Oil Painting

I've been really homesick today for some reason. I think it is because last week was my mom's birthday and I wish I could be there to make it really fun for her. I've been trying to busy myself, doing things that I find satisfying, to get my mind off of missing my family. I cleaned my house, ripped down the last of the wall paper (half of a wall in our garage), colored with Liv and Gwen, paid bills, cleaned off my dry erase board, cleaned out the bottom of our coat closet, vacuumed, organized our tupperware, played on the swings with the girls, cooked soup for dinner {which always comforts me =0), and started oil painting.

I have wanted to start oil painting for a very long time. I feel like the biggest hurdle for me and any kind of art, is finding something that speaks to me. I really need to be excited about it, or it will undoubtedly turn out blah. I had been scared off of doing what I really wanted to, because I know painting/drawing people can be hard. Well, I finally decided that I am painting for fun, I am just learning, and what I really want to paint is my kids, so I am just going to do it. Ever since I made this decision, I have been really excited about the whole thing, but just have had other priority projects.

I made the time to start tonight. I haven't ever oil painted, except for the other small canvas I started a couple of weeks ago. I like knowing that I haven't ever done it before, it takes the pressure off. Brad came down while I was starting and chatted with me for a bit. He asked if I like painting, and I realized that Yes, I really do like it. I even find the sound of the brush very soothing, as well as the motion of putting the paint on the canvas. {By the way, thanks to my mom and Annie for giving me advice on how to use oils!}

2 1/2 hours later, I am finished putting the first coat of paint on the canvas. I am really happy with how it is turning out. I am going to have a hard time waiting to paint again (I need to wait for the paint to dry, and oils take days.) I am still feeling homesick, but I also really enjoyed painting, and as I go to sleep, I'm pretty sure I will think about painting, and not about how I miss my fam. I probably ought to start thinking of what I want to paint next =0).