When I took up painting in February 2011 in order to mend a broken heart, I didn’t think I would have any talent at drawing or painting people or things – although I am very good at decorating and painting furniture. It seems that I can draw and paint better than I thought I could. It is amazing what good things can come out of a seemingly negative situation! 🙂 I was also inspired by a friend of mine who tried painting for the first time too and figured that as I am about trying new things, I would try painting things other than walls and furniture.
I am completely self-taught. Although I have gone to a few classes none of them have really given me what I have been looking for – structure. I am one of those people that need it. I need a process because I there are times I am unsure of what to do with what is in front of me.
I have found loads of inspiration from YouTube and books. Now that I am working full-time, I am not painting as much as before, but you can see what I have been up to on the main page of this blog. Sometimes it is one step backwards, two steps forward, but at least I am still giving it a go. I have tried Acrylics, Pastels, Water-color and all sorts. I mainly paint with Acrylic Paint and am giving print making a go. Nature has a big influence on my work as I live by the sea and near the countryside.
In the late 70’s/early 80’s I used to work in SOHO in New York and worked for an art shipping company. We were in the same building as some very prestigious art galleries at the time. It was wonderful going to gallery openings and being around art. I didn’t like it all, but hey who does? It was about that time that artist’s statements were such a big deal, mainly because people have a difficult time understanding conceptual art. Even Picasso has one now and he never did when he started! It seems like everyone has to have an artist statement these days.
So here is my flippant anti-Artist’s Statement:
I am a Gemini (I could really stop here as I think it explains everything). I am self-taught and inspired by others. I am still figuring out my style as I love trying new things (I am a Gemini). I love to paint flowers and nature, but am not adverse to painting a teapot, piece of fruit, or going completely crazy and knocking out some abstract, whimsical, or intuitive piece that has no particular meaning except that I might like the color combo or texture. So, in the meantime, here is the work that I am doing while I figure out my style. I may never have a particular style, but that is ok as I am a Gemini!
Arlene's New Beginning 
I love your story. Art heals!
Thank you! Who knew there was a hidden talent there all of these years!
Love the cat and hope your heart is mended
Thank you for that. Time heals all wounds, although I still miss my cat sometimes. I make do with the cats I find on the streets. 🙂
This is a great post about how you are working things out with your art and talents. Thank you. Art really does help us get through life.
I just wish I now had more time to paint! Waiting for the holidays when I don’t have to work! 🙂
Hi Arlene. Love your blog – great to see you continuing to be positive and creative , when sometimes life is just the opposite! Interesting to read you have never found classes with enough ‘structure’ for you. I have been running drawing/ pastel based classes for a few years and I am happy to say, have a constant waiting list for spaces. One of the reasons (I have been told several times) is that I have always aimed sessions at beginners and provide step-by-step guidance, encouragement, demonstration and instruction. I thought all decent tutors would do this, but apparently not so! You’re doing very well and have a good eye for colour and composition – keep it up. All the best for 2016 x
Thanks Fiona, the last watercolor course had a little bit of structure,but I think it was a bit too ambitious as there were a few people in the group who had been before when there should have been a more advanced class for them. Unfortunately, the person giving the class I took is not necessarily a watercolorist by vocation and is self taught. I have learned much from books and a few people on youtube. It would be great if there was someone where I lived that taught more structured courses, but until then, I will try things on my own. Thank you for reading my blog. 🙂
It’s wonderful that you were able to make something positive out of a negative situation.
Never let anything get you down!