Art 2002

KATCOMPANY

I had not painted for some time, when my young friend, Alicia, told me her family was moving to Florida.  I decided to give her something purposeful, fulfilling and uniquely hers, as my gift to her.  Something she could have, anywhere life takes her.  Something she could enjoy, once she had the essential tools & knowledge, for the rest of her life (she just turned 17). I taught her to paint...well, I taught her what I know.  It works for me, so I pass it along to others. I am not by any means a master, however I do sell my paintings and I truly enjoy teaching others. I helped her create beautiful oil painting.  One day a week, for a month, she came to my house and  together we worked on a total of four painting....one per week.  Each one was different and only took a few hours but the results were amazing.  She painted  while I gave her some basic information, tips and techniques.  It was frustrating for her a few times but she accomplish breathtaking results, and she is really good at it. She painted a Lake with islands, a covered bridge, a waterfall and a sandy beach with palm trees (she's going to Tampa, Florida). She is moving far away, leaving her boyfriend, as well as dozens of other friends, including myself. It will be hard at first for her...and she will be lonely and sad and even angry at times. But as she gets used to her new surroundings, finishes her senior year and heads off to college, she will have her art, always....to express herself ...throughout her life.  I will miss her spirit!     ---Kathy 2002

These are paintings I worked on while I was teaching Alicia to paint.  There was always plenty of paint left on the palette, after she had gone home,so I used it too. Photos of her art will be on an upcoming page. She actually gave me a "kick start" to get back into it. I thanked her for that.  I am a little rusty but it will come back...always does.  Like I mentioned earlier, I hadn't painted for a while, but I'm satisfied with the results of these.

Click on any of the pictures to the right for larger views.  Do not click on the little artist pic though...she gets really freaky when you poke at her!

The hardest part of learning to paint is getting over the fear that you can't do it...or that you're  not good enough.                                                                                                "It doesn't matter how good you are, nor does it matter what or how you paint." What matters is that you have the desire. Then, anything is possible. You have to free yourself of doubts. You have to just jump right in....with both feet. I mean both hands! Well, ok maybe feet too, who knows? Amazing things will happen. Have faith in the fact that the desire draws you to art in the first place. If you just give yourself a chance and exercise the freedom that comes from being creative. (me - 2002)

My son Dennis, with airbrush, painting a mural at a local business.