On June 13th I finally got to enjoy my last Christmas present, a painting workshop at Cedar Valley in West Bend, WI. My mom and I drove to the retreat early that morning. We spent all day learning to make a seascape in the style of Bob Ross, breaking only for lunch. Even though, my painting turned out nothing like the sample or like anyone else in the class for that matter, I enjoyed the day immensely. It was a treat to spend the whole day with my mom, just painting. Even though, she is not an artist, she enjoyed the day as well.

    Our palate and brushes:

 

 

   My progress and final piece:

 

 

 

 

  

   My Mom's progress and final piece:

 

 

    Oil painting is definitely a different animal from acrylic (which I was somewhat aware of as I started dabbling in oils before I tried acrylics) and the Bob Ross style is not nearly as easy as it looks. Its not exactly difficult, but it does take some getting used to. And the whole drying thing (our paintings still aren't 100% dry) takes a bit of getting used to. I can't wait for the paint to dry so I can hang it. (My mom on the other hand will not be hanging hers or so she says.)
 
    There's a certain gratification in the immediacy of acrylics that you can't find in oils. On the other hand, there is something soothing about the ability to work and rework oils that isn't available in acrylics.

   Speaking of  soothing, I think I'll stick to watching Bob Ross rather than using his style to paint with. I kinda prefer my own style, I think. And while I won't be trading my acrylics for oils, it is fun to pull out the oils and dabble every now and again.