When did you know you were an artist? As a child I loved to draw, fill coloring books, and complete various craft projects. In high school, I learned more about acrylic and oil paints and got a chance to try them out. From that time on, I was always involved in art in one way or another. I continued to do various types of crafts as an adult and even painted background scenes for a few theater sets.
When and why did you decide to pursue art as a career?
After I retired in 2018, I was able to spend more time learning how to use oil and acrylic paints. There was a wealth of videos on YouTube that enabled me to explore the media and complete some of my first paintings. I was hooked. I find it very relaxing to work on a painting in the solitude of my art studio. I often lose track of the time.
What’s been your hardest challenge?
Since I started out primarily as a sketch artist it took me a fair amount of time, a lot of self-education and practice for me to understand color theory and start getting good results in my paintings.
What successes or achievements are you most proud of?
I have won a few awards in two local Lehigh Valley art leagues. It is a great feeling and encouraging to have my work recognized in that way, but mostly, I feel best about completing paintings for friends, either as gifts or commissions. I have given many friends and family members paintings of their beloved pets as a remembrance after their pet has passed. It’s satisfying to know that someone enjoys having one of my paintings in their home and it brings them joy to look at it.
What’s your advice for anyone who wants to explore art or creativity, but can’t seem to find the time?
Just like with anything else, you have to make it a point to carve time out of your schedule for your interests. Buy a small sketchbook and keep it with you in your car or bag so you can sketch whenever you get a few minutes. You will soon start to see improvements in your work and that will inspire you to spend even more time and maybe branch out into other mediums.
What’s your advice when an artist is intimidated by a blank canvas?
Look to nature for inspiration or paint what you see around you. You can find beauty and good practice material in everything. Simple paintings of everyday objects are a great way to practice and can inspire your next masterpiece. It’s always helpful to review other artists’ work too. There are so many talented people who have beautiful inspiring work on social media.
Feel free to add anything else you’d like to share with readers about yourself or your art.
I paint primarily in acrylic and oil and I like to challenge myself by painting many different subjects, but mostly I love to paint dogs and birds. It is very satisfying to watch an animal’s likeness come to life on my canvas.
_______________ART@EPL is the library’s exciting partnership with the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. The series is funded through a grant from PA Partners in the Arts, making it possible for area residents to enjoy free art lectures and workshops from local artists working in pastels, charcoal, sculpture, and watercolor among others.
Visit the ART@EPL page to see all the artists who have led workshops and exhibited work at the library as part of ART@EPL.
