The idea of me being an artist never occurred to me at all
until about 15 years ago when I was around 50.
I had acquired some skills for
making stained glass windows and ornaments and even had dabbled some with fused
glass in a kiln, but only thought of myself as perhaps an artisan or crafts
person. I decided to take a drawing class at the local community college
so I could learn to draw my own designs better. The course was split
between people taking drawing and others taking oil painting within the same
room. As I watched the other students creating beautiful paintings, I
wanted to spend all my class time watching them and was itching to try out the
paints. The next semester I tentatively enrolled in the painting part of
the class, wondering what I was doing and if I would ever learn how to do
this.
Ever since then I have never looked back. I absolutely LOVED
painting, and immediately became addicted to it! Who would have ever
guessed I would have some talent in this?!
Other than that initial class in Arizona and some excellent online workshops, I have not had any “formal” art education.
Other than that initial class in Arizona and some excellent online workshops, I have not had any “formal” art education.
Last year, I was even certified by Grumbacher Paints to teach
beginning acrylic painting at Michaels Arts and Crafts stores. In order
to do this I had to create quite a lot of demonstration paintings for my
classes in all kinds of areas. This gave me lots and lots of good
practice and helped build my confidence. I have since come to believe
that people don’t necessarily need to have some inborn “talent” in order to
paint. It can be learned and we do get better with practice and some
guidance. You just have to love it!
About four years ago, I had a burning desire to learn to paint
portraits and took a few online workshops. I learned from every one of
them. Painting faces is now my passion. I’d rather paint a face
than almost anything else. They are all so interesting and unique!
It just never gets boring.
I feel I have only just started learning to become a good artist, and I am having such a great time doing it!
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/arlene.holtz
Wow, Arlene, thanks for sharing your story! You've really bloomed! Love your work and blog, too! You're awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteArlene, you already know how I adore you work! I enjoyed reading your story here!
ReplyDeleteYou go Arlene! I enjoyed reading about your blooming process, and completely relate to it. Your artwork is amazing and I'm going to check out your blog right now.
ReplyDeleteD~~~~
This just goes to show that if you do something that you love doing . . . the results will be fantastic. Great post. I'm heading over to your blog, now.
ReplyDeleteHave a day filled with creativity and fun :)
Connie
Taking that drawing class was a turning point for you. Your paintings are wonderful! I, too, like to paint faces because I never know who will turn up on the page or the canvas. I like watching the "person" appear.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous how you created the painting life you wanted to appear. xox
ReplyDeleteHi Arlene,
ReplyDeleteI have picked up drawing in the last couple of years. Nice to see so much can be accomplished as a late bloomer.
Julian C