Over the last 6 years, I have painted regularly. I have records of 1200 paintings. I learned from workshops, online classes, YouTube videos, and books.
I would not call myself an expert. But I do call myself a painter.
So how did I become a painter?
Childhood Memories
In the 80s, I watched Bob Ross with my father. Then he would paint himself. I also collected Magic the Gathering cards. I liked the artwork. Especially the lands or “mana” cards. But I never did art as a kid, outside of school.
Accidental Hobby
Fast forward 25 years. I fell off my motorcycle and broke my knee. I had a lot of time to watch Bob Ross again on Netflix. Bob Ross said I could paint. So I tried it. A much safer hobby than motorcycles.
Analog Habit
Painting blossomed into a habit. It gave me a new area of challenge, visualization, and fantasy. Painting became my typical after work activity. A great analog retreat from my digital day job. It also gave nostalgia. Painting like my father. Copying Magic cards for practice.
Improvement
I wanted to get better, learn more, and find my own style. So I went to workshops. They taught me paint outside, en plein air. They brought me to new places with fresh scenery. I made great friends.
Declaration
It’s the verb that makes you the thing. I have years of workshops and practice. I am a painter by habit and experience. I paint regularly. I share my work on instagram. I even have some paintings in a fancy gallery.
My goal for the next 6 years
Simply, I want to keep being a painter. It’s my analog retreat from the digital world. My ongoing exploration.
Painting is a medium to travel and meet encouraging people. I want to make more art friends. It’s satisfying to share this passion with others. And be a painter in a group of creative friends.