If you want to challenge yourself since you are in a rut you will discover painting to be the perfect hobby. It is simple enough to go to the shops and buy some paint and canvas and get cracking, however, it's nice to know the basics prior to getting started. A short course is an ideal approach to begin. There are two specific benefits, you have to commit to it and you have help. Do some research on what is available in your region. You may find that some professional artists give courses from their homes, and these courses are perfect for beginners. In my area I found an artist that operated specific workshops. The classes offered throughout the year were landscape painting, watercolour painting, portrait painting, and for the more adventurous abstract painting. My teacher had us bring an image to the class of what the students desired to paint, this was the starting point. I really appreciated that aspect of the class. In the first few lessons he taught the fundamentals by explaining the concept of the colour wheel, and explaining shapes, lines and materials.

It is important to understand that all people have the ability to make use of their creative potential. I hate it when people declare 'I am not artistic' or 'I can't paint'...of course you can, everyone can It is important to be kind to yourself and not judge yourself too severely. Painting is not the easiest effort. It takes time to build up a skill, but if you give it the necessary time you will make progress and soon be quite skilled at it. In life, we are our own toughest critics. Whenever a painting doesn't turn out the way we want we can get discouraged. Don't get hung up on that! When you are too close to something it can be challenging to see the big picture. Take a step back from your work, give yourself some space from the picture, and view it later with fresh eyes.

One of the extra added benefits of painting is the process of it is healing. There is something incredibly relaxing about mixing up colours and applying them to a canvas. A blank canvas can be overwhelming at first, however, you get to do whatever you want with it. I find that abstract art is good fun mainly because it does not matter if it looks nothing like what you were trying to paint. Just smear paint where you want it and see what occurs. Painting hasn't changed since you did finger painting as a youngster; it is still messy but a whole lot of fun. You may even find that you enter 'the zone', and before you realize it, five hours have passed. One thing I know is that I have never left an art class feeling stressed. You can experience a catharsis that's beneficial to the soul.

Many people run classes that fit in with working hours so having a full time job is no excuse. Committing to a course once a week for six weeks isn't a big ask, and you have the chance to create something truly unique. What are you waiting for?