"It's never too late to have a happy childhood..."
Have you ever had someone tell you: YOU CAN’T SING, OR YOU CAN’T DRAW, OR YOUR CLUMSY, YOUR DUMB, OR YOU’LL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING?
I suppose we all have experienced some negative comments from relatives, friends or teachers during our formative years.
I never showed much talent as a child, my mother was the creative one in my family. When I was about 20 I bought a set of oil paints and look lessons from a very talented Russian artist. After a few months he said "you have an eye for color, but you can’t draw worth a hoot". I continued for a short time then gave away my paints thinking I had no talent. My sister was the smarter one and was given more attention, Mom said she didn’t expect much from me. About that time I wrote in my diary " I AM A FAILURE". . Over the years I did lots of crafts, sewing and even created a line of stained glass figurines, but never thought I could draw
After 25 years and a failed marriage and a career in real estate falling apart, I moved to Baltimore from Annapolis. I had been a clown for about 1-½ years and met a magician/artist at a clown convention. We became partners performing magic and over time he showed me I could draw, and started painting cartoons on kids at parties. I assisted him in teaching art classes, painted signs, window screen art, and helped publish an instruction book on Face Painting.
I worked with him for 5 years. This was the best and worst of times, He had a drug and attitude problem, and I had to learn to be a happy clown under the toughest conditions. In the middle of this I found a relationship with Jesus Christ, which is the best thing that could happen to any one. Almost 10 years ago God delivered me from that abusive relationship. I had no support, home, car, clients, or money but I had Jesus. I had a part time job as a waiter in a hotel and lots of faith. The early years were really tough but the Lord has been faithful, and now I have a growing business, a supportive Church, a new car, and selling my paintings. God even healed the pain of that relationship.
About 7 years ago I was encouraged to pursue my art talent, so I started with private lessons, then attended Anne Arundel Community College for 4 years taking all the drawing, painting, illustration and portrait classes. My first color oil painting was chosen for the cover of the 1996 fall catalog. I have been in 6 Juried shows and won a blue ribbon. I have sold several painting and am taking commissions for portraits. I do portraits of people, houses, pets and boats. I am also a copyist at the National Galley of Art in Washington DC, painting copies of the Master paintings. I am thankful for this creative gift from God and am learning to be content in whatever life may bring me.
I would be very pleased if my experience would help just one of you to overcome some negative statement that is keeping you from being all God meant for you to be. No matter your age young or old, IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO HAVE A HAPPY CHILDHOOD. Thanks for taking time to read my story.
Judy