CBS News' Anthony Mason, known for his passion for music, recently explored his longtime love for art in the "CBS Mornings" series "Never Too Late." In a departure from his usual interviews with artists, Mason took his first painting lesson with acclaimed artist Sharon Sprung at the Arts Students League of New York. This experience was not only a new challenge but also a way for Mason to connect with his late stepfather, whom he often watched paint as a child.

Under Sprung's guidance, Mason began with the basics, learning about composition and arrangement. They chose apples as a beginner's subject, carefully positioning them to create a sense of tension, a key element Mason seeks in storytelling. He then created a charcoal sketch before moving on to paint, a medium he found more intimidating.

Blending paint proved to be another challenge, but Sprung provided guidance and encouragement throughout the process. Mason humorously admitted to "getting an 'F' on mixing." The duo paused to assess their progress, with Sprung offering constructive feedback and appreciation for the form Mason was achieving.

The Arts Students League, where Sprung studied and now teaches, is celebrating its 150th anniversary and boasts a rich history, with renowned artists like Norman Rockwell, Jackson Pollock, and Alice Neel having worked in its studios. Sprung herself is a celebrated artist, having painted a portrait of Michelle Obama that hangs in the White House and currently working on a portrait of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in her Brooklyn studio.

Sprung described painting as a source of order, security, and sanity, emphasizing the sensual and beautiful nature of the paint itself. She also noted the element of mystery and magic that keeps the process engaging. Mason reflected on the artistic process, acknowledging the role of doubt and the potential for both brilliant strokes and ruinous mistakes.

After two lessons, Mason concluded that while he may not have created a masterpiece, he experienced something magical. He expressed gratitude to Sprung for her guidance. The "Never Too Late" series on "CBS Mornings" highlights stories of people embracing new challenges and second chapters at any age.