In the fall of 1999, I resigned my job to help with my mother-in law, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and to be more available for my mother and family.But I felt the loss of involvement with other people, so on a whim , I decided to take an art class at Cheekwood. For most of my life, I had felt my only artistic talent was in appreciation for other artists' works. I thought I would learn what it felt like to hold a brush, apply the paint to the canvas, play with all the colors, and it would be nothing more than that.
On my refrigerator I keep the following quote: "If you hear a voice within you saying 'You are not a painter,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." --Vincent Van Gogh
My reward has been discovering what talent and ability I do have, having and even greater appreciation for all art media, continuing to learn, and being part of a community of people who have enriched my life. I am so grateful to the teachers and people I paint with for their guidance and encouragement to continue trying.