Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1420634
50 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2021 This is the perspective of Artist of the Month, Steve Huffaker: I have always wanted to take art lessons. Every year from grade school through college, I've tried to schedule an art class but without success. I did, however, earn a BS degree. It collects dust in the garage and isn't nearly as interesting as paintings in my living room. Twenty-five moves, 13 states, and three decades later, I'm still working as an airline pilot. Two years ago I moved to Four Seasons. I was thrilled to discover they had a Mixed Media Art Class. Rob Kelman, our instructor, is a great artist in his own right. His murals and paintings show his love for art and his teaching style makes the learning experience relaxing and fun. Our room is filled with every level of artist, from experts with decades of experience, to people like me who are working on their very first or second pencil drawing. Everyone is very supportive of each other, and I always look forward to learning from Rob and others in our group. What were my first three assignments? Using only pencils, draw an elephant, then trees and finally, a cottage. I soon realized that I didn't own a pencil let alone an eraser. With Rob's list of materials, I went straight to the local hobby store and purchased what I needed. With my new supplies, I started my first drawing. The results were childish at first but with Rob's helpful guidance my elephant began to develop. I gained a better understanding of techniques for sketching and drawing. Then COVID hit! Forced to wait a year to get back to class and my next assignment, Trees. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I achieved what you see here. It's exciting that I've already reached a skill level that I only imagined attaining. I know this journey has just started and am excited about working in color soon. Overall, I am grateful to have found Mixed Media Art Class with my classmates and Rob Kelman to teach us. Classes are Mondays 10 am to 12 pm and Wednesdays 6 to 8 pm in the Arts & Crafts Room in The Lodge. There is a nominal $5 fee per person, per session. If you have any questions, call Rob Kelman at (951) 992-9156. ~ Rob Kelman Mixed Media Arts