Looking forward to see your new work Jeff, I like the other drawings you posted. Please post if you wish.

Peter

Michele -

Thank you so much for posting those. The difference is so incredible! I am very impressed. How inspiring. This is just what I needed to see...how did you know?

Tom, Jean & everyone,

Thank you for all the comments. It is nice to hear that it is sometimes hard for others too.

This has been really great, I'd like to see more of these before & after's from other artists here. It is so clear & riveting the improvements, very uplifting. We all want to think we can improve & learn, not just rely on whatever small amount of talent we were born with.

I just received Chris Saper's book in the mail today. (Cynthia, I ordered it from SOG by the way). I've only looked at the paintings in it so far, I'm looking forward to getting down and really studying it.

Kimberly, I for one wasn't born with any talent, in my opinion. What I was born with was a strong interest that kept me learning.

During the opening lecture in an organic chemistry class, one of my college professors looked out at the amphitheater of students and said,

Have you ever read through a book or magazine that you were interested in, only to put it down, pick it back up months later and say to yourself "it

Mike,

I think you are all over it! Maturity only comes with time/experience. How many times have I said to my 17 year old son,"I know you don't understand what I'm telling you now, but one day you will."And then he grows up and one day he will say,"Now I see it. It so obvious. Why couldn't I see it that way before?"

There's an old saying: "When the student is ready the teacher appears."

It's a little different in our household. When our student is ready, the out-of-state college tuition bill appears.

I'm ready. I'm READY!

So, when are you all arriving? I'll buy the pizza & beer!