New teacher offers ‘quick painting’ class
Published 1:54 am Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tara Dalton knows how busy life can be and how difficult it can be to find time for oneself.
So, along with the help of the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition (LAAC), this busy stay-at-home mother of five and artist is giving want-to-be painters a chance to create their own masterpiece on canvas Wednesday night — and in just two hours.
Called “an adult painting session,” Dalton said the class is “something I have wanted to offer the community for a long time.”
The idea was born, because she understands that the majority of working adults who have a desire to create something beautiful for their home don’t really have the time it would take to schedule a routine class.
“I feel many individuals would enjoy art, but are leery of committing to an extended class,” she said. “This gives them a way to enjoy it in two hours and take it home. They aren’t obligated to any other classes, and it gives them a feeling of accomplishment when they are done.
“Also, you don’t have to be an artist to enjoy this class,” she said. “If your painting experience is only a ‘paint by number’ in the second grade, this class is still for you.”
Each session, which will be held monthly, are patterned after establishments like Corks ‘n Canvas in Montgomery and Sip n’ Strokes in Birmingham. Participants will paint on a canvas or other objects and complete a finished work of art that evening. There will be a painting already completed for reference, with Dalton demonstrating, step-by-step, to help the participants shape their own creation.
“The great thing is that everyone will paint the same thing, but no two will look alike — which is the exact beauty of art,” she said. “This month’s selection is ‘Wild Blue Crab.’”
Dalton, who started taking art lessons in the seventh grade, knows a thing or two about creating unique pieces.
“I really just fell in love with creating something on a blank canvas,” she said. “Anything can be your ‘canvas.’ I went from charcoal to pastels on boards and heavy paper when I was attending (Auburn University at Montgomery) and moved to watercolors on stretched canvas about 10 years ago.”
“I can appreciate all art because it is that artist’s ‘heart’ and hard work put out there for others to enjoy.”
That is the same type of enjoyment Dalton said she hopes her students find during each session, which will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and open to adults of all ages.
The medium will be acrylics on canvas, although it may vary. Each month there will be a different painting of varying sizes.
Cost is $35 and includes all supplies.
Space is limited. Call the LAAC at 334-222-3205 for more information and to reserve your spot.