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Boredom
drove Stephen Hayes to join a computer course at his local college
- but it was an art class that changed his outlook on life.
"I
had to give up alcohol for medical reasons so I wasn't partying
or going to the pub and I was a bit bored," says Stephen.
"I
first took a course in computing because they were just starting
to play a part in my working life, but I found that I learned as
much as I needed and I wasn't interested in doing more."
But
when a friend suggested he go along with her to a painting class,
it turned out to be a life-changing decision.
The art has made me see things totally differently. It has given
me a new outlook on life - something I would never have dreamed
of. |
| Stephen
Hayes |
"In
a relatively short time I could see that I was making progress.
There were possibilities there that I liked. So I carried on doing
it.
"The
art has made me see things totally differently. It has given me
a new outlook on life - something I would never have dreamed of."
Stephen
now specialises in portraits, and also paints landscapes, and continually
experiments with different types of paper.
As
well as the painting itself, he now attends art exhibitions, and
always carries a camera around with him.
He
would one day like to exhibit his work, and possibly even sell one
or two paintings.
Stephen
continues to attend the classes for the company of other painters
as well as for the lessons themselves.
"Going
to the classes maintains the enthusiasm - when you are working full-time
it would be very easy to become a couch-potato."
Stephen
adds: "I have gained a lot of confidence. The painting has created
a real focus in my life."
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to Adult Learners Week 2003
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