and supportive friends and family.

Art is imperative to my daily life. I find the very actions of drawing or painting to be the ultimate cohesion of hard work and relaxation. I can work on a piece at any time of the day and still have butterflies at the thought of shutting out the world and mixing the paint. Being any kind of artist or creative person can be a solitary, even lonely profession or hobby, but it is embedded in my very being, albeit in a very quiet and private way.

Artistic challenges are vital to me. I want to perfect my oil painting skills, especially in the style of the old masters. I need the objective advice and guidance of an experienced tutor.

Learning artistically, for me follows the challenge, there is always so much to learn, so much to read. Each new piece teaches me.
However I lack the focus and guidance that a Maser artist and tutor could provide. I have too many ideas, and try to do everything at once. I enjoy learning anything new and will try any method or technique. I may not succeed, but it’s trying that counts. I also have a passion for the history of art.

I am unashamedly a fan of the old masters academy, I have watched ever clip I can and read the posts of other students, who clearly have all progressed and express real happiness at the improvement in their own art and styles.

Why do I want to win ? Simply speaking from experience, Art schools do not cover enough or indeed have time for each student to explore their own personal talents. The chance to be part of a community of artists in an exchange of not only ideas but support is not to be missed. I personally like the styles of the tutors and relish the opportunity to practice and learn and eventually perfect a style that even the self critical me is satisfied with.

I can not tell people to vote for me. I can ask politely. However winning the course would enrich my quiet life and help me realise a dream. I will once again feel the confidence to enter open art exhibitions, and say I did that.