Hi,

I have been a member of SAA for a few years, but virtually a non-painter, due to being a 24/7carer for my wife who had Alzheimer's disease for the last 10 years. She passed away earlier this year during January. So, now I have gone from a caring full time role, to starting to try to and get back into some form of painting.

My love of painting started when I was a child - I just loved art class times.
However, this pleasure was left behind, and over the years forgotten - now at 76 I want to enjoy painting again.

I have tried water colour, and enjoyed it, but have one drawback, in my opinion, being also interested in photography, I use a photographic approach to Any subject - I'm sure members will recognise the symptoms - every detail on photo has to go into the painting. I know it's wrong but cannot help myself at times.

Only this week, I have found an artist that I would like to paint in his style - Hashim Akib - He uses acrylics, and a large brush is his style, and I love it. Maybe it would make me get rid of detail?

Sorry, if I've rambled on.

Hi,

I'm back because I am really puzzled.

My post has been read, as have 18 other new forum members on the first two pages - all have had no replies, encouragement, advice, as far as I can see,

This has surprised me, as all the artists I have met, have been very nice people to get on with - giving help, advice, and encouragement.

Not even a welcome from the forum administrator - I assume there is one?

I'm really disappointed, and wondering why I should bother to contribute to this forum in the future.

I like being a member of SAA, and I like the products......

Perhaps I should just keep on as before, as a "Lone Ranger"

I'm so sorry, but I thought this forum existed for all artists - beginners thru to the expert - all of which have one common factor - "A passion for painting"

Back to my easel I'm afraid.

Hi Llamedos! I hope this reply may help re-kindle your recent return to painting.
I'm pleased that Hashim Akib has helped insire you to have a go at looser painting; I'm quite a loose painter, and many of my students state that they, like you, tend to paint in great detail, and this usually goes hand in hand with using small brushes.
I advise my students to use the largest brush that they are comfortable with, or perhaps try moving up to a larger brush with each attempt until you find you best compromise, and you'll find that your work will take on a new life (just like you!!) by making each brush stroke count.

Lets know how you get on, and how you feel about this.

Good luck and very best wishes,

Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan area

Hello I am new too, but I like pastels. Dont talk to me about detail, I just finished a double clematis, my eyes are popping, but its so satisfying. Good to see you posting, I had a rush of posting when I first joined but things sort of quietened down, so keep going and when I check the boards I will answer you even though I am no expert, just enthusiastic. Margaret

Hello llamedos,
The forum is intended as a meeting place for members. So that you can chat to each other about painting matters. We at the SAA do monitor the postings and usually try to respond when we think we should. If you have questions for the SAA it is best to email to us and we can then answer you as quickly as possible.

However we will try harder to respond to the forum and we hope that members will do likewise. But they may all be painting !!

happy painting

John SAA Chairman

Hi,

Many thanks for your responses - I now feel that I am part of the SAA forum, and can now connect with members of a similar interest as myself.

I intend to follow a type of painting which gives less than more detail using larger brushes.

Thanks for your support - I now intend to enjoy myself with my new life, and my new approach to painting.

Incidentally, I was very impressed by Annette Kane on the tv painting channel - being bold with watercolour .......painting without detail - must try this out!

Llamedos