My first Acrylic painting

At the end of July 2025, I actually got to try my hand at physical painting instead of AI-generated art. This was at a two-hour paint-n-sip event held at our Church, and about 70 individuals participated. It was a potluck event, and members donated desserts, soft drinks, and hot beverages.

I mistook Acrylic paint for oil paint, and inspired by Impasto techniques, lathered on thick paint onto the canvas! I learned we were supposed to use small portions mixed with water. I wanted the canvas texture to show through in certain areas, such as the grass/reeds, so I swiped the brush quickly. This was my final result:

I also learned that I was impatient. Eileen, on the other hand, was very meticulous and patient. Below is her finished art piece.

I'm looking forward to more art events organized by the church, library, or senior center. There is a particular joy and satisfaction in spending a couple of hours creating physical art that cannot be found in digital or AI art.

What I also found interesting is that this hand-created painting gathered more feedback and reaction on my Instagram and Facebook than the AI art I've been sharing for the past couple of years. Perhaps it's the algorithm, or perhaps people are jaded by AR-art that even a novice can easily create now.