My Creative Journey, Starting in My 70’s—Never Too Late!

My journey into the world of painting began with a simple question: could I follow in my mother’s footsteps? She was an artist of exceptional talent, dedicating her life to capturing the beauty around her through realistic scenes and portraits. Her paintings adorned our home, each a testament to her skill and dedication. I admired her greatly and wondered if I, too, could create something beautiful. My mother painted right up to her 100^th birthday.

The allure of abstract painting called to me a stark contrast to my mother’s realism. I took a few online classes, eager to explore this new realm of creativity. With acrylic paints, brushes, and canvases at the ready, I faced the daunting task of starting my first piece. The blank canvas loomed large, a symbol of both possibility and uncertainty.

Could I paint? I wanted to use my creativity and have a hobby that generated joy. The challenge was to simply begin. The blank canvas stared back at me, intimidating yet thrilling in its promise.

I decided on a palette of colors and allowed my instincts to guide me. The message from my courses resonated deeply: there were no mistakes in art, only opportunities to transform and evolve. And you can always paint over any mistake and change anything at any time. Thus, I started with the background, letting the strokes of my brush tell their own story. This was the inception of what would become a prolific journey, one that has led to over 25 paintings thus far. It was only this year that I began to embrace the title of ‘artist’, affirming my identity.

Each painting became a reflection of my evolving understanding and expression. My studio, a part of my living room, transformed into a sanctuary of creativity. Paintings adorned the walls, each one a testament to my journey and growth.

As I continued to paint, I discovered that this journey was not just about creating art but also about self-discovery. Through each brushstroke, I learned more about myself and my ability to adapt and transform. Painting became a meditative practice, a way to channel my thoughts and emotions into tangible form.

Reflecting, I realized that my mother’s influence was always there. Though our styles differed, the underlying passion for art connected us deeply.

In the beginning, the uncertainty was overwhelming. Each stroke of the brush felt tentative, as though I were testing the waters of an unfamiliar sea. But with time, my confidence grew, and I began to trust my instincts more. The fluidity of abstract art allowed me to express emotions that words often failed to capture.

I go through many iterations when I paint. The painting I start off with is not the final painting. I paint and then walk away. I take pictures of the painting and look and decide the next steps. I go back later to the painting when I am ready.

Every pause allowed my thoughts to settle and new ideas to surface. Each return to the canvas was a reunion with an old friend, a continuation of an unspoken dialogue. The layers of paint, sometimes thick and textured, other times delicate and transparent, mirrored the complexities and nuances of life itself

Every painting is different but I have certainly found my voice so I can see that no matter what painting I do, it definitely has a certain style.

The process became more than just a sequence of actions; it evolved into a dance between the painter and the canvas. The moments of stepping back and observing allowed me to appreciate the intricacies of my work, to see beyond the surface into the soul of the painting. Sometimes, I would invite a trusted friend to view my progress, their fresh perspective offering insights I might have missed.

The journey of painting, with its highs and lows, taught me patience and resilience, and the beauty of transformation.

With each completed piece, I found a sense of accomplishment and a renewed enthusiasm to begin anew. The cycle of creation and reflection was a constant, ever-evolving loop that enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined.

It is a journey I cherish, and one that I am committed to pursuing for as long as I can hold a brush. This period of my life is wonderful. My fear of the empty canvas has vanished, knowing it’s part of the process along with occasional dissatisfaction with my work. You are never too old to discover a creative passion.