A Summer of Art

"CULTIVATE WHATEVER TALENTS YOU HAVE, AND THEY WILL GROW AND REFINE AND BECOME AN EXPRESSION OF YOUR TRUE SELF APPRECIATED BY OTHERS."

This summer has been a revolutionary one for me. I have had the opportunity to make advances in a possible career in portrait drawing/painting. It has been a wild summer. I have found that it takes quite a bit of passion and drive to do art full time. Art is an overwhelmingly contemplative area of study that requires lots of emotional energy, pondering and patience. In summary, I have learned a lot. As an art student, you are constantly having to valitdate your motivations and aspirations for being an artist. "Why do you do portraits?" they ask. "What personal value does your art have for you" they say. "How are you going to make a difference in the art world? What is your message you want to portray in your art?"

Every time I am asked this, I I'm not sure what I'll really end up doing, but now I know what it will require of me to really succeed as a portrait artist.

For one, you have to work really, really, really hard. You don't have a motivated boss keeping you on task, you have to push yourself. I haven't thrown myself all of the way into this possibility yet, but I feel like I've had a little taste.
One of the things that pulls me in, that pushes me to create is the people around me. For instance, a wonderful woman in my ward wanted me to do a picture of her grandson. She is so passionate, emotional and kind that I really wanted to get this one right. She would feel it if it was wrong, even if she couldn't see the mistakes specifically. Ahh! Pressure! But after diving in and praying for help from the Lord I felt like I hit it right on. I received help and guidance for this wonderful woman's sake. She was so supportive and kind through the whole process. I could paint for her forever! That is just a simple example of where my drive comes from most of the time.

I'm glad that I had this opportunity, and I hope that it will continue so I can keep learning. Painting for others is so fulfilling to me. I'm grateful for the faces I have come to know and for the hearts and souls I have felt as I've painted this summer.

Dave has been so supportive too! oh Dave. What would I ever do without your happy, positive nature and your unconditional love? I guess I'll never know. Thank goodness for that! He has let me have the extra room for my painting supplies so I can continue to work from home. So wonderful.

The wonderful thing about all of this is the fact that it has allowed me to channel some of the feelings that I have for others into my art. I love the quote at the top of this post. I feel like we all have something that God has given us that really does help us find purpose. The more work and heart I give into my art the more fulfilling it is to try to express my true self through it. I just feel like there are so many people around me that have such wonderful qualities that help me to see their hearts! Thanks to you all, all that have taken the time to read this post, all that have influenced my lives through their talents and work.