Finally An Artist :)

Say it loud, say it proud. You go girl! You have some nice work.

Congrats Gretchen! Thank you for sharing about the positive difference you are making in this world, and for your encouragement.

That's awesome, Gretchen! :-)

"“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”
~ Lao Tzu

Well done Gretchen, Love your work. Thanks for sharing an encouraging story!

hi gretchen the first was one my original favorite of yours second awesome image...

Congratulations on 'finding yourself,' Gretchen. You mentioned all the 3D stuff you did in the dentist's office. Have you ever considered trying your hand (and your skills) at sculpture?

That is excellent Gretchen. Congrats. on last month's successes - & all your future endeavors.

I do know what you mean by justifying your time spent . Remind your husband: Happy wife = happy life.

And I can remember when I finally gave myself the indulgence of the title " Artist". What a relief... it was as if I could hear them say " Well, that explains a lot of things..." Lol.
Because a satisfying day IS spent covered in either paint, horse hair or dirt.

Beautiful work, & look forward to seeing more.

Grechen,

We joined about the same time. I am still tickled by the title "Artist" I know
what you mean.

Dave

When did you feel that? When did you feel complete and comfortable in your skin as an artist?

ANSWER: Never.

For me, art is NOT comfortable. For me, art REQUIRES a sense of incompleteness. These are the creators of the necessary potential to draw the energy out of me to do it. Always has been. Always will be.

Art is not fun. Art is not relaxing. Art is not introspectively self expressive.

Art is reflexive. Art is compulsive. Art is necessary.

That being said, I think you are dong art in a very real way that obviously serves others besides yourself, ... a level of performance that I have not reached in a while.

Be brave! Its a funny thing this word artist. It been held up so high that some think only a true "genius" can wear the crown. But you've had confirmation by people willing to spend money on your work so wear it proudly!

Smiling for you, Gretchen! I've been on a similar journey the last year and have been writing about it in my blog. The unveiling of that identity is such an incredible experience, isn't it? Congratulations! =)

Yupp,

It took a WHILE to get my wife to understand that this is more than a hobby in "quantifiable" terms.

The first three times I spent money on a camera it was two weeks of hell. The last time it was very hard for her to understand a camera would pay for itself while a dining room table would not.

While there was a slight cringe when we were at the camera shop dropping 3K on a body and one lens she actually has faith now.

Congratulations Gretchen, and continued success!!!

Oh, and yes, CONGRATS

Congrats Gretchen, now that you made your first step for the love of the arts.May it bare fruit and lots of success.

@ Keven- Thank you!
@Frank-Thank you, and you are welcome! :)
@Wendy-Thanks!
@James - Thank you!
@Tom-Woah! Thank you, my friend, these two are actually just coming home from a show, I am glad I get to hang them back on my own walls :)
@Murray - I have never sculpted a thing outside of the odd teeny wax sculpture when work was slow, but I've been itching to try some nice clay, I have serious commitment issues when it comes to sticking with one medium though, and a friend of mine has forbid me from trying more media until I am more set doing the painting. so for now, I will paint. ...in oil, ink, watercolor, encaustic, and acrylic...lol...Cant stick too closely to any one.
@Janine - He is quite good at putting up with my artistic mess everywhere-and it is considerable! Being "artist" is nice-I feel like I can wear edgier clothes and have funky colors in my hair and it's ok, because, well I am an arteest. LOL
@Dave -yup! Teehee tickled and teased :)
@Robert - I am glad then that you are uncomfortable with the title, because it is one you give yourself, I think, by virtue of the fact that you say things like your assertions about what art is and is not. If it is what you need to feel, then I am glad your art can fit your own description. But only an artist would say those things don't you think? I hope that you glean some joy out of it. I do-holding a brush to me feels like Christmas. It is fun, and relaxing, and introspectively self expressive, also reflexive, compulsive and necessary. So, even if it is thorny for you I hope you can get to the pure joy therein....and a big thank you :)
@Edward-Thank you Edward, yes people make it lofty, but I absolutely believe that it has more to do with self-validation than the validation of others, unless the "artist" is not genuine to himself, that, to me, is terribly apparent when I meet someone. Shams are plain.
@Rahdne- I'll have to take a look at your blog! and thank you for the smiles. :)
@JC - sooo Glad she came around! The world would be a little more shallow without your lovely photos :) and thanks!
@Brian- Thank you!!!
@Otil -Thank you! :)

Gretchen #1.....congrats.....love your paintings.

To answer the question I guess the first time I felt like real artist was when I started paying bills with it. Feels good to see some value in something you pour yourself into.

Congrats, hope to see your success continue!

You were always an artist. Most talented people only realize it when they are validated. You are a talented artist. Your work is wonderful... you go girl!