My Love For Art, How Did l Start this Awesome Journey?

I picked up my first paint brush seriously when l was 24, although l remember my Mom encouraging me to paint at a young age, she obviously saw some potential that l didn’t. I took a few tole painting classes back in the day and l fell in love with how the paint glided and l felt such satisfaction when l completed a project, I was hooked! For years l painted on just about anything, wood, plastic, glass and l loved everything about the creative process and experimenting with different mediums. I practiced and practiced. I then decided in my 40’s that painting was not just a hobby anymore, l began seriously thinking of becoming a full-time artist and hopefully inspire people. I have been working hard at it, trying to make my dream come true.
In 2014, l decided that l needed to learn how to draw if l was going to expand my love of painting realism. With so many great art tutorials on the internet and my lack of time to take classes outside my home, l took classes on line. Drawing and Painting courses-The Virtual Instructor, is a great online site. http://thevirtualinstructor.com.
I am a determined individual and l for sure benefited from all the late nights of trying to draw accurately, learning my values, highlighting and shading. I’m not the best out there, that’s for sure, but l am passionate about learning and trying to better this skill.
With the exception of a workshop class, I am a self-taught artist.
Being a Mom of two incredible young men, l always hoped that l would be an inspiration to them and show them“where there's a will there's a way”. I have also learned that you can’t take criticism to seriously. Everyone has an opinion but it might not always be one you want to hear. You just have to know when to ignore or learn from harsh criticism, stay committed and continue doing what you love.
 I have also figured out that you can be the best artist out there, but if you can’t market yourself and put yourself out there for all to see, then your art just isn’t going to be spotted. There is a copious amount of amazing art out there and it is hard to stand out. Learning marketing skills, being yourself, and staying true to yourself, is probably the best advice l have ever received and exercised. If you have followed my progress, then l hope it shows how hard l have tried to evoke emotion in my work, and how hard l try to put myself out there.
I really couldn’t continue to do what l love if it wasn’t for the support of such amazing people who have supported me, and my work.  I thank you all for your kind words as it gives me the will power to continue my creative obsession with positive vibes and enthusiasm.
Have a Beautiful Day!

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