I don't know if this is proper or not...but here I go anyway!
I am PezaBelle or Belle and I love to paint!
My favorite class in school was art and I had dreams of becoming an art teacher. As with many people, other things became more important. Marriage, family and working came first. Now, 45 years later - I have time!
Over the years between then and now I have continued with my art but in crafting not painting. Several years ago I took a look at all of the craft supplies and projects that were begun and not completed...made a list and finished everything, then gave away the remainer of my supplies. My new "me" did not begin a project without finishing the last project and I knew that I needed to pick one area and contain myself to that, I chose painting or rather it chose me - Arthritis was a factor. If something comes along in the crafting area that I really like I will go ahead and do it but still do not move forward before the last project is completed.
In 1998 along came my Auxiliary's first Bazaar and I was appointed chairman. Our group worked for a year on our own projects and one of the members had "lots" of wood scraps we could use if we had someone to cut out patterns -like my DH. This he did and we began the painting. Or rather everyone else base painted and I got the job of finishing the pieces....and I liked it! This went on for 4 years. Then came my 1st retirement and the birth of my first and only Grandchild and my world really changed.
The first things I really painted for myself were Halloween decorations that I gave to my GS, he was 10 mo old, and were from Easy Fall Holidaze (still one of my fave's) Then came the first Christmas ornament, we are now at year 16 and I now do about 45 ornaments for close friends, clients and family along with about 60 for other forum and chat room friends. And this is the hardest projects of the year because I don't like to do assembly line work.
My friends and clients have changed my style of painting over the years. When I started I did only what I liked which was fine but did not, as they say "pay the bills." And I found that I liked very bold, bright colors. One of my close friends and my best client wanted "primative" santa's and against my better judgement I painted them for her and opened a whole new world...I now paint anything and everything although I really like to do detail work.
Over the years I have done many shows and bazaars but now I paint just for me and those who have special items they want painted and I enjoy it more. No more second guessing what will sell and having "left overs" each year - although they do make good donations to raffles and charity bazaars.
I am not a creative artist - they see ideas in their minds and draw or paint them. I can see something and paint it and of course change it to my liking. I have not taken any class's, there isn't a big call for this in my area. I have painted for a local store, paint things from books they have and really like this but here again it is restrictive...you have to do it just like the book.....nothing looks just like the book! Now the local stores do not sell books so I have lost a source of books as well as income.
That brings us to the present. In the past I have worked as part of the office staff in a multi Dr.s office, doing everything from receptionist (I really like this job) to insurance and billing. I was an "inhome caregiver" to a couple who were more like my parents than friends and after their passing, and my 2nd retirement, I went to work for a fraternal-charitable group where I was office manager, bookkeeper, gambling chairman, etc., etc. This lead to my becoming a "touble shooter" for the same group. I went into a troubled lodges in the S.W.WA., area and set up their office and taught other how to "do their jobs" and run their offices. I really enjoyed this as I like to organize the dis-organized. The pay wasn't that great but the rewards of seeing things come together was awesome.
I now have competely retired! Arthur has seen to that! But what a life! I now get to paint as often and as long as I like! Who could ask for more? Not me...
I am PezaBelle and am glad I found this site!
Belle
PS. PezaBelle came about because I, along with my GS, collect the Pez candy dispensers. The Belle comes from my extensive bell collection & than's a long story!
luvstocraft
anjabee
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