My Artist Inspiration

At an early age my dad introduced me to art by giving me my first sketch book. Most evenings after dinner my dad would sit and draw in his book, and I would follow suit on the couch next to him. He introduced me to charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, ink, and different types of paint.

Over time I became what I considered a proficient ink artist through his teachings.

But what I dreamed of doing most of all was painting with watercolor. Try as I might, all my paintings were nothing like I had envisioned and so I stopped trying. All my early art was ink and primarily colored pencil. Without the skill to paint what I really wanted I started to quilt, which could look like paintings in my mind’s eye. So, again, I became satisfied with not painting.

Fast forward 20 years and my life took a hard, sharp turn as disaster struck my family in December 2020. My dad, not knowing what was wrong with the love of his life, my mom, called in dire need of help. After driving through three blizzards from Montana to California with the fear of the “unknown Covid” if I stopped anywhere public, I arrived at my childhood home.

Observation led to stark shock as I realized my mom had developed severe dementia within the last year. It was obvious dad could no longer provide care for mom. My brother and I urged them to move to Montana but that was still not dad’s desire. Two weeks later, when reality became all too apparent, dad bought a 4-wheel drive truck and loaded it up with mom, his cat, immediate needs, and took off to Montana, leaving his map and directions on the kitchen counter. He did make it safe despite all odds, and most important, he brought mom where we could help her live her best life through her new disease.

But with heartbreaking sadness, my dad passed away from Covid two weeks later.

With his passing and through my grieving, I found myself manifesting a deep need to express myself through creativity. But I was just lost emotionally… so very lost, without any creativity within.

It was while I was cleaning out my parent’s house and found my dad’s art supplies that my strong desire to paint returned.

I now offer you my portfolio of watercolor paintings.

Perhaps this art was finally achieved after ink drawing for 30+ years or perhaps it was born out of intense grieving from losing my father, as it certainly did exist before.

But deep in my soul I know that my new skill, my ability to paint images that invoke feelings and memories is a gift to me from my father after he passed. I thank my dad for every watercolor image I create. May he rest in peace knowing he has satisfied my soul. I often envision my dad with my mom, who has joined him now, holding hands and smiling my way, offering inspiration.

Thank you for reading my story and I hope you find enjoyment, wonder, and inspiration in the art I have created.