Dear Mr. KIA, I just quit my job and have lots of spare time. Feeling envious? You shouldn’t. I’m going nuts here. I’ve been doing literally nothing apart from sleeping, eating and annoying my mom and dad. I need to pick up a new skill, I need to get out of my house, I need to do SOMETHING. How about oil painting? Know any good schools?— Bored Wannabe Artist

Dear BWA : We just did a whole issue on classes for adults (bkmagazine.com/feature/back-school). Some of them might even have been of use to your career. But no, you figure, “Now that I’m unemployed, I need a hobby.” Good thinking! Am I feeling envious of your depressed, pointless, empty existence? Hmm… I’ll pass on that. Here you go, some nice art schools on a budget :

Point Studio (Room F2 and F3, 2/F, De Junction Plaza, Soi Ladprao 107, 02-377-8014, 02-734-2942. www.pointstudio.net) has beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Fees are B2,500 for a 12-hour course (four sessions) and they are open on S at and Sun. Oil colors and one paintbrush provided. But you will have to pay an extra B130 for a framed canvas.

Thai Art Studio (Next to Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, 50 Paholyothin Rd., 08- 6815- 0220. www.thaiartstudio.com) is run by Chonkhet Phanwichien, a Pho-Chang graduate and the winner of the Silpakorn Pradit Award 2006. Every Sat and Sun, he sits under the trees where he teaches for a mere B1,400 (eight 3-hour sessions). Painting
equipment not included.

Dinsorsee (206 Siam Square Soi 1, Rama1 Rd., 02- 257-7968/9. www.dinsorseeart.com) focuses more on pre-university entrance students but also has private lessons for B3,500 (five 3-hour sessions). One paintbrush and oil colors are provided, but you wil l have to pay an extra B105-125 for a canvas. Apply with a friend and get 20 percent off. Water color, pencil color and drawing classes also available.