My Story

I am a wife, mother, yogi and former teacher who has worked in a wide variety of jobs outside the home.

If careers are flowers, then I am an ADD butterfly that has flitted from blossom to blossom.  I have formally studied music (voice performance), theology, psychology, education, yoga and holistic nutrition.  But of all the trainings and educational classes I’ve taken, I was in my 50’s when I took my first painting class.

I grew up with a lot of misconceptions about art.  I thought it was for those chosen few who could sketch like Davinci or paint like Monet.  As a young child I created with abandon~ illustrating my own stories, painting pottery and enjoying any opportunity to make art.  As I progressed in the NYC public school system more focus was placed on academics and less on creative studies.  I compared myself to other students that I judged were more gifted than I was in art, so I avoided those classes.  

As an adult I enjoyed “crafting” and learned how to knit, make cards with ink stamps and beaded jewelry.  I worked as a teacher and always loved doing art with my students and later my own children.   We homeschooled our two girls all the way through college and I still have bins filled with their art projects.  I still didn’t see myself as an artist.

My children are grown now.  At 50 I entered the brave new world of the “Empty Nester. “ The first thing I did was purchase a puppy! Namaste, a sweet King Charles provided cuddles and companionship. I got more serious about practicing yoga and became a certified RYT 200, but still had a lot of hours in my day to fill. I was still searching for a something that would give this season of my life passion and purpose. An artist friend introduced me to watercolors on a camping trip.  We spent hours engrossed in painting.  I found the same sort of “zen” feeling of peace that I would get from prayer or yoga.  I found painting both stimulating and therapeutic. I enrolled in an online painting course “The Secret Garden” by Amanda Evanston (www.amandaevanston.com).  The decision to take this class literally changed my life.  The artist claimed that she could teach anyone to paint a flower.  I think she may be right!!!  She gave permission to paint without perfection.  She taught clear and easy steps to creating truly beautiful works of art. Paintings started with a simple color palette and a “chaos” layer that was a free flowing and fun experience.  I feel like it took me back to the happy kindergartener I once was, singing and painting away without fear.  She made me see that we all have an artist within.  I took all of her online offerings.  I started attending “art nights” with other creative women.  I realized that I was spending hours every day making art and loving every minute. The first time someone offered to purchase a painting I was surprised and elated.  When a local shop started selling my work, and called me a “local artist” I began to see myself that way ~ as an artist! March 2020 was the year anniversary of my first online painting class.  Since then I have taken a wide variety of artists’ online offerings, tutorials and a local class in my community. Every new teacher offers another technique or idea that merges into the art I am making.  As a result, my art is ever evolving.  I want what I create to be a source of light and life, and to reflect the beauty and peace I see in Creation. I show up to paint and I am filled with joy. One of my favorite quotes sums it up: “Search for what moves you, slows you, what wraps you in love - & then be present for it.”  - Wren

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