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…
