And, To Think

AND, TO THINK, I never went to college to study fine art and, yet, here I am part of an Artist Colony, painting fine art, having the time of my life! If anyone would have told me I'd be doing this, back when I was in my 20's, I wouldn't have believed them.

Even though I always had a love of drawing and a desire to learn to paint, there were no influences in my life to direct me down that path. It took me until I was 30 (oh, is that a milestone?) to actually take that desire and work toward fullfilling it. My husband and I spent our married years in a small railroad/farming town. I didn't even know another artist. Eventually, I learned of a woman who taught oil painting in her home. After a few lessons with her (it was a long way from home), I went on my own. Art books and various art related magazines taught me, and continue to teach me.

Now, after 32 years and moving to Florida where I am surrounded by artists and great art associations, like the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts, and the Naples Art Assoc., I live art. To my great advantage, I have a husband who is very, very supportive of what I do. Even though he isn't an "art afficionado," he does anything and everything he is able to do to assist me and support me - even if that means having sandwiches for dinner!

Our Grand Opening was held Thurs. evening, at our Artist Colony at the Esplanade. Our Portside Studio was filled with art lovers. It seemed like the entire community attended this event. Thank you so very much to all of the art patrons out there. You enable us to do what we do. Your purchases and your comments of praise keep us motivated and our brushes moving.