Rich and Famous … A Work in Progress!

Someone asked me how long I have been painting and where did I learn to do what I do.  I guess that I have been learning all my life.   I have always wanted to be an artist.  As a child I drew on anything  I could get my hands on…..old cardboard from shirt boxes, cardboard boxes, my school exercise books (often ended up in strife for that), in the dirt and the sand on the beach.  I made pictures with leaves, flowers, paper, scrap fabrics and anything I felt would work for me.  I drew pictures for my friends and made cartoons of my teachers (sometimes they were done in a positive light). It all gave me a great deal of joy. However as there were no opportunities to attend art classes I taught myself.

Then as life is want to do, the most amazing opportunities presented themselves beginning an exciting journey of self discovery and adventure.   I won a number of scholarships and accepted a primary teaching course.  I never, ever wanted to be a teacher!  The plan was to teach for a while, get rich (because teachers are always very well paid) and then go to Paris to become a famous artist.  Simple and easy….very naive!

I loved teachers’ college.  Not becoming a teacher but becoming me.  It was fun and challenging.  I met wonderful people who remain some of my dearest friends to this day and some absolute idiots who were totally forgettable!  I also met the love of my life.

I became a teacher.  I started with my first class of 45 students in 1974 and I loved every aspect of the job from that moment.  Children are the most forgiving, understanding and honest people with whom I have associated.  What a career to reflect upon……lots of laughter and success for both my students and me.

I married the love of my life and we started a new adventure together.  We  have 3 beautiful children who have become successful happy adults in their own right.  With 5 gorgeous grandchildren who bring us unending joy life is sweet.

After thirty odd years I retired from education and have taken on my art.  Questions of doubt ….. do I have any talent?  Who am I to put myself out there for the viewing public?  How will I know?

I set myself a target…..10 years should be a good timeframe in which to find out the answers.  I joined an art society.  A great move as the art community was welcoming and encouraging.  In 2008 I hopped in boots and all. I now belong to 6 art societies, set up a website, have had my first exhibition, sold a number of paintings including commissions (both nationally and internationally), been invited to run demonstrations and workshops and am a part of the art community.   How exciting it has been.

A little aside:  when I started painting seriously I would spend hours on an artwork.  Pleased with my achievements I would call the love of my life to have a look and comment (meaning ‘tell me how clever I am’). He (silly man) would comment (truthfully)!  Why did you put that there?  That colour is strange… and so on.  I would ‘calmly’ tell him he had no idea of art and he would walk away.  I reflected ‘calmly’ and realised the ‘So and So’ was right!!!   He is almost always right and I have improved.  He is one of life’s most patient men.

As yet I am not rich and famous (a work in progress) but I am one of the lucky ones.  I have it all.