portrait artisit, painting, paintings, oil paint,

[left][i][font=Arial Black][size=5]Old  [/size][size=5]trucks, boats, and the unusual, capture my attention. I search for images from friends on Facebook, from the internet, from things I see along my way.[/size][size=5] [/size][size=5]If it inspires me enough to paint,[/size][size=5] [/size][size=5]I hope it will in some way stir an emotion, a memory, or perhaps a longing in others. For things that used to be or could have been, or even may be once more.[/size][/font][/i][/left] [left][i][font=Arial Black][size=5]When I was twelve, my mother gave me a paint by numbers set. I have no idea[/size][size=5] [/size][size=5]what prompted that surprise, but it awakened something inside. I devoured those little sets. I painted so many I lost count. Painting became[/size][size=5] [/size][size=5]my reward for getting my chores done.[/size][/font][/i][/left] [left][i][font=Arial Black][size=5]I began to dabble on my own when I went to college, but it was just something fun to do. I never took painting seriously. Never believed it should be cultivated, not when babies needed to be raised, when bills needed to be paid. Years would pass before I had an artistic awakening.[/size][/font][/i][/left] [left][i][font=Arial Black][size=5]A friend of mine called on me to paint a daunting 3 x 5 foot canvas. When it was finally hanging in her home, she invited friends over to celebrate. One lady came in the door, took one look, then burst into tears when she saw "Coming Home." Seeing her emotional reaction to something I had painted profoundly touched me. My whole perspective shifted. In that moment, I knew I was an artist![/size] [/font][/i][/left] [left][i][font=Arial Black][size=5] [/size][/font][/i][/left] [left][i][font=Arial Black][size=5]For a long time, I couldn't decide how I wanted to sign my art. Finally, I chose CLGarrett. I've always[/size][size=5] [/size][size=5]been a Garrett. In some small way, using my maiden name allowed[/size][size=5] [/size][size=5]me to honor my mother's gift. She opened a door I did not even know existed.[/size][/font][/i][/left] [i][font=Arial Black][size=5]I have been on this artistic path to one degree or another, all my life. The difference now is I fully embrace this part of me. Like every artist,[/size][size=5] this is an ongoing journey. I have so much to learn, so many skills to acquire. Forever evolving as I go. I invite you to come along! Join me as I explore the world around us through painting.[/size][/font][/i] [center][size=2]Images © 2021[/size][/center]