Art Class - Day 1

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The dream has finally come true! I always wanted to take formal lessons in drawing and learn where I can improve. So I did some research in my area to find a place that would offer some classes of interest. It's then I came across a wonderful artist, Jian Wu. His work is absolute classic. He teaches at the community college and also gives private lessons. His classes were mostly at the day-time and I cannot attend that due to familial obligations. So, I contacted his studio and requested for the schedule. He gladly accepted to provide but for some reason things didn't work out at that time from my side.

Then I contacted another good artist who said she would contact me but didn't due to some personal problems. Read left this country. I kept the search open but most artists were either teaching kids only or were beyond my budget. So this year, I applied in the local community college for an affordable evening session under a TBA instructor. I had to believe how lucky I was (thank you family!) when I found out that Prof Wu is teaching this class! I thrillingly waited for the start of the class. Slowly but finally the wait was over.

For the first day of my class I sharpened my pencils and rearranged the lately untouched sketch-pad. I went to the class on time and mused over the uniqueness of attending this class. For the first time I am taking any non-Science course. And that too, in a class-room setting. Did I mention, I was thrilled! I am already loving the idea of my yet to create art-work being critiqued in coming sessions.

I had to take my little honey-bunch with me due to some impromptu situation. 'Ok, we will see what happens' - I thought. Instructor okayed her presence as long as she stayed quiet. To my surprise she not only cooperated but in fact liked the class. She curiously watched ASL interpreter who were there to help the instructor. She closely observed their hand gestures and their animated delivery. It held her attention not for long but that seemed to motivate her for more surprises in a class in 'college'. It shortly came in the form of a slide show in near dark. Soon after I knew she was eager to leave as her whispering grew louder and more frequent with every passing minute. It's sort of coincidental that she often says that she would rather go to a college than a school. We never thought she would actually do that. The class ended soon after. Little earlier than the regular time. Next time on, it will be on for its entire duration.

Before we left, we were given supplies' list and the big-picture of the overall course-work. I have most of the stuff but I might need some more as we go forward. We are encouraged to draw everyday for the rest of our days if we really want to improve. Well, I want to, so I will. I hope.