Thoughts on Painting

I started a new still life yesterday. I resumed a class I had not been able to go to for several months and now am painting one day a week with the most fabulous group of ladies. I love the solitude of my studio most of the time, but something about being around other people working hard at producing beautiful paintings is very inspiring for me! I love seeing the different styles of their set-ups, and watching how they interpret something totally differently than I would on a canvas. And I just love hearing their stories and listening to the blues music that Frank plays in his studio. Some people think that when you become a professional artist, and start selling your work, that you don't need instruction. I disagree. Most professionals (doctors, lawyers, therapists) are required to have so many hours of classes to keep current on their licensing. Why should artists be any different? I learn at least one new thing every time I take a class. Sometimes it's what to do, and sometimes it's what NOT to do, but it's something learned just the same.