My Art Journey Has Been Long and Fun-Filled!

How My Art Journey Began

My art journey started when I was about six. One of my grandmothers owned a yarn shop, and I would spend hours there when visiting her. She taught me how to knit. She and my grandfather always took me to a small mom-and-pop art store and let me pick out new crafts to try out. I remember making string art that they proudly displayed on their walls, marble caterpillars, and birds that they kept on their shelves. When I got older, they bought me candle-making supplies, and a friend and I had a little business selling candles to neighbors.

Art Classes in School

Middle School and High School

I had several art teachers who inspired me in middle school and high school. I remember taking design classes, making copper bookends, creating works with enamel, building pots, and throwing pots on a wheel.

My College Years

While in college, I took many art classes. Art was one of my concentrations. I took drawing, printmaking, watercolor, two-dimensional design, and photography. They were some of my favorite courses. I found them relaxing and fun!

I recently came across these art projects from college in my parent’s attic. Some of the colors I love and themes remain the same.

Keeping the Art Journey Going During the Work and Family Years

While working and raising a family, I kept my artistic journey going. There was always some creative project, whether knitting mittens, crocheting afghans, crewel work, Scherenschnitte (cutting paper into decorative designs), decorative painting on wood, or jewelry making.

When Moe and I visit friends, we see things we created long ago. We often say, “Wow, I forgot about made those!”

Now, My Art Journey is Moving Full Speed Ahead

Now that the kids are grown and on their own and I retired from teaching, my artistic adventure has become a massive part of my life. Just before Covid, I started taking art classes online. Covid was the perfect excuse to keep on taking courses. Not that I needed a reason, but it made it easy because we were home so much. I continue to take courses and have taken over forty of them! I have taken numerous watercolor classes, alcohol ink classes, sketchbook practice classes, printmaking classes (I learned how to carve my own stamps and make prints using a Gelli plate), acrylic painting, and multimedia courses.

Sometimes, I think I am crazy, but the more classes I take, the more I see how one course helps with another. For example, take a look at the piece below. It is a multimedia piece that I created recently. It contains many layers. I have learned acrylic paint techniques. Some of the leaves you see are prints of leaves (made using a Gelli plate) that I found in my yard. Other leaves and the black-eyed Susan's are made using stamps that I carved. The robin is made from a stencil I cut and then painted.

Helpful Sites and Artists that Have Inspired Me on My Art Journey

By studying different techniques and styles, I evolve and improve. One of my goals is to inspire others to pursue their creative dreams. There are so many courses available.

Sites I Use

Domestika—This site offers courses for all sorts of creatives, including art, writing, computer programs, fashion, and more. Courses go on sale often, usually for between $9.99 and $13.99. NEVER pay full price!

Techniques in Watercolor Inspired by a Domestika Course

Udemy - Udemy offers courses on almost any topic. Again, NEVER pay full price.

YouTube - I follow many artists on Youtube. There is so much that can be learned from artists that give freely of their time!

Artists That I Have Taken Courses From

As you know, I have taken many courses! Here are a few artists I look forward to hearing from! I don't have affiliate links to any of these artists, but I like them!

Susan McCreevy - Susan lives in Scottland. I love her botanical Gelli printing class! Susan is very authentic and methodical in her teaching. She is available to answer questions and provide suggestions and encouragement. I am currently taking her encaustics class.

Helen Wells - Helen lives in England. She is a contemporary artist who focuses on sketch booking. Her work is lively and colorful, just like her personality! Getting her weekly emails makes me smile!

Tracy Verdugo - Tracy resides in Australia. I have taken numerous classes from her. She is the one that taught me how to loosen up! All of her artwork is whimsical and fun!

Acrylic Elephant Inspired by One of Tracy's Classes

Many other instructors are great, but those are my top three. The things they have in common are sweet accents, authentic personalities, and art that is fun to look at!

Other Things that Influence My Artistic Journey

Reading Books

I also read lots of books on various art topics. I read books about how to paint with acrylics, creating textures in pen and ink with watercolor, books artists have published, and more.

Currently, I am reading the book Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon. Lisa talks about the cycle of the artistic path. The first phase is "the spark," the ongoing desire to create. While I credit my grandmother with the initial spark, like a match, the spark gets relit! She states "Once we experience the spark, most artists develop the desire to keep creating over and over again. It's almost a compulsion." You can tell by the number of courses I take that it is a compulsion!

Being Outside and Traveling

Spending time outdoors and in new places, enjoying the sights and sounds around me, also helps with the creative process! Now, when taking my daily walks and traveling, I see things through a new lens. This first started when I began teaching science and started my business creating science and STEM resources. I started seeing the science in everything. People who enjoy science have a sense of wonder about things. Artists are similar. Now, I notice patterns, textures, colors, shapes, and forms when out and about. Many of the artworks I create have science incorporated into them.

I drew and painted the piece above after visiting my daughter and her family in Phoenix, Arizona. While hiking, I came across pieces of dry cholla wood. Intrigued by the shapes, patterns, and textures, I drew them. I added the sun because it is dry and hot there. There are hotter days in Phoenix each year. Cactus, like the Cholla, are struggling to survive. This led me to create a series of climate change paintings.

I keep photos of other objects I have seen while walking or traveling for inspiration.

So, as you can see, my journey has been long, but it is evolving and always fun! I hope I have inspired some of you to chase your passion, whatever it may be.

You can see my studio here if you are curious about where I create my art.

Beautiful Art for Life Well Lived,

Sarah

My Art Journey Has Been Long and Fun-Filled!