Wolf Dancer Studios

I have always been a creative person. But I was more or less a Jack-of-all-Trades. Faux painting, sewing and quilting, dollhouse miniatures, and floor cloths were all crafts I mastered. Recently, I had a yearning to focus in on just one aspect of art. The one that got away, painting. Oil painting in particular. There is so much to learn, the challenges are endless. And the journey is not an easy one. Commitment is crucial. It also requires a fair amount of time alone. That’s the down side. The upside is that you meet some amazing people along the way. When I enrolled in my first art class I was nervous. Did I have all the right materials? Was I ready for this step? How would my work compare? The insecurities were endless. What I found out is that the art community is a pretty amazing place. There are wonderful, generous artists ready to share and support each other at a level I had never experienced before.

That first class, I met a wonderful woman named Judy. Her insight and passion for art is truly amazing. She could find the smallest brush stroke in my painting and speak of it with such enthusiasm! She has an astonishing ability to see what others overlook. And her artwork is a reflection of all this and more. Through another class I met Margaret, an artist whose talents have no boundaries. Always willing to share her knowledge and expertise, she has helped me immensely with my drawings. You can see all her work at Sweet Basil Arts, you will be truly amazed. Then recently, at a small workshop, I met a gifted artist, Lina Ferrara. She shared a few of my own challenges; managing studio time and staying motivated to name a few. These were topics we were both passionate about. We exchanged ideas, talked about painting and vowed to help each other stay on track. And although we live on opposite sides of the country, through the magic of social media, it’s working! Visit her blog, Art by Lina Ferrara, you will find yourself lost in some wonderful art and undoubtedly motivated too.

There have been others. Fellow artists, most met through classes, lessons and workshops, that I consider friends. The camaraderie itself is inspiring. I cannot imagine surviving a day without it. Through all the ups and downs, one thing is a constant-artistic friends! You can always count on them just when you need it most.