Teresa Waechter

1. I am 60 yrs old and live on a farm in the Mallee. I have retired from my part time jobs off farm and so I had a bit of free time to attend art classes for one term.
2. My main job for 40 yrs was working part time in retail, and I also worked in a kindergarten as a support worker for over 20 yrs. I used some pretty basic art skills working in the kindergarten.
3. I expected to gain enough knowledge and skills to be able to paint at home and feel I have enough basics to get started.
4. I had very little knowledge of the use of different mediums and learnt about types of things you can add to paint for different effects. Also learning about the use of shadows and hi-lights.
5. The first lesson was using charcoal for drawing shapes with shadows and hi-lights. Then I used these skills in a still life drawing with charcoal. We then did scumbling and painted using oil paints. The last painting I chose to do a sea scape was using acrylics. The oil painting was a great experience being able to mix colours and to go back over and add more colour and fix things. I found using acrylics after the oil was a bit difficult as it dried so fast it takes a bit to get used to it. I think I need a bit more practice. 
6. I found the classes very friendly and learnt a lot from the other classmates. Also I received a lot of encouragement from everyone. 
7. We didn't showcase or exhibit anything and at this early stage I wouldn't be good enough to.