Begin at the End

Many people wait until later in life to pursue interests, especially so called hobbies like painting. So I often get retired people in classes, who have been hoping to paint all their lives. Although it can be harder to learn at older ages, art is something that one can indulge in no matter what drawbacks there might be including lessened memory, physical aliments, and even shame at not already knowing something. Very few people got a good art education without actually going to fine arts schools, so I try to assure new students that any level is a good level to begin with.
Patience, Practice and Persistence will enable anyone to get to a competent level of painting and drawing. No special talent is needed. Becoming an expert will take many years but being expert is not necessary to get the benefits of painting, which are escape to another world, relaxation, mind stimulation and community.
Taking the first step may be hard, but once done, a whole new world opens up.Time disappears and sometimes even physical and emotional pain. But time spent learning to paint better is never wasted time.