Art

Way back when I was in high school I dreamed of becoming an artist. I took an oil paint class and loved it. My teacher was awesome, she even personally bought me an artist kit when my class ended. She wanted me to continue my education. I was engaged and felt that I could not become an artist and make a living. I am not sure why I believed that. Apparently, I had no support from others in my life.

I even won first place in a contest in a local event. Still, I went to college and did not let my dream become a reality. After many years of not painting, I finally starting painting in 2006.

My children are grown and on their own. I finally got past all of my issues and believed that I could paint. It took me two years of coaching before I even told my coach that painting is my true passion. He almost fell out of his chair. He did not know that it was even a dream. I had pushed it so far down that it two full years to peel away the layers and get to my dream. I am so glad that we did!

People have commissioned me to paint. I have sold 10 pieces and someone called me today and wants me to paint three paintings. Locally, we have a great artist group and have many events. My paintings have been in three juried shows and I will entering more. IT is so awesome!! I can hardly believe that people like my art. It is such a pleasure to paint. Sometimes I still cannot believe that I have been paid to do something that I love!

Painting is my passion and I want to continue to develop my talent. God has given me a talent that I have hidden for many years. Now, my dreams are coming true. God is showing me the way!

My first paintings were in oils and I was not sure if I would like watercolors. I took a class and absolutely love watercolors. The results are instant...no waiting for the paint to dry like in oils. It is a different medium for sure, but I love it!

Canvas can make such a difference in a painting. I painted on stretched watercolor canvas and it was very different than watercolor pressed paper. On the canvas when I painted one color over the other it would remove the first color. It was a challenge but the results were great. My friend wanted me to paint the four playing cards, hearts, clubs, spaces and diamonds. I did them on the stretched watercolor canvas and they were exactly what she wanted to give her husband for their anniversary. They have a game room in their basement and they fit perfect.

My dream is to go to Paris one day and set up my easel and paint. Paint where many others have painted before. It will be awesome to feel their presence there and see the beautiful scenery. I wrote a poem about it:

My Dream

I had a dream at sixteen,
To go to Paris and oil paint.

To set up my easel on the sidewalk,
Paint the scenery and listen to people talk.

I put my dream on hold,
For someone I never even told.

See me there without a care,
Using my talent to share.

Painting where many others have before,
If I had believed in myself more,
Then I would not have slammed that door.

Now, I peer out the crack,
I slowly open the door, my dream is back.

Can it become a reality for me, can it be.
It is my life, be true to me.

By Myra Dwyer
January 2006

I plan to continue to paint and would love to make my living just painting. It is a possibility! One step, one painting at time!!

Now I have found digital frames and can view all of my art on it.

Thanks for letting me tell my story!! I hope it inspires you to pursue you dream. It is never too late!!