Good influence can come at anytime.  While taking some classes to kick start my oil painting skills I spent almost as much time just listening to the instructor talking to the other students as well as observing the reactions of my classmates.  Some of them where notable for their skills and techniques and others for there positive attitude and willingness to learn.  While others where quite resistant to being taught.  I am sure they did not resist intentionally however it was evident that constructive criticism did not sit well with them.  One student really stood out to me as she was a very kind woman but seemed to have a very difficult time taking direction, her reactions where often defensive rather than taking the time to actually listen to what was trying to be taught to her.  Finally one day something seemed to click and she really started to listen to what was being said and to the directions that where offered to her.  Suddenly the work she was doing was taking on the look she was after.  She got it and it showed in the paintings she produced and in her overall presence and positive attitude.   Lesson learned, take the time to listen & don't get defensive without taking the time to process what is being said and think about it before reacting. 

Took a bunch of new photos of my copper art over the last few days.  These things are tough to get good photos of and no matter how good the photo is it is never as good as seeing it in person.   Really happy with the new body of work I put together and am excited for the next round of creativity to come.  I have many ideas brewing in my mind and sketch book, so lots of work ahead of me.  Gaining lots of momentum and I am feeling really motivated to keep making new pieces.  Started painting again as well which is very stimulating for me.  I did a few mini paintings just to get my brushes going again and am now ready to get working on some bigger paintings as well as to finish a few that where started months ago.  I will keep posting some of the new photos and of course they can be viewed in the gallery under the metal tab.  Thanks for reading and feel free to leave feedback.