~When Did You Start Painting?~

I am often asked the awkward questions ‘how long have you been painting’ or  ‘when did you start painting.’  Never quite sure if that question is literal or they are qualifying my paintings in comparison to the timeline questions.  Whatever the thought behind the question, here is a short summary of my journey.

Friends…friends…friends and their persistence pushed and pulled me into this incredible journey.   I remember thinking okay I’ll give it a shot to get them off my case….like when children keep nagging for a cookie before dinner.   An appreciation of those who drew or painted their vision was the spring board for my quick ‘I do’.  Mostly self taught….I have the mile high paintings and the scars that prove my claim.

My first experience was tole painting…how many flowers can cling to one wooden plaque.   The second experience was an oil painting class.   A delightful instructor along with a pushy friend broadened my enthusiasm for art.  She was patient with this novice flower painter teaching design and principles of composition.  It became a test making sure my viewer could see every painted barn board and every blade of grass from foreground to the barns foundation.   Now readers! If you enjoy painting on wood or the patina pattern on boards are important to you….be my guest.  I admire your tedious work, it just wasn't` me. 

Another friend insisted we take a watercolor class just for fun.  My first brush stroke of watercolor pigment on beautiful white paper was the hook.  From the first class my palette was seldom dry because painting became a daily routine.    Watercolor became the spontaneous expression appealing to my creative taste.  My paintings have been described as happy, colorful, interesting….would prefer dramatic, exciting, and awesome…you know the adjectives’ used when visiting museums.   

 Many thanks to Frank Webb, who taught me lines don’t have to be straight, color is mine, paint to please yourself, and the importance of shapes.   My credentials’ are few unless holding an office in local art organizations qualifies anyone the title of artist.  I’ve held many offices worn many hats…..most were accepted out of ignorance on my part.                     

Incidentally…those friends who pushed me kicking and screaming to class never purchased another tube of paint or a brush.  Their supplies found a home with me…so what was I to do but use them.  Interesting how God placed friends in my life to move me out of my comfort zone to experience his pleasure…