WHY
ART AS A HOBBY 
By Iris Saylor
With more leisure time available there are many people investigating different ways to occupy that time. The massive hobby shops and large areas devoted to hobbies, crafts and art in mainstream stores attests to this interest. So why should You choose painting as a hobby?
You can begin painting at any point in your life. After retirement, during your work or educational life or sooner. I personally began painting before I turned 60. Now, 13 years later, it is still a big part of my life and likely will always be.
Despite what you may have heard (and this scares a lot of people away) YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE TALENT". I (not too jokingly) always say that I failed 'stickmen'. It certainly helps if you have some natural talent, and maybe you will never be a world famous artist without it, but you can learn to paint what you see and turn out good work that you can take pride in and can be enjoyed by yourself and others. If you sketch a picture a day, you will be amazed at how your drawing skills improve.
The first step in pursuing art as a hobby as a novice would be to get into an art class. I expect there are many, as I was, who are reluctant to go to class because they are convinced that they are the only one on the planet who knows nothing about painting. -- Not so. It may help to have a beginner buddy to go with you to make you more comfortable, but not necessary.
Art classes can be total enjoyment. Some of the best friends I have are my art class and art club friends. You really get to know someone when they are painting next to you and you begin exchanging thoughts and ideas. It can be a life changing experience.
When you start painting you gain several things. It goes withoug saying that the pride of accomplishment and validation is wonderful, as are the friendships. But you also begin to see your surroundings in a new way. You notice the different colors, that clouds are not just white but a number of colors, trees are not just green, the different colors in a 'blue ' sky, etc. You notice shadows, light and movement. As one who was know for never closing a drawer, shutting a door or turning off a light, my husband now delights in the fact that I have learned to pay attention to detail, a result of painting. A large part of the painting process is simply "paying attention".
You gain a new language with painting. The words "Value", "Texture", and others take on new meanings. The language of art that you speak with your new friends.
Since you are a visitor to this website you no doubt already have an interest in some aspect of art. If you have not already started painting, I encourage you to do so. It is never to late (or to early).