Thursday, February 15, 2018

My 83 Year Old Mom's First Painting - Finished!

Thanks for the nice comments about my Mom Nancy's new hobby - watercolor painting. She had her second class and she finished her first project. My nephew sent a photo of the painting. Doesn't it look great? 


When I checked in with her after the class, she sounded so excited and proud of herself. She told me about the next project she would be doing, about the people in the class and about the teacher. I am so excited for her and the new things she is learning. It takes nerve at 83 to try something new. Here is my Mom Nancy with her finished painting.


So many people think they can't learn a new hobby and they just give up learning. I know that there are so many good teachers out there teaching adults of all ages. It helps people's self-esteem and health, I am sure. I think every nursing home should have some kind of art therapy program. 

My friend Robin has been learning to draw and paint and she has recorded it all on a blog which you can see here. Recently she began taking an on-line watercolor class with Liz Steel and is loving it. You might want to check it out if you too are interested. There are lots of classes on Creativebug, Craftsy, and Skillshare available for all kinds of art. They aren't expensive and many are available with an inexpensive monthly membership. Check it out if you have ever wanted to learn to paint or draw. 

Remember - you can't just think about it - you actually have to do it. Pull out the paper, the paints (or the yarn, fabric and thread) and do it. Every attempt will get better. It just takes faith and a zeal to learn, not being afraid of failure, and the will to conquer a new art. 

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Just beautiful, Kristin.....the painting and your mom!! I always wanted to learn watercolor painting. Your mom has inspired me to give it a go. Just going to finish my fair isle sweater, then pull out the canvas and paints and try something new! Thanks for the post!!

Deb W said...

Hi Kristin, I love that your mom is taking a painting class! I believe that it is good for anyone to “keep learning” .
Her happy smile is beautiful, and her first painting is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

Vera said...

This is so great! I love her painting - beautiful, as she is.

penny said...

How beautiful and wonderful. That mindset is wonderful and helpful for all of us as we age. May your mum enjoy painting in happiness and health. (convincing my 78 yo mother to simply try anything different is a challenge.)

Lee said...

Wow! That is an amazing first picture. Clearly your talent came, at least in part, from your mom.

Gerri said...

Really great to read this! Yay for your mom! I do really like the painting.

Jen H said...

So wonderful -- thank you for the reminder that we are never too old to learn something new! I took up violin lessons at 40 six years ago and love every lesson. It's good to keep the brain challenged!

Unknown said...

There's nothing like learning new skills to keep you interested in life - and isn't that the key to staying vital? Good for your mom and a lesson for us all!

Robin said...

Your mom's painting is beautiful! I hope she keeps painting. Also, thank you for the shout out and link to my blog.

Robin

Kristin Is Now Writing Over on Substack

Hi All! A quick note to let you all know that I'm now writing a Newsletter over on Substack: Kristin Nicholas' Colorful Newsletter f...