Sandy,

Thank you for your response.

I'm writing to encourage you to keep painting. When I get really frustrated with photography I resort to painting the real thing. I was so afraid of using real people because I thought they'd laugh at my painting. Well, it's amazing how much easier it is to paint people than from a photo. I started with my mother. I didn't care what she said or thought. Happy painting.

Mary Short

Thank you Tom. I will continue to take photos but with my digital. Imagine my disappointment when I picked up my photos from the lab and this was the best one taken! The swimming analogy is pointed. I imagined that if I read enough books, view enough videos and read enough forums I too can paint like a pro. I have no doubt that eventually, with enough practice, I will have the skills (I believe I have the talent) and will be doing the back-stroke with the rest of you kind folks. ;)

Mari, Good idea. I have been searching for just that, an old master to copy. You would think that Tampa would have such groups, however my online search has been fruitless. I have checked ShawGuides and find nothing.

Mary, I will paint, the "what" is still a puzzle. My husband has the patience of a gnat (sorry, dear) and is my only relative within 1200 miles. :bewildere

I wholeheartedly agree. I learned what a good source photo is by painting from bad source photos! I learned how to create good source photos by taking a lot of bad photographs, and finally taking a few good ones. Don't go back to painting dogs unless that is what you really love to do.

:thumbsup:

I second Tom's motion.

If you don't mind driving south to Sarasota on Saturday mornings, the Art Center Sarasota has life sessions with live models Saturdays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Guests are welcome; fee is $10 (Members $8). Check out their website at artsarasota.org.

We're such a small town, I'm thinking Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater must offer more. Check art programs at the local universities, most have continuing education offerings/live model sessions, especially in the summer. I highly recommend making the jump and taking advantage of these options; don't think that you're going to be the only beginner, either--that is never the case. :)

Thanks Maria, Sarasota is only an hour away and fortunately I am quite an early riser. I will however check with USF and other local schools as you suggested. Sarasota is much more art oriented than Tampa I think. Heck, you have an entire school devoted to art, plus Ringling. There is a lot of culture packed into that tiny town.

There is also the Sarasota Society of Portrait Artists, an affiliate chapter of ASOPA. You can contact Cynthia Brooks at 941-349-6383 [email protected]. I doubt that they offer hands-on learning, but you might find it worthwhile to connect with other portrait painters.