Stay The Course

It's my art birthday this month.  It's been eleven years - nearly twelve - since I made the decision to follow my improbable dream.  I was fifty years old and about as out of place as a person could get in my first college classroom filled with "kids" ranging from eighteen to the early thirties.  But I loved it.  From that first moment when I picked up a piece of charcoal I was hooked. 

My first drawing teacher often wrote encouraging words in my sketch book   I think that was his job, but I appreciated it anyway.  He thought this image demonstrated "fine work."

 

It was spring term, 1999.  I didn't really know if I wanted to be an artist, I just thought a drawing class would be the easiest class to take to see if I could "cut it" in college.  I don't know if I would have persevered without that early encouragement from this drawing teacher - an adjunct, part-time, newly graduated MFA who moved on after that term ended. 

None of us get where we're going without the help of others.  Whether it's a kind word of encouragement, an insightful criticism, the sharing of knowledge and technique - these experiences - often unacknowledged but not unappreciated, flow into our lives - and we, in turn - pay them forward. 

Thank you - all of my friends out there who read and contribute to the spirit and knowledge of this blog. 

Christmas Girl

7x5, oil on copper leaf

Available at:

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Wishing you all the best this Christmas Season and a prosperous New Year.

Comments

[sue smith]

Thanks everybody - it's like that scene out of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie - not to be morbid, but all the departed souls are sailing in their individual little boats on this great river and then suddenly, there's a light and they see another soul and wave and see everybody else in their little boats - this is a big wave to all!

[Helen]

Happy Birthday and thank you for sharing those thoughts... good ones. I love the Christmas Girl.

[Lorrie]

Happy art birthday. Thank you for sharing. And apropos, I saw this today: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/arts/design/20herrera.html?_r=1&ref=design

Lorrie
x

[Jo-Ann Sanborn]

Happy (am I belated yet?) Art Birthday and best wishes for more! We share a journey of growth and discovery and I'm honored to be part of yours. Warm regards for a wonderful holiday and a great new year.

[Indigene]

Wow! You're on an amazing journey! It warmed my heart and spirit to discover you and your blog! I re-started my journey in December, 2000! I look forward to the amazing routes it will take! Have a wonderful holiday season and once again, thank you for sharing your journey and thoughts! Peace to you always.

[vicki ross]

Sue, should have know you were a fellow Sag! I turned 60 on Dec. 6...and am so happy with my decision to become an artist. Take a look at my new project www.MyArtTutor.com and let me know if you are interested in participating. Happy Birthday, Vicki Ross

[whollyjeanne]

happy art birthday, a day late. i started graduate school in the fall of 2003, like you, in the midst of a group that spanned all ages. best thing i ever did for myself, except i probably should've listened to my faculty advisors and switched from ma program to mfa. oh well. who says there's not another degree in my future?

[suzemyst@nycap.rr.com]

Thank you for sharing your insights, wisdom, musings...it's all about the journey we're on together. Blessings this Christmas season! Warmest regards, Susan

[Dale Lang]

Sue, thank you for for being so willing to share. I love knowing that we have had such similar experiences. It makes me feel less isolated and makes me laugh as I too remember being surrounded by the amazing "emerging young artists" in school. Have a great holiday season. Gratefully yours, Dale Lang

[Michelle]

So true... and thank you for sharing your journey!

Merry Christmas!