Oil Painting from Life: Class #1

I am taking an 8 week class at the Creative Arts Center in Dallas called Oil Painting from Life, with teacher Dave Kramer. In class #1, we used a paint brush and oil paint to draw the figure. I used Winsor Newton Burnt Sienna thinned with paint thinner. We did 5 20-minute poses, but used only one canvas. After each drawing, we wiped the canvas down and re-used it. This was my last drawing. The focus of the first class was on careful observation and paying attention to position and proportions.

August has not been good to me art-wise. At the end of July, my position at work changed from technical architect to project manager. August was devoted to adjusting to my new position. I am enjoying my new position, but fell into the trap of thinking if I just worked a few 60 hour weeks, I would gain control and then could cut back to 40 hours. It never happens--it is a fantasy. I just got tired and burned out. I am changing my ways, cutting back on work hours, and getting back to art. I hereby declare I am back to my normal posting schedule.