I have always been interested in drawing and painting in watercolors but it was more off than on until 2006. I am a person in long term Recovery from Alcoholism and I began painting in earnest to combat chronic unemployment, depression and anxiety.
Initially, I discovered its therapeutic and healing ability to calm my restless mind and stimulate me into happiness when producing works of bright colors, often of birds which I have had a great love for since childhood.
Today regardless of my subject, painting is a liberating and joyful tool I use. All the activities revolving around the creation of my artwork I find therapeutic, planning, preparing canvases or panels, spending actual time painting and drawing and finally framing and eyeing the presentation helps to add joy and balance in my life.
I knew I needed to take some lessons and am fortunate that Elaine Farmer in Londonderry, NH had a spot open for me. I’m now doing both watercolors and oils and I try and use my own photography work as a reference.
In May 2007 Elaine asked me to participate in my first Art Exhibit ‘Art in Action’, in Londonderry, NH.