Bum or Artist

On Becoming an Artist

The Brave Female Artist?

For anyone who knew me for any part of the first 62 years of my life, you may be scratching your head and asking “artist? You? Why did I never know that about you?” Well, honestly I sometimes scratch my head in wonder as well. How did I get to be an artist at sixty-two?” It’s a mystery to me.

Do you remember coloring books? I loved coloring books when I was a kid even though I never got the hang of coloring between the lines. Do you remember finger painting? I don’t although these days finger painting is one of my favorite painting techniques.

I grew up without an artistic drive or gift. I went through life never even considering art as an avocation or profession. I did enjoy art. I took Art Appreciation and Art History in college. Living in New York City I went to museums and galleries in the same way I went to concerts, to the opera and to the theater. These interests were real pleasures in my life but there was no accompanying longing or desire to become an artist, an actor or a musician. I did want to be a writer but never pursued that craft on a regular basis.

So how did this happen that as a retiree I became an artist? Fate, Serendipity? After my ex-wife and I moved to the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina I got an opportunity to take a basic watercolor class and talented or not I found I had a passion for painting.

My authentic self comes out in my painting. She comes out best in my abstract work because I’m painting my feelings, my impressions and ideas in my own true voice. I learn techniques of course about layering, splattering, gestures etc. but they are there for my unique expression. Abstract painting is my heart and soul. This is when I get to be wild, introspective, real. What happens is what happens.

And in this moment my name is The Brave Female Artist.