Like many other
painters I started painting for the fun of it, as a hobby you might
say.
I never in a
million years would have thought that my search for a hobby could
bring me so much joy or turn into such a passion. I began painting
back in the late ‘90’s when I was looking for a “creative” activity to
offset the stress of a very “left brain” corporate job. I started with
a simple one night class to paint a “welcome stone” and after that I
was hooked! I signed up for beginner classes, and like so many others
I have met, started stockpiling books and brushes and paint, and of
course the infamous “wood supply”. I continued on with painting and
taking classes wherever I could find them.
After leaving the corporate world in 2003 I took to spending hours and
hours painting in my little bedroom studio and taking lessons wherever
I could find them. During this time I met so many wonderful and
exciting people who shared the love of painting. That love of painting
and the wonderful people I got to spend time with, led me to joining
the Calgary Decorative Artists, an affiliated Chapter of the National
Society of Decorative Painters. Since joining the Calgary Decorative
Artists I’ve had the wonderful experience of serving on the Executive
in 2006 as Membership Chairperson and 2007 as Seminar Chairperson, as
well as participating in the various committees that plan exciting
activities for our membership to enjoy. Shortly thereafter I decided
to try my hand at teaching others the love of painting and began
teaching at Appleseed Cottage. This experience showed me just how much
I loved being able to bring the joy of painting to others, therefore,
when Appleseed closed I had to make a decision; either continue on
with painting and teaching somewhere or go back into the corporate
world.
With the encouragement and amazing support of my wonderful husband,
Phil, I made the leap and opened Artfully Toled Studio in my home in
June, 2005. Phil has always been there to admire my work, encourage me
to continue onward and upward with my learning and to welcome students
into our home nearly every night of the week and many weekends. So
here we are today…..still painting, still sharing the love of the art
form and still meeting wonderful new people who share the same love.
If you’ve ever thought of trying your hand at painting for the first
time or if you’re looking for something new to expand your paining
experience, come see me and I’ll show just how easy it is to learn
how!!!
