Aww... Thanks for all the nice comments everyone!!
My "background" as an artist has always been a bumpy one. I got a lot of praise from my teachers in high school - even placed in some national competitions. I was accepted to Virginia Commomwealth University's School of Art in only 5 days after mailing them my portfolio which I have been told is something to be proud of. (They are a top art school) Unfortunately at the last minute there were some financial disasters in my family and I never got to attend.
There is a long line of artists in my family - my great grandfather even has some work in a museum. Seems like there is one "talented" person per generation. I'm the first female in my family with artistic talent, and I was constantly put down by the men in my family - I'm a second (third?)generation German immigrant and it seemed the old world thoughts of females being second class still held true in my family.
I started drawing dogs back in the early 90's because I love them so much. Actually I love to do wolves the most - something about their eyes and their look. I started getting interest in my artwork and actually started getting paid - wow! That was amazing to me! My best job had to have been doing Patricia Cornwell's 2 dachshunds (one was named Miami and I forgot the other) I even had the license plate K9ARTST.
Well.. fast forward a few years into a marriage that went seriously bad. My husband (now ex) took advantage of what was my horrible self esteem at the time and continuously mentally abused me. I remember doing a watercolor of a wolf that I was actually proud of (I'm my worst critic and NEVER like my work). He saw it and started into how I "sucked as an artist" and that I had "zero talent" and to "give it up". At the time my self worth was at the point where I actually followed his "advice".
That was 6 yrs ago. Now I'm remarried to Obi-Wan Pinobi and for some reason, Alex's dog gave me inspiration to pick up a pencil and draw again. So that was the first thing I have done in 6 years.
Long history of MeanLaureen over. Thanks again for all your nice comments. They do mean the world to me
