Never stop learning - Art classes for adults
Most children naturally gravitate toward drawing, painting, and creative activities. They explore freely, unafraid of making “mistakes”, and find joy in the process. But somewhere along the way, many adults stop creating. We convince ourselves we’re not “talented”, and that art is best left to the gifted people. The truth is, like any skill, drawing and painting can be learned and improved with practice.
Taking an art class as an adult isn’t just about learning to draw or paint a bowl of fruit. It’s about giving yourself permission to explore and to reconnect with the creative curiosity you once had. It’s also a powerful way to slow down, relieve stress, and develop a new way of seeing the world. Learning to draw is like learning a new language. You’re learning to translate the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. It takes time and practice, but it’s a rewarding and enjoyable process.
Everyone has to start somewhere! Beginner skills will vary depending on each person’s innate observational and technical abilities. An apple might seem like an easy object to draw, but there’s lot more to consider than meets the eye. What seems simple can be surprisingly complex and that’s where the learning begins. The above drawing was done by a student in the Drawing & Painting for Beginners Class.
My art classes offer more than just technique. They offer perspective, confidence, and a space to grow. It’s never too late to make art a part of your life! Check out my art classes here.
The above images are oil paintings from my Oil Painting Class. The skill level is beginner to intermediate.
“Greatness isn’t born. It’s grown.”
Holiday Special
This is the story behind my Holiday Special Hershey Kiss paintings. It all started just before the presidential election. During one of my routine grocery shopping trips, I noticed something that caught my eye: Hershey Kisses wrapped in two patriotic foil designs: one in red and white stripes and the other in blue with white stars. The label that usually says “kisses” displayed “USA!”. Inspired, I decided to paint a small series of three alla prima paintings and release them prior and on election day.
Election Special Series 2024
In the past years I noticed that lots of galleries do a small works show before the holidays offering smaller and affordably priced artwork. After the success of my Election Specials, I wanted to expand this idea into a Holiday Special series. Hershey kisses come in a lot of different fun designs. I bought several bags of kisses and got to work. Each painting in the series became a delightful exploration of color, texture, and light. Seasonal patterns like candy canes, the Grinch, Santa Hat, Hot Cocoa made this a lot of fun. The response to this series has been heartwarming. It was interesting to see who connected with a particular piece.
As we approach the holiday season, I’m thrilled to share that most of these paintings have found a home. However, I still have some available. If you’re looking for a unique gift this season, consider one these Hershey Kiss paintings. They’re the perfect piece to start collecting original art and skipping the mass produced, while supporting a small business. Get yours while supply lasts. I’m not planning to paint more of these in the foreseeable future. These small paintings are each 6x6” on a cradled panel and are affordably priced. Send me an email at dorapatinart@gmail.com
Holiday Special Series 2024
Update: All of the above paintings have sold.
Paint The Town
Since 2019 I’ve participated in the Paint The Town Art Show which takes place annually on Labor Day Weekend in Kensington, Montgomery County, Maryland. In the past decades it became one of the area’s largest art shows showcasing about 500 original art of nearly 200 local artists. It’s a juried art show and the juror awards every category with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize and Honorable Mentions. The Best in Show award is called the Bertha Clum award.
Paint The Town Art Show 2023, Kensington Town Hall/Armory, MD
Bertha Clum (1900-1987) was an artist and a lifelong Kensington resident. She had the idea of an art show that became known as Paint The Town. It is an annual tradition and is organized by the Montgomery Art Association (MAA). The exhibition takes place in the Kensington Town Hall, also called Armory, a wonderful space for a large exhibition lent by the Town of Kensington. There are several categories of art such as Kensington, Portrait, Animals, Still Life, Landscape, Abstract, and 3D. The Kensington category used to be mandatory to enter the show. Every artist had to present a work of art depicting Kensington. Although this category isn’t mandatory any more, the show’s main prize - the Bertha Clum Award is given in the “Kensington” category. In 2022, I had the honor to receive this award from judge Lenny Campello with my trompe l’oeil painting “Historia Eat Magistra Vitae”.
I received the Bertha Clum Award for my painting “Historia Est Magistra Vitae” at the Paint The Town Art Show in 2022, Kensington MD. Photo by Arindam Dasgupta.
The MAA hosts one art demonstration per day for the duration of the show, which is from Saturday to Monday. This year I had the opportunity to demo my painting process. It was great to share tips and techniques with everyone who came to my demo. I really enjoyed connecting with you. If you missed it and would like to reach out or receive my newsletter, go to “Mailing List” and subscribe.
Demo at the Paint The Town Art Show 2023, Kensington MD. Photo by Andrea Lachter Burkom.
Summer, Lemon, Lemonade
About a year ago I painted a still life of making lemonade. I set up my objects to create a narrative. The obvious meaning is the gradual change, transformation as the lemons, first full, then cut in half, then squeezed, and lastly mixed with water and honey become something different. This painting was inspired by this lovely homemade drink of my childhood and my own children slowly growing up, changing and becoming more and more independent. In this painting the 3 lemons represent my 3 children. First, there is the knife which in my interpretation symbolizes the cutting of the umbilical cord. It is the first separation of mother and child, that will gradually grow and becomes complete when the kids are leaving the “nest” and become independent. My oldest child is turning 17 this year and the thought of him leaving is already filling me with anxiety. Painting about this subject definitely helps me process the feeling. Would you have guessed any of the above just by looking at the painting?
Daffodils
The Revenant, oil on 12” tondo, 2023 (SOLD)
I love painting flowers. I especially love daffodils. These perennials start to pop up everywhere in February signaling that the end of winter is coming soon. They are like stars descended from the sky, shining bright yellow or white in the dead winter scape. They are metaphors of rebirth and hope. I promised myself to paint at least one daffodil painting every year.
This painting is the start of a new series of alla prima flower paintings. Life can change in a heartbeat. Flowers are delicate just like life. They change so fast and painting them in one sitting makes sense as they won’t look the same the next day.