In anticipation of retired life (actually 3 years away), I recently enrolled in a Fine Arts painting class at a nearby community college.  About half way through the first class and my first ever oil painting, I became aware of a peacefulness that I hadn’t felt in years. While painting, I was reminded of a set of Guitar oil pastels that had been given to me as a teenager.  I never really understood how to use the ops and so they remained in hibernation for over 30 years. With inspiration from my painting instructor, I gave the ops a try.  What an awakening for me!  I am totally enamored with oil pastels and I can’t believe I allowed this passion to remain dormant for 30 plus years.

While I still intend on pursuing oil painting after retirement, the ops allow me to indulge my artistic urge while on the go.  Unlike oil painting, I can work on an op painting during my lunch hour, while at the airport waiting for a connecting flight, or simply waiting for dinner to cook.  Not only do they fit my lifestyle, I enjoy the challenge.  I have a lot to learn, but am looking forward to refining my skills and developing a style all my own.  I am also looking forward to sharing ideas with and learning from other members of the OPS.