Is it too Late?

Having experienced life outside the art world can be a curse and an advantage.

Like so many, and certainly in my case, these experiences have taught valuable lessons in marketing, sales, work ethics, as well as the ability to run a business. No substitute for experience.

The path you take can be varied as long as the goal you have set for yourself remains in sight.

I liken it to being an athlete, with kids playing any number of sports. All dreaming of making that final winning play in the World Series or Super Bowl. Do these dreams begin as goals, or are they steppingstone to our future.

Little League Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Gymnastics, Mighty Mite Football, you name it, and millions of kids have tried it. All providing experiences and opportunities to grow.

Then comes high school and the numbers are greatly thinned. The dream continues and the passion builds. College, however, will be the end to many of these dreams. The numbers are drastically reduced as the cream rises to the top, and a very elite few go on and play professionally. The experiences, however, are never diminished. They still are a very important part of you.

The art world has a very similar parallel, with millions of kids drawing and painting in schools, at home, rec centers and anywhere you can find crayons, markers and pencils.

The exposure is vast and the satisfaction these budding artists receive by seeing their creations hung in classrooms and on parents and grandparents’ refrigerators, as well as their own rooms, is all inspiring and motivating. “Look what I drew today, I drew it for you”!

As they grow in years and advance in their craft, the numbers begin to thin. By high school, the standouts are having their work submitted in contests and some seek professional classes with the dream of becoming an artist. Many of these artists might find different ways to fuel their creativity in other areas such as music, dance, theater and speech. All filling a desire to create and be heard.

The ability to find mentors and professional guidance has never been greater. The best of the best are teaching in person, online, doing workshops all over the world reaching masses of truly wonderfully talented artists.

Colleges continue to excel and produce amazing young artists and give them the opportunity to be seen and heard.

I was one of those individuals that chose a career outside the art world.

I fueled my passion by owning my own business in the automotive world creating custom vans, trucks and automobiles.

Entering the world of art full-time was and has always been a thought, that one day could come true. I never stopped drawing or painting throughout my corporate life, and it was something I always found rewarding and fun. It was a kick in the britches.

I never thought, however, it was something I could make a living at. This was something very high on my priority list. Taking care of my family was paramount.

When I finally decided to make a career change, I was at the point financially where I could jump in wholeheartedly and without reservation.

I remember it clearly; I told my wife I wanted to be a full-time artist. She said, “What! Are you crazy?” I said no, I want to spend the rest of my life working as a full-time artist!

After taking medication and time to think she agreed, and the rest is history. (I’m exaggerating of course, Susie has always been my rock and supported my crazy ideas 100%.)

Being one that wasn’t a well-known or standout artist was a problem. How could I possibly succeed among the thousands of successful artists today.

I started by contacting a very talented artist Jeff Hein who owns and operates The Hein Academy of Fine Art here in Salt Lake City. Jeff teaches classically and has a very successful atelier online and in person, not to mention a very successful art career.

I began by taking classes from Jeff in the evening, until a full-time position became available. For two and a half years I worked countless hours failing and absorbing criticism, as well as celebrating milestone victories along the way. This truly became the foundation of my work. I still hadn’t found my footing and voice yet and Jeff’s words where embedded in my mind, “Don’t Be Lucky, Be Good. You have one opportunity to make a first impression. Be sure you are ready!”

At 58 this wasn’t something I wanted to hear, but it was something I definitely heard. He was absolutely right, I felt the clock ticking and pushed and worked as hard as I possibly could. This being the curse I spoke about earlier. Is there time to switch careers mid-stream and find satisfaction and success in this area? Was this even possible?

I couldn’t allow negative thoughts to creep in and destroy all the work I had done, so I began painting for me and just enjoying the love of painting.

I started plein air painting in 2012 and found a new voice and calling within myself.

At the end of that year, I told Jeff I love you like a son, but I’m driven to paint on location En Plein Air! He understood and we said goodbye. Still an amazing friend, we see and paint together at events and plein air outings.

I took workshops from Bryan Mark Taylor, Charlie Hunter, Ron Rencher and Matt Smith. All were incredibly enlightening and rewarding. Again, hearing Jeff’s voice, “Don’t be Lucky Be Good”!  I painted plein air as much as possible and took every opportunity to learn whenever I could.

In 2013, I entered my first plein air event. I thought I had won the lottery when I took 4th place in the Wasatch Plein Air Paradise in Midway, Utah! This show has on average 100 plus artists that participate, with many of them being the best in the land.

It was just what the doctor ordered. A small amount of success among folks I had admired from afar, and now having my work alongside theirs was a dream come true.

It wasn’t a Best of Show, but it was that small spark of inspired motivation that told me I was on the right path.

Years have passed with hundreds of events in the rearview mirror. Finding success as a fulltime artist was a dream and that dream is a success measured on my terms.

Was I able to maintain my passion and love for my craft? Yes.

Was I able to support my family financially and grow my business? Yes.

Have I grown as an artist as well as a person? Yes.

Does each gallery sale excite, drive and motivate me still? Yes.

Was the decision to start down this path as an artist feel like an accomplishment? Yes.

Does my work get into every show I enter? No.

Have I reached all my intended goals as an artist? No.

Have I learned all that I can about my craft? No.

With all this being said, I still have a million miles to go. I still hear the clock ticking.

My drive to continue to take workshops from world class artists is something I enjoy and ability to keep learning is important.

There are thousands of paintings left to paint, each with the ability to express my voice. Without the promise of any tomorrows, how many will I be allowed to capture. This is what motivates and drives me.

Each piece is an honor to paint and hopefully it will touch and move a viewer to a special place or memory.

Is it too late to try something new?

I don’t think so. I find that when we challenge ourselves, step out of our comfort zone and really face change, that is where we truly find growth and feel energy that makes a life worth living.

Each horizon can be an opportunity and a new path to follow. Don’t miss these wonderful opportunities by being stagnant and not willing to be challenged. Be the best version you can be. You don’t have to be the very best there ever was, you just have to be the best version of yourself and abilities. That is where you will find peace within. You will then see the amazing you that you have created.

Have a super fantastic day today and don’t forget to share your smile with everyone you meet!