Oil painting classes for everyone

Richard Bynum enjoys taking painting classes from Wanda Tucker.

Richard Bynum enjoys taking painting classes from Wanda Tucker.

Richard Bynum

In searching for a place to retire, Virginia and I selected SaddleBrooke because it was a well planned community that offered many different activities along with great weather and awesome views. In 2007 I decided to try oil painting. My father had taken up oil painting when he retired, and I had always wanted to paint but never had the time while working.

After investigating the availability of instruction here in SaddleBrooke, I enrolled in several classes sponsored by the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild, as well as Wanda Tucker’s Oil Painting class offered through Central Arizona College and taught here at the HOA 2 Arts and Crafts Building. I have been very happy with all the classes taken, especially with Wanda Tucker’s class. She is an outstanding artist, an excellent instructor and employs a teaching style most helpful to a beginner like myself. She is very supportive, maximizes individual strengths and most of all, makes each class stimulating and very enjoyable. After seven years of taking classes from Wanda, as well as other instructors here in SaddleBrooke, I am beginning to feel more confident and look forward to increasingly challenging myself. Hopefully, this is a sign of growth.

I plan to continue taking classes as they not only allow me to increase my knowledge and develop skills but also offer the opportunity to associate with others who have similar interests. I have met many wonderful people while taking classes and developing my artistic side. If you are interested in taking art classes, the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts website lists those scheduled for the near future. If you are interested in a comprehensive and semester long oil painting class, I would strongly recommend Wanda Tucker’s class. This class meets Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and also 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Classes begin January 6 and 7 and go through April 21 and 22, 2015. The cost is only $120 a semester. You can sign up by contacting Muriel Thomas, Central Arizona College, at [email protected]. For questions about the class, contact Margaret Thompson at [email protected] or phone 520-818-9060. Don’t put it off as these classes fill up quickly. Yes, SaddleBrooke is a wonderful place to live and continue to grow.