loving art, science and creative kids

Running the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry was a high-stress job. I had to keep 350 employees busy with new exhibits, education programs and Omnimax films. Someone needed to develop and maintain the restaurant and the gift shop. Fundraising, also the job of the president, included soliciting donors, lobbing for legislative money and writing grants. It was a fun but very exhausting position, wherein I knew that I had to have an outlet to manage stress. I exercised and meditated but my mind was never clear of worry about work.

Fortunately for me, my artist husband came to the rescue and convinced me to take up painting. He actually made me an easel for Christmas and set me up with paints, saying, “Go to it!” At first I was really shy about painting in front of him since he was a successful professional artist. I did not want to take lessons and have to “learn the right way to paint,” because, frankly, that sounded like too much work. Instead I was encouraged to just paint, not to worry about what anyone else thought, and not worry about producing pieces worthy of sale.....

So I brazenly followed his advice and painted. I followed the techniques and styles of the masters and didn’t worry about being good. Often, I painted over the original art I put on the canvas, painting only for myself. My husband was wonderful, always complimentary, only offering advice when I asked for it.

Painting became an all-encompassing passion. It helped me keep my blood pressure low and my enthusiasm high. It is impossible to put a dab of paint or a line on a canvas and think about anything else. Try it. You’ll see what I mean. While painting, my mind is clear of daily concerns for I am totally absorbed in what I am doing.

I first started this hobby 25 years ago and have been at it ever since. Slowly, without realizing, I improved. Instead of always following the masters I began developing my own style. People started asking if they could purchase my paintings and I submitted some to be shown at festivals, winning awards and selling a few here and there.

Art has helped me see the world more clearly. Walking through the city or a country lane is a new experience with every step. I look at plants and houses more deliberately than before, noticing colors, shapes, unusual flaws and quirky images. I study eyes, noses, smiles, and shadows and consider how to portray a 3-D world on a 2-D canvas.

I am also aware of my own home’s interior decorations. At first, I put my art up everywhere. Then visits to art museums became part of my travel experience. After I became more knowledgeable and critical of what I was doing I started looking at works painted by other artists, buying their paintings and bringing them into my home. Summer street fairs became a search for the most unusual appealing piece of art. A swatch of color here and a mood changing image there has transformed my house into an eclectic gallery. It is fun to look at the pictures and sculptures, remembering the artists who produced them and the circumstances of the purchases. Friends love visiting and studying the variety of work that enhances our walls, sharing their impressions with hours of talk afterwards.

From time to time my grandchildren ask to paint with me when they visit. Sometimes we go outside with chalk, selecting an interesting scene to draw. Other times they slosh paint on paper mixing colors and images that match their own imaginations. Visits to art and craft museums give our family an opportunity to talk about what we like or don’t like, what the artist was trying to portray and how styles have changed over the centuries.

Yes, art is now integrated into my life at every level. Going into my studio creates a woman-cave where time stands still. Painting has taught me patience, not to be too self-critical and to realize that practice certainly is necessary for improvement. Most of all, it has shown me that having a passionate hobby is not only fun but good for your health. I recommend that you give it a try! You won’t be sorry.