I started art classes with Laura Watmough through her art school in St. Albert in the fall of 2003, with my first oil painting produced in 2004. Her approach to ab initio painting lessons is to start the student with an good quality image to reproduce. This gives them a way to approach colour, paint blending and forms with only a modest effort. Considering that I had never tried oil paints prior to this, I think it was quite successful.

First RoseOil on cavas, 10x12. Private Collection.This is the first painting I produced under the supervision of Laura Watmough. This was largely a study in shading and an introduction to technique in oils. — **First Rose**
Oil on cavas, 10x12. Private Collection.
This is the first painting I produced under the supervision of Laura Watmough. This was largely a study in shading and an introduction to technique in oils.

Pot and Fruit.Oil on canvas, 10x12. Collection of the artist.My second painting with Laura. — **Pot and Fruit.**
Oil on canvas, 10x12. Collection of the artist.
My second painting with Laura.

Beer and a Light.Oil on canvas, 12x20. Collection of the artist.My third painting under Laura’s supervision. It is a self-chosen subject, obviously a favorite one. — **Beer and a Light.**
Oil on canvas, 12x20. Collection of the artist.
My third painting under Laura’s supervision. It is a self-chosen subject, obviously a favorite one.