My Honors Art class in high school. It was the only class I never skipped!

My teacher was Ol' Doc who had an office joined to the art room. He'd duck in there puffing on cigarettes and swilling black coffee. I remember some kid in class got pissed at Doc and hacked a loogey into Doc's coffee when his back was turned... and we all watched in horror as he drank it :o

I'm sure Doc was a phenomenal artist, but he would never let us see his work. He said we would be "discouraged" and he wanted us to focus on building our skills and creativity. The good stuff, he assured us, would come with time, practice and effort.

He taught us how to do a good critique, which was also a time wherein I learned how to give and take constructive criticism. Turns out that was one of the best lessons I ever got and useful as hell.

We always had music playing and there was always a lot of talking and joking going on while we drew and painted, or whatever. It was fun! He had a good sense of humor. Doc, dressed in a dark brown sweater and pants, complained loudly that it was hot and he was "melting". I told him it was because he was dressed like a Hershey bar and what could he expect?! He then told me not to forget to grab the broom in the corner on my way out. I asked why and he told me he thought that was my usual mode of transportation ;)

I also watched my skills go from "just naturally talented" to "holy shit!". He was a great teacher and very encouraging. He also knew I was a shitty student, outside of art class, and that was probably the only thing I had going for me. I will never forget him telling me, "You have a gift. I will be so sad if you don't do something with it. I will be so mad at you if I catch you bagging groceries in five years."

Meh... I'm a nurse and my art skills have gone to shit. His words still haunt me... oh, the regret!