BufordBiffer

Chocolate Cake

I love chocolate anytime. My wife makes me a fantastical cake from Jacques Pepin for my birthday each year. The cake needs both a plate underneath and a plate on top, or it floats up to the ceiling.

Chocolate Cake

Nope...chocolate cake's the bomb.  I did make myself some chocolate pancakes (topped with sliced strawberries) last night though.  I was too lazy to make a cake.

Chocolate Cake

I'll take this opportunity to ask a question of you artistic types.  I don't have any "art", to speak of, on my walls.  I'm not really into framed Monet prints, eg,...that sort of thing...they are very pretty in other people's homes, but wouldn't much fit with what else is up in mine.

If I could afford an actual painting, I'd have one...but I can't.  So...here's my question:  would it likely be a waste of time to take some classes?  I mentioned to Biff earlier that I'm visually "tone deaf" and I've always thought that one either has the ability to do that sort of thing or one doesn't...in which case, lessons wouldn't be much use.  Or do you know of anyone who demonstrably benefitted from taking a class?

I mean, I don't expect to be off capturing the magic of Provence on canvas at the end of it.  But if I could even manage a respectable abstract, I'd be a happy camper. 

Chocolate Cake

>>did make myself some chocolate pancakes (topped with sliced strawberries) last night though.  I was too lazy to make a cake.<<<

Making chocolate pancakes with sliced strawberries marks you as anything but lazy.

Chocolate Cake

There is a wide difference of opinion on whether art schools, writing schools, etc. are worthwhile, complete scams, or somewhere in between.  I lean toward the opinion that everyone who attempts any activity benefits from practicing that activity.  I don't believe you need to pay someone for lessons in order to do that.

Chocolate Cake

Mike,

Thank you for your kind words regarding the pancakes...but honesty compels me to confess...I used Bisquick to make them.  Just started throwing in eggs, sugar, milk and chocolate til it looked about right.  They were pretty darned tasty though.

Too, I understand your point about practice.  But one needs first to learn basic skills for writing, playing an instrument, painting, etc. for practice to be productive.  Unless you are one of the lucky people for whom these things come naturally.

Chocolate Cake

I used Giant Eagle Chocalate cake mix with a can of Vanilla Frosting. Heavenly Bliss for about $2.25.

As for art schools - I was forced to withdraw for Art School after 4 weeks, we were doing clay sculpture and no matter how hard I tried everything came out as an ashtray. I paint, I dont work with clay. So I took Computer Classes instead for a couple years.

I just started painting on my own. What I did was I went out and got a basic acrylics set some canvas Illustration boards and copied some works buy Matisse mostly his cutouts or Jazz series and then started doing my own thing shortly thereafter.

Later on I migrated to watercolours and gauche.

My advice would be to just do it. You should be able to get everything you need to start at Staples for about 50 or 60 bucks. You will know within a month or so whether you want to continue with it or not. And dont give up just cause your first painting turns out like crap, Use the first to make a better second. About a 1/4 of my work finds its way to dumpster, about 1/2 sits in a closet, and only 1/4 goes on display.

After my College experience I didnt paint or draw for the next 15 or so years. Then picked it back up while I was recovering from an operation back in 96. Been painting steady ever since.

Chocolate Cake

The best Chocolate Cake I have ever made is currently on momluvsfootball's blog.  Just an addition the Ganache I use to "Ice" with was left off

12oz dark or bittersweet chocolate

1/2 cup whipping cream

6T of butter

place chocolate and cream in microwave usually 2 minutes on high (I do it in 30 second intervals) then whisk in butter.  Let sit 20 minutes and then beat for 3-5.  pour over cake.

Chocolate Cake

we were doing clay sculpture and no matter how hard I tried everything came out as an ashtray

LOL.  That's actually the single most encouraging thing you could have said.  I love your paintings...so, maybe there's hope.

Oh...I think it's very safe to predict that my first attempt will look, as you say, "like crap".  But I think it might be fun to try, even if nothing ever finds itself on a wall.

Thanks.

Chocolate Cake

Corvid:

I agree with BB that you should just go for it.  My wife after she retired from teaching has taken up painting--mostly oil.  She is steadily getting better.  She also goes to a class with a delightful 75 year old teacher and maybe a dozen students.  She finds the class fun and instructive.  Little tips that help the process.  I think that talent, of course, helps but like anything else you can learn, also.

I could put one of her paintings in my Avatar if anyone is interested--probably not lol