


I started out with paint by numbers in the hospital when I had my tonsils removed at the age of five.
Every year after that my Mom would buy different art mediums charcoal, oils, pastels watercolor.
I painted up to the age of twenty two after losing my maternal Grandfather to lung cancer I no longer had joy in painting. He was the one who encouraged me in my endeavor as an artist. I set aside all my supplies and put all my energy into motherhood.
In my late thirties I found myself in a depressed state of mind, never having a career and free time on my hands , I began doodling which in turn became sketch's. I had rediscovered my creative side. Wanting to do more I went out and bought watercolors dappling in those for awhile. When one day after rummaging through my closet I found my Rembrandt pastels that my Mom bought me when I was twelve.
I fell in love with the soft buttery texture and the feathery effects you make by using your hand as a tool, much like finger painting.I was on a roll creating landscape to portraits using the pastels, entering art contest and winning ribbons and getting articles published about my work.
I started my professional pet portrait business Heartstrings after losing my beloved pet Kinney. After many years of commissioned works I began to feel stifled and very uncreative.
I challenged myself into making abstract works for the life of me I could not understand until I began to play with color and found movement in the formation of colors touching color. I was hooked. I found a liberating form of creativity, a mindless joy of working with color.
I rarely have preconceived ideas. I just start painting and my mind eye see
something that I just follow.
I have no training nor am I interested in learning.
I just paint for me.
When am happy,sad,lonely or confused art helps me become focused.
I am able to clear my mind of unwanted thoughts
Art is a creative force which frees the spirit, we make our own world when we paint I like to think mine is a world of color and feeling.
Thanks for sharing your creative process and thoughts. I'm happy that you were able to once again access art as a healing modality in your life. I enjoy seeing your work !
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about how you've arrived at where you are now with your artwork. Your creations are beautiful & unique. Jx
ReplyDeleteoh so nice johnnie
ReplyDeletevery well done and great pieces
donnarose
This is so true,no matter what we work with. Creativity works wonders for the mind, soul, and body! Everyone should enjoy making something!
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me, Johnnie. Now I want to go find my dad's pastels! I've done a few pet portraits myself, but prefer still life or landscapes in pastels.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to learn your artistic journey, ups and downs and all. Thanks for sharing a bit more of yourself. And your blog music ROCKS!
Donna
I love your paintings and your story! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to just starting and going from there. I do that a lot! Your work is so beautiful and bright! I love the turtle above!
ReplyDeleteI love your art!! I's so beautiful. It's a wonderful story as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's a joy to return to something you love and I bet your grandfather's spirit smiled when you did :>)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this very much. You are very talented.
ReplyDeleteI love your work! Your story is great too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. You do have talent glad you are not wasting it.
ReplyDeletegreat post - wonderful variety of work
ReplyDeleteThat is the way I paint too, Johnnie...I never know what will turn out. Your work is fabulous.
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