To begin with I was simply happy myself to be making art and making a living! Now it's about the happiness art can bring to others. For example, with portraiture, there's something about telling the story of a life in such a tangible way that really resonates with people. With botanical art, my collectors often mention a feeling of peace, or connection to the land or a favorite locale.
And I like to use my skills to help other people, businesses, artists, etc., promote their own work -- I want us all to succeed.
I also love the flexible schedule of a freelancer; having time to think; having my cat in the studio with me; and most importantly, making a living doing something for which I seem to be well-suited.
And in any art museum, portraits are everywhere: in every style, color, and size, from every country and created by every type of artist.
In a portrait's brushstrokes we find a path connecting us to another human on a timeless level.
Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, van Gogh and Rembrandt's many self-portraits, these are just a few of the well-known portraits that have come down to us through the ages. Their popularity is testimony to the power and value of capturing personality, character, and aspect, on canvas.
Oil paint captures the living qualities of the human face and body like no other medium. Skillfully handled, the portrait transcends technique and draws the viewer in, and a single artist creates a treasure for us all.