Professor Sharon

Lesson learned:  Put something on your bucket list that you never would have thought of!

In October 2014 (see my previous posts about this trip), hubby and I went with Odysseys Unlimited to tour parts of Portugal and northern Spain.  One of my favorite spots, early in the trip, was the town of Obidosh.  A wedding present to a queen in 1282, it is basically intact and such a delight to visit.  We were fortunate to be there on a sunny day and walked a fair share of its 45 foot high ramparts.

Also in September 2014, at the urging of a friend, I started a pastel class at a local place called Artspace.  Honestly, in my retirement planning, I never thought or planned to take an art class.  I’ve spent years in teacher education helping teachers get over their fear of the arts in order to bring the arts – of all kinds – to young children, but never took a class in the fine arts.  I have taken various kinds of dance and musical instrument classes over the years.  Knowing I would miss a couple of art classes, my teacher suggested I be sure to take a few pictures specifically with the idea of drawing them once I returned home.

Well, I have to tell you, I have surprised myself!  I didn’t know I had the talent to reproduce a drawing!  I’m really enjoying it.  The drawing is taking me quite a while.  I work on it 3 or 4 hours a week, plus in class time.  It’s hard getting it the way I want it, but it’s coming along nicely!

Here’s the photo I took of the town on the way out, as well as my drawing in progress.

Walking the ramparts of Obidosh

Obidosh in October 2014 from bus…

My drawing of Obidosh walls and homes in progress