Diedre Hopkins Burke was my very first portrait-painting teacher and also my first experience using oils. It didnt seem possible that I could ever paint a portrait, and with oils, too. However, from the moment I entered class, already filled with people, some I could tell knew a lot more than me, I felt at ease. Diedre not only is a talented and accomplished artist and an excellent teacher, but also she is a kind person who knows how to bring the best out in everyone. I actually felt confident and started to think of myself as an artist, even when I made mistakes. Diedre would never make anyone feel bad for what they didnt know or the mistakes they made. She was always kind and gentle. Theres one thing that Diedre would say to us a lot, Dont worry everything can be fixed. After that I relaxed and didnt worry about making mistakes. It gave me the freedom to grow rather than holding myself back for fear of making mistakes. Im proud of the portrait I created and look forward to painting many more. Without Diedres influence as my teacher, I never would have even started portrait painting. Thank you Diedre for your dedication and caring you show all of us students.