Painting Class
A couple of years ago, I decided to take a painting class at the local community center. It was a little more than a glorified paint by number class as the instructor led us through each stroke of the brush to create a painting. I was enthralled and for a few brief moments I was tempted to abandon my writing career, move to a deserted island in the South Pacific, and set up an easel. Instead I created the character of Sunshine, the quirky, fun artist aunt, who inspires my heroine Faith to be all she can be in IF NOT FOR YOU.
I did manage to complete two paintings which I gave to my daughters. I have yet to see them hung on any walls and suspect they would be the first to tell me not to quit my day job!
Posted on March 7, 2017 in Blog
March 8th, 2017 at 2:47 pm
Painting class, what else are you going to do girl??
I have read most of your books, and love every one of them. I hope that one day you will find a Christmas story for Bitter End Texas. Including the people of Promise Texas, Wade, Amy, Nell, Travis and all the others.
Nell’s Cowboy and Lone Star Baby are just some stories I love the most. I am an author from Texas, and yes I have not only read your books, but have studied them. You know I want to write like you, with my own style.
Blessing to you!
Sue
March 10th, 2017 at 12:40 pm
Good for you! There is an artist in all of us! I am currently reading your book One Perfect Word, I was in the library Tuesday and prayed God would help me find just the right book, (it had been a rough week at work, and it was only Tuesday) and I LOVE your writing!!!! I have read your fiction for years, and always enjoyed your writing, but I am so thankful to have found this book, and I look forward to reading more of your non-fiction books. I hope you keep writing (AND painting!) for many years to come. I love to paint, I think we all have an artist inside! May God bless you and your family, I live in South Florida, if you are ever down this way (speaking or on a book tour) I would love to meet you. Thank you for sharing your faith – hope you are in a sunny place and enjoying a wonderful day! I’m late to the game but have decided my 2017 word is Trust – we all need a word for the year!
March 12th, 2017 at 4:29 pm
In your travels, you should take in Mary Whyte’s gallery of watercolors. Her exhibit of the Living South is awesome and hard to believe it’s done in watercolors. Her gallery is in Charleston, SC and she has a website for Internet viewing of her work. What she does with watercolors is akin to what you do with words, amazing works of art.
March 12th, 2017 at 7:41 pm
So often, our projects take us in directions we never imagined. Life is such an adventure. I started sewing to help my mother, and now I create children’s busy books out of felt. You never know where a new endeavour will take us!
March 12th, 2017 at 10:36 pm
My Grandmother began painting in her 70’s. She painted many pictures some of which hang in our home. It was a great activity for her. You can always save it for retirement…if that is something you are planning to do. Oh, but wait, may not be a great idea if that would mean you would not be writing so scratch that idea!
March 13th, 2017 at 5:16 am
I’ve been so tempted to go to the local radio station’s Vino at Pinot, $29 for an evening of painting and half-price drinks. But I don’t even drink. Still, I’m tempted every week when they advertise it.
March 13th, 2017 at 11:32 am
It’s taken me a long time to discover and explore the creative side of me. Sadly like many, the artistic side is often put on the backburner until later in life after the obligations of career and child raising. Creativity breeds more creativity and it brings much joy and personal fulfillment. Whether I am good or not at what I am creating is besides the point. I say “find what makes your heart zing and just do it.”
March 14th, 2017 at 12:54 am
You are awesome, I am inspired to take a painting class too:) I haven’t drawn for years, I think this is a good time to get back into it. Thanks for the inspiration!
March 20th, 2017 at 2:31 am
Oh Debbie, you amaze me. I was excited you decided to paint. If it is something you enjoy and it relaxes you, do it. Among other things, I do oil painting and love it. Although I spend a lot of time reading your stories, I enjoy sitting at the easel painting. I have not painted for a while as I am still scrapbooking my western trip that included meeting you. (The highlight of my trip.) In two days, I will have your latest book and it sounds like it is going to be great. Please don’t quit writing but I hope you try painting again if you enjoyed it.
March 21st, 2017 at 1:52 am
I have a twelve year old granddaughter, Allyson, who is very artistically inspired. She loves to scratch, then later puts them on canvas. She is such a joy to be around. She also has grown quite fond of horses and is taking English riding classes. These days, she spends a lot of time with horses and doesn’t mind the dirty stuff that goes along with them. Have you ever ridden a horse, Debbie?