The launch of my website has made me stop and think about my art journey — and all the lovely people who’ve supported (and occasionally tolerated!) me along the way.
I first picked up a paintbrush in 2022 when I decided to take oil painting lessons. Why oil painting? Honestly… I’ve no idea. But somehow, here we are. And only now do I feel like I’ve finally reached the beginning of something.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and teaching skills of my art teacher, @Stewart Taylor, who somehow managed to take me from this…
To this…
Eventually.
I know.
God, that man has patience.
And there have been others too. A few years ago, I booked a day of teaching with the amazingly talented Valerie Pirlot, and I’m only just beginning to properly understand — and use — her advice in my work.
Then there’s the wonderful online art community — so many artists on social media have been kind, supportive, generous with advice, and encouraging. (And yes… a few less supportive ones too. But I suppose that’s life.)
And my friends — the ones who’ve had to look at almost every painting at every stage and still make encouraging noises!
And of course, my family, who’ve put up with me disappearing for hours on end, plus the steady stream of expensive art supplies arriving at the door. But as my husband says: “It could have been worse — you could have taken up golf.”
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that art is incredibly subjective — one person’s masterpiece is another person’s “hmm.” And that’s okay.
I’m learning not to be afraid of showing my work — all of it. Some pieces on my website are older, some are newer, and I can definitely see the progression in both skill and style. But I’m proud of every single one, because each piece is part of the journey.
So if there’s one thing I hope people take from my work, it’s this: if you want to try something creative, just give it a go. No matter your age, skill level, or circumstances, you might surprise yourself.
Here’s to learning, creating, and being brave enough to begin.
Penni