When I first started painting I wanted to stop everything and go back to school. The amusing thing is that, after many years of part time studying and class taking, I was just completing a masters degree . . . in a whole different area (“Leadership!”). But no matter, art had hit, and as Vincent Van Gogh once wrote to brother Theo, “Art rather takes over.”
But, I was still mega-involved in my full life. I hardly had time to paint, much less go back to school. Nor, for the moment, could I even find a class in any local community college that fit my schedule or interest or my particular level. So, what to do?
Then I remembered the library.
Of course. The library! Thank you Ben Franklin for thinking of it. And thank you county elders for putting one in my town.
Actually they’re easy places to get lost in, forests of every tree imaginable and engrossing paths between with fellow discoverers quietly probing or whispering. Full of wonder.
For books on art I just look for the oversize section, with pictures.
Besides the historical stuff, there’s plenty for beginners. At first I just needed to know what color to make a shadow. “Blue,” I learned. (That’s simplistic, shadow color being complex physics; but it got me started.)
Besides the introductory sources, I also checked out books on the masters. Why not be inspired by those at the same time?
The beautiful thing about books is that everything that’s been learned is in them. AND it’s generally EXPERTS who are writing them. These are the people to learn from . . . not just anybody, the ones who have something to say! Why not take advantage?
Furthermore, with a book, you can skip around, searching out the answer to your specific question. It’s a great way to take charge of your own education!
So, it was another discovery of how to learn anything new, mid-life, in the midst of a full schedule and with no classes available anyway.
Nor does this even consider the availability of Internet and the endless availability of material, including free demonstrations by artists of every level. It’s all knowledge free for the taking.
So, get out your library card and open your brain. It’s free. And it’s fun.
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Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:54 am
Agree! I loved the library when I was young. It was like everyone was on an even playing field there sharing the common bond of curiosity. At an early age, I was submerged in the wonder of the “primary” section with thin, attainable reads. In 4th grade, it was all about “The Boys’ Book of Snakes” and other reptile books by Raymond L. Ditmar. And on through middle school with the Jack London books, and the reading of my first “real” novels, Kidnapped and Silas Marner. No wonder I ended up majoring in English Lit at UCSD. Even that library was a sanctuary for me! The internet I appreciate, for sure, but there’s something about the virtual library setting. Where’s my card? I’m going!
1:17 pm
As a retired public librarian, I applaud you for highlighting libraries and books! In this Internet age, there is still a place for a community learning/reading space, and the local library is it!
5:31 pm
Yeah – I have always loved books whether library generated or bookstore bought! I almost have more own art library so may have to add a library to my house!!
I wanted to take art but was working during the day, so at age 40, I worked by day and went to school in the evening to take one class a semester to get a degree in art. That is a decision I have never regretted despite the difficult schedule – but at an earlier age, a body does what it wants to do!!!
I do love your approach to art and life too.
4:26 pm
I am agreed my friend, books open uncharted worlds to us! And they do it at our own pace, level of appetite and time we have to give toward whatever it is we are studying! The written word is definitely a friend of mine, in every area I have interest in! And is also a great thing to socialize over, as is demonstrated by the 10+ years my book club has met to discuss the books we read together! LOVE to read…including your blogs!
Blessings this Christmas to you and yours Hyatt!
10:46 pm
Hyatt, I think what struck me about this blog is that I never thought of using the library to learn about how to paint or draw or get help with my art questions. WOW! That was an eye opener but then you are always opening my eyes! Thank you again…. A very great, applicable idea and course of action. Gosh. Best! Lisa