When
I started my very first job out of college as a layout artist for a newspaper
in Massachusetts, I learned on the job and became proficient over time. I left
that job after only three years knowing I needed to move on to other
possibilities in the art world. Today I can look back and see quite the
interesting art path I have travelled. I always felt drawn to doing more art
and have never stopped. To me growing and learning through artistic opportunities
makes for a more varied palette of skills.
When we moved to New Hampshire, I found a job working for a
local printer. I had a baby daughter to care for so this mom and pop place was
a good fit. The Adult Evening program in town offered a drawing class and The
New Hampshire Art Institute offered a colored pencil drawing class during the
year. I said 'why not?' Keep up and keep going, that's my motto. This time in
my art life led me to an interesting challenge. My boss asked me to paint or draw
a house portrait of his family's lovely old-style Cape. In the barter (we decided to make it one), I
needed a piece of furniture stripped and refinished which he agreed to do. I
completed the house portrait and he restored my family heirloom. (I think he
put in more time and sweat for sure!)
This first portrait started a path to more portraits after
putting a small ad in the local paper. Every house portrait and some other
unique portrait collaborations has had a neat story. I delved into people
portraits with some apprehension but figured out my style and went with it.
Each of these also has a story. These few I'll share with you.
#1 - Michael
This
portrait was commissioned by the grandparents as one of their two grandchildren.
I was given a picture of Michael and knew immediately he needed a haircut and a
proper shirt. Done.
#2
- Lauren
Lauren was in a bathing suit and her hair was wet in the
photo I received of her from the grandparents. So, I dried her hair and then
styled it. A floral dress was given to me to have her wear in the portrait. No
problem. I asked daughter #3 who was about the same age as Lauren to put the
dress on and model for me. It worked.
#3
- Jordan
I wanted to thank a co-worker of mine who helped me
immensely when I started a new job. I chose one of Jordan's favorite fairy
tales and used Tinker Bell to personalize the portrait.
My advice is don't stop what YOU are doing! Keep the pen,
pencil, brush, chalk, charcoal, paint, and fingers moving on the paper, canvas,
board, wall etc. Look for those opportunities to 'just do it'.
Contact information:
Deb Curtin
Thank you, Deb, for this inspiring blog post. If you would like to submit a guest blog post, please e-mail it to treasurer, Linda Feinberg,
lhfeinberg@myfairpoint.net
