Abell to Art: Impressionist Paintings

As a former educator, I have spent countless hours behind a computer writing. Whether it was for writing instruction, writing papers in graduate school, or simply drafting newsletters to parents, I have done my fair share of writing. However, my goal of this blog is not to inundate my readers with what I may view as mundane or to overwhelm you with my advice, but to hopefully offer a way to connect. As being relatively new to the business of art, as well as writing about it, I will endeavor to perhaps offer my take as one who is pursuing this venture as a second career in this "new phase in my life", also known as retirement. Anything I may impart has come the hard way (life experience!) and reliance on the wisdom of a host of invaluable art marketing experts. Like in my former teaching days, I will strive to engage and inspire. The latter remains to be seen however. My motto-never take yourself too seriously and maintain a sense of humor certainly helps.

Like many people, I think always knew I was meant to make art. I have always been intrigued by all things creative. While I did not pursue a background in fine art as a field of study or career choice for myriad reasons, I often utilized my artistic skills in the classroom. Needless to say, like many creatives I have delved into lots of projects and pursuits during my life! Being creative was always a plus as a teacher as I often included hands-on opportunities to enhance the learning. I just didn't realize it would take some thirty years of being a elementary teacher when my three children were grown before I would pursue my own interests. I feel blessed that I am now able to work on the business of art with the complete support of family. Being rather creative in varying ways, they tend to understand my need to create artwork. After all, I was the mom who always included the kids in my massive holiday baking activities and encouraged all types of creative pursuits!

When I consider my vision for my work and what motivates me, there is always this common thread of nature. Like many artists, I see more subjects on an average day that I would like to capture in a painting than I can possibly get to. For me, part of this new journey has been to narrow down what it is I want to create most and put all my efforts into it.
As a child growing up in Northwest Georgia, I had two favorite activities-drawing and playing outside. In my artwork, there is the common nature theme that takes me back, ranging from flower picking in the country with my grandmother to horseback riding with friends. I primarily see myself as an landscape painter, but I see do that tendency evolving. As a young teen, I was enthralled by the French Impressionists and, in particular, Claude Monet, during a visit to the Louvre. Impressionism left its impression on me in many ways; the contrasts in light and color conveyed on canvas were compelling to say the least. Nowadays, I enjoy experimenting with more abstract landscape painting and varying the color combinations. Alas, just like nature, my art is ever-changing as the outcome can often inspire, amaze, and surprise us.