Just about the time you decide that you have figured it all out, found your groove, reached your maximum potential, etc, is the exact moment you STOP GROWING (and start growing old.)  Fortunately, for me, I haven't reached that point.  I really don't think I ever will.  I know that there is so much more for me to learn, experience, and take in from so many different artists that I should keep growing until infinity.

True story:  I have been practicing creativity since childhood.  I have tried so many different arts and crafts, including sewing, knitting, paper crafts, jewelry making, cake and cookie decorating, porcelain doll making, sculpting, glass fusing and lampworking, sublimation.  I truly believe that each of these creative endeavors led me to what I am so passionate about today:  oil painting.  

I take my art education seriously (serious fun!)  I was introduced to oil painting by my dear cousin, Marty Lambeth Robson, who is an incredibly talented artist in her own right.  Once bitten, I pursued finding an art instructor local to me, and was fortunate enough to find Wendy Brayton in Petaluma.  Wendy is not only extremely talented, but she is also so kind in her instruction, and makes me feel like I can paint anything!  Wendy is also very generous to her students by inviting other well-known artists to give demonstrations and workshops, each teaching their own special craft. 

With the whole pandemic situation, I explored online instruction.  I was introduced to two fantastic artists who were teaching oil painting online, Krista Eaton and Kelli Folsom.  Oh. My. Gosh.  My confidence exploded as I learned so much.  I soon realized that I really needed to commit to my art learning, so I enrolled in Kelli Folsom's Art Life School, and paid the annual membership fee.  It has opened so many doors for me.  Not only am I learning how to paint different subjects, I am also learning the business side of being an artist, finding my artistic voice, and more.   I'm so excited to say that I will be traveling to Denver in April to attend an Immersion Workshop with Kelli. (Eeeee!  I can't wait!)

So, I will continue learning.  I continue to take classes in person from Wendy when I am not on the road traveling with my husband and our dog, Maggie.  I also continue to take online classes with Kelli.  While I would like to claim that I paint every day, life does manage to get in the way at times.  I do strive to paint a couple of times a week.  There are just so many things to paint! 

Something I have realized through all this is:  My art has value.  Investing in my art education is important.  I truly feel that I have found my sweet spot in this art journey I am on.  I am blessed beyond measure to be able to pursue the thing that brings me such joy and brings beauty to the world.  

Hello friends and fellow art lovers!

If you are reading this, then surely you are either a personal friend, or lover of original painted art, or both!  In any event, welcome!  I am glad to have you on this journey with me.

When I was growing up in the 50's, 60's and 70's, art and art museums were not an important part of my childhood.  This was due, in part, to my family's socio-economic status, money was scarce and original art was just not a necessity.  While I was always encouraged to explore creative outlets for myself, it was always considered "just a hobby."  

That said, I never experienced visiting art museums and galleries, and had no formal art training until late in life.  Thus, I have made the decision to explore art museums on a more regular basis going forward.

I recently had an opportunity to attend a showing of Diego Rivera's works at SFMOMA. I invited my daughter-in-law to go with me.  While she readily said, "yes," she also expressed surprise that I was interested in Diego Rivera, particularly due to his political beliefs.  Well, luckily for me, I can separate the art from the artist to some degree, and really appreciate the art.  Sure, his politics drove a lot of the imagery depicted in his artwork, and it tells the story of struggles and class disparity.  

I have to say, there is something special about standing in front of a painting that is nearly 100 years old, and feeling a connection with the artist. (I guess I got a little too close to one painting, and was asked to step back by one of the museum docents.)  His legacy and his story endures.  It makes me wonder, what will my legacy be?  Will people feel a connection with me when they see my art?  I hope so.

Here is a picture of one of his murals:

And one of my personal favorites:

I suppose the point of my blog today is to encourage you to get yourself in front of some real art, not digitally, not in a book, but in real life.  Perhaps you will forget yourself as you lean in, and get reminded to step back!

What art appeals to you?  What subjects or artists speak to you? Where do you go to see art in person?  Comment below so I can add to my bucket list.

Until next time,

Katha