Since I first visited a museum, I knew I wanted to be a painter. I was in eighth grade. I liked the impressionists - Van Gogh, Degas, and Gaugin- because of their use of colors and their viewpoints. However, I adored the works of Jaques Louis David, Michelangelo, and Flandrin - How they painted the human body was incredible! Many painters have used women as their muse, but only a few were able to capture male bodies like them.
For my 18th birthday, Mom bought me a nice painter's set. It included multiple brushes, Acrylic, oil, and watercolor paints, canvases, and a standing easel. I had grand ideas but no formal training or experience, so I started using a scratching pad with a pencil and watercolors.
I registered at the University of Illinois in Urbana the following year, knowing they had one of the Midwest's best Arts and Design teaching. I was also accepted to Washington University in St Louis, which had the best fine arts school in the country, but we couldn't afford it. My father died in a freak work-related accident when I was three years old, and Mom was working part-time as a nurse assistant. Our income was OK for day-to-day stuff, but I needed more for an expensive university, despite the grant I was offered.
...
As a child, I was shy and not very social. I was never tall, strong, or fast enough to compete with our athletes, and I preferred to read or watch TV. Until I started college, I had only one good friend, but he got accepted to a school in New York, and we separated.
When I began studying in UI, I told myself it was time to start over and grow up.
Mom was unhappy I moved from our home in Wisconsin to Illinois, but the distance was less than other universities with fine arts degrees, so she accepted it, hoping I'd come home every weekend.
For the first few weeks, I dedicated myself to exploring the campus and the neighborhood and settling in the dorm. Initially, the school material was easy to grasp, and the teachers seemed friendly and helpful.
Mr. Coleman was our primary painting teacher. He was slightly over 6", about 190 lbs, with dark hair. He was smiley all the time, at least toward me. The initial lessons focused on the painting background - History, methods, etc.
Mr. Coleman notified us that if anybody wanted, a dedicated room would be available to those who wished to start drawing or painting after hours. I was one of the six students who planned to paint in our free time.
The following afternoon, I checked the room. Somebody already prepared it for six people with all the equipment. On the first day, there were only three of us. Each one concentrated on his canvas. An hour later, the door opened, and Mr. Coleman entered. He inspected the paintings of the other two before looking at mine. By then, I had an advanced sketch that wasn't complete or colored. I drew a Greek athlete preparing to launch a discus. He smiled, "Unusual! I have taught for 15 years, and you are the first student who chose this subject. Most start with the scenery, women, or flowers." He inspected the details, "You have great potential. Obviously, you never had formal training, but you have raw talent." I was proud but didn't say anything. I stayed until I finished the painting. It was late in the evening - I was the last to leave the room. I left it hanging and went back to the dorm to eat. I was tired and fell asleep several minutes after finishing my measly meal.
...
Our first lesson with Mr. Coleman was at 11 am the following day. He talked about colors - How they were made in antiquity, and the ingredients used these days. His talk was fluid and easily understood. I liked the way he taught us.
By day's end, everybody was leaving. Mr. Coleman asked me to stay, "Ryan, I saw you finished the Greek athlete. For a first painting, it's not bad. I'd use softer background colors and make him more real by enhancing certain lines on his face and muscles."
I grinned, "Thank you, sir. I'll go and do it now. I'd appreciate it if you could look at it again tomorrow, and tell me what you think."
"I'll do it, and before you leave for home, stop by my desk, and we'll talk about it."
I was thrilled! Our teacher noticed me and gave me helpful advice. I went back to the painting room. This time, five people showed up. Two of them stood before my painting and discussed it. I joined them.
One of the guys said, "Nice piece! Mr. Coleman will like it."
I gazed at him, "Why do you think so?"
He chuckled, "Because your painting is an original, it's good, and... he likes the subject."
I didn't understand the last comment, but it didn't matter. I wanted to improve the painting based on Mr. Coleman's suggestions. I made several attempts, and ended up with a painting that was (slightly?) better. I left it on the stand and rushed home.
The next day, I listened intently to Mr. Coleman's lesson. He ignored me. Not once did he look in my direction. I was disappointed - He must have hated the changes...
When Mr. Coleman dismissed the class, he smiled at me, "Ryan, your painting is much better, but I want to show you something. Are you busy now?"
"Not really. I thought I'd grab a microwave dinner and watch TV, but I prefer to learn from you anytime."
He smiled, "A polite answer. Tell you what, let's stop at Panera, eat something, and then I'd like you to come to my house. In my free time, I paint. I want you to see some of my works."
"I'll be honored."
We ate at Panera, and Mr. Coleman insisted on paying for my food. I was in a great mood and smirked, "Sir, if I knew you'd pay for me, I would have chosen an expensive steak..."
"Ryan, they do not make steaks here, but next time, remind me what food you like, and we might find the right restaurant." My teacher's answer was unexpected...
We arrived at his three-bedroom apartment. "Ryan, do you want something to drink?"
"Mr. Coleman, if you have coffee or black tea, it will be perfect."
He brought me tea with some cookies and disappeared into his bathroom. I held the mug and checked the living room. There were no paintings but photos of him with a woman and a young child.
I didn't hear him coming. He stood behind me, "These are my wife and child. They are at her mother's for the next two weeks. Come with me to my art room."
