The continuing saga of, Roxanne the artist!

Here are the first 4 in a series of 12 paintings that I'm currently working on. This collection is titled Lemon Lily. I started it last Friday and had so much fun. I know it's different but I'm enjoying it. I experimenting! Which is why this all began. The purpose of this blog is to journal my life as an artist. I've always thought of myself as an artist and yet I've done very little to develop the artist within. In college, I declared my major; Health and Physical Education. Graduated. Married my Jr. High boyfriend. Taught P.E. and watched him coach High school football. We had three beautiful children and poured ourselves into family life. Love grew us up. Living life to it's fullest. Making memories to last a lifetime.

I've painted, decorated, crafted and created all along the way. I had to! I'm an artist! When our kids were in school, I begin a fifteen years of painting decorative art, commercial and resisdential, for designers. Painting on walls and ceilings was enjoyable, lucretive and rewarding. Then several years ago, something deep inside of me began to yearn for more art. A deeper commitment to paint and develop this ability thats always been there.

So 2 1/2 years ago, I started this blog to document my progress. With time on my hands and a supportive husband, I began to paint again. It has been an exciting and maddening adventure. Finding a place to paint has been a big challenge. Cleaning out the garage (thank you friends) to create a studio, only to find out it's too hot, dark and dusty! Then carving out a tiny niche in my kitchen which would prove to be to tiny and dark. A year ago, I rented a wonderful space in an old building downtown with plenty on space and light that I have used as a studio ever since. It's been a blessing to have this place. I've taught lessons to pay for it and painted more than ever! Even still, I feel as though I've just begun to scratch the surface of art.

Maybe I've said all of this to say, as an artist, I feel like a silly child. I'm all over the place. Bouncing. Noisy. Climbing, clamoring to heard, to be noticed, to be good...to be the best I can possibly be. I'm crying (of course), I cry easily and often. I'm a mess! But I'm trying. I'm determined to try! And I thank those of you who have found yourselves involved in my drama, for listening and advising week after week. Helping me to stay the course and continue to acknowledge this gnawing need to be a good painter.

Are you scared?

When my mother see's these she'll probably say, "She's just going through a bad stage". :)

Thank's for listening.