Mark Rehburg 26 Jun 2008

Hello there I feel we ARE true artists, because we truly expeirience what it means to explore our artistic right-side of the brain developement. We are free to feel our art, we are not stuck under the "rules of art" like those that spend years learning what we have had fun playing and experimenting with our creative juices with all its highs and lows that go with the somewhat scyzsophrenic feelings we feel as that one perfect image flows from mind to paper. Or is this just me if so nevermind. Marxwerx

Gail Nordyke 02 Jul 2008

Ditto, I am self taught too. The only training I had was in high school and a couple of electives in college to fill in my schedule. I guess I do remember some tips that my prof gave us, but feel that most of what I learn is by trial and error.

I started "doodling" when I was about 5, and never took my art seriously until high school, but my art teacher really discouraged us from seeking art as a major due to the lack of employment related to art(this was a long time ago).

Then I sustained a neck injury in 92 and did a little more doodling to pass the time before and after surgery. Then in 06 I sustained another injury, this time in my lower back. I was terminated from my job due to my limitations...and hence lost my insurance. I am awaiting surgery and have accepted that I am not going back to my employment in mental health, but maybe this all happened for a reason. That is where I am at now, and I have yet again picked up the pencils.

I really have a stronger passion for art more than ever and I don't know why it is present now in my life, but I am thankful that I have the desire to draw as it helps me cope often with the chronic pain.

I have even gotten a few commissioned pieces since 06 because my daughter initiated conversation at work about my art, and for that I am so very thankful. it gave me the little push that I needed to NOT lay down the pencils again!

I strive very hard to get better everyday, and I don't know if I will ever reach my goals, but I will keep going as long as I can, doodling. I sometimes look at the art here and think what am I doing here, but I have to stay motivated because it is all that I have right now...to draw.

I hope that everyone here keeps up the wonderful work that they do because we are all here for a reason. Angel(Gail)

jim boehmer 04 Jul 2008

ditto

Victoria Wang 07 Jul 2008

me too!

rana adamchick 09 Jul 2008

Add me to the list, too. Of course, I've never really considered myself to be in the same league as my grandfather, who was a professional artist, but I do try to learn all I can, same as everyone else, here. I also have dystonia and copd which can present their own difficulties when you're an artist. I've literally had to learn to work around both my diseases. Regardless, I wouldn't trade what I've learned on my own, for anything in the world. It's truly been an experience. I do know one thing...since I didn't have the opportunity to go to an art school, I've used every resource I could possibly find to educate myself on techniques and color usage and that has been a big help to me. Thank god for the internet! :)

Donald Schrier 16 Jul 2008

I need to add myself to that list also. My only formal training was watching Bob Ross on tv. I have been painting off and on for 20 years and now that I am retired can do it all the time. I find I can not hardly put my brushes down. One of the things I like best is I am not restricted by the formal strictures of the trained artist. I paint what I want and the way I want to and it gives me a chance to show the world all the beauty I see in it and the way I see it.

AVE HURLEY 17 Jul 2008

My grandfather was an artist and supported his family by his art. My dad is artistic but opted for another career. I am one of 14 brothers and sisters all of which are either artistic or musical or both. I began drawing at about 3 and by 5 was drawing complicated scenes. I had some after school art lessons for a while in grade school and was in special art classes in high school, however I was more self taught as I could look at something and then simply draw it.By 14 I was exhibiting and selling my artwork, but like my dad, put it on the back burner while pursuing other interests, although I never stopped painting or drawing til my accident in 1984.I fell through a window and lost the use of my right hand for several years only regaining a small percentage of its usability. Gradually I retrained myself to paint and draw again, but it was very difficult and often I was less than satisfied with my works, so I stopped professionally painting and only painted on volunteer projects and small things. Now that my children are grown I have had the time to put into my work and do it full time. My hand is functioning better than it has in over 20 yrs although it hurts constantly as the nerves regenerated, so I stick mostly to land and seascapes and rarely do any portraiture anymore.I still however do murals and signpainting on commissions.

Penny Everhart 17 Jul 2008

Hi Ravi, Me too...I am also self taught. I love to paint and draw. Nice to meet you.

CJ Rice 18 Jul 2008

There are some fabulous artists here that are self-taught! I appreciate you sharing your secrets. I have used photographs to create pictures...like this one from a cover of national geographic (don't remember which one), but it was a picture of the mother and cub looking over the african grasslands. And no, I don't trace. hee hee

Jenny Gulseren 20 Jul 2008

I'm self-taught as well. www.artwanted.com/Gulseren

Cheers!

Kristy Hawkes 21 Jul 2008

Self taught plus my dad is a fabulous painter and now my daughter is following in the footsteps. Must be somewhat genetic. I think we are all still learning and always will. Wouldn't it be boring if we knew it all already?

Armando Salas 22 Jul 2008

Include me, Ravi.

Lori Seprodi 22 Jul 2008

also self-taught. its been a long journey so far, as i am only 26. ive been drawing and creating things for as long as i can remember, i paint a little but drawing with pencil is what i love. sure i took some art classes in high school. but you always got an A for effort no matter if your creation looked decent or not. im still learning, its a neverending process. but i wouldnt trade it for the world.

Janet Pierre 22 Jul 2008

self taught too, but learning more every day by watching fellow artists work.

OneDollar Sketch 23 Jul 2008

Although self-taught, I give credit to Mom for allowing me every chance to be creative when I was a teeny-bitty person.

Now, I get to share that inspiration to everyone through

OneDollarSketch.com

merle ann johnson 24 Jul 2008

am also self taught and new here too. Am amazed this looks like fun...and so much talent...:o) hugs

David Mask 25 Jul 2008

I'm self taught as well. Lots of art experiences, too. Plus, I have attended art classes. But my drawing skills have been self taught by drawing works of other artists as practice. Free drawing, contour and gesture drawing with pen is my favorite thing to do in the world. Great thread

Claire Wilson 30 Jul 2008

Count me in as well....100% self taught artist! However years back when I was in my teen's my major in school was Art. But I do believe that you could have years and years of training and sometimes it wouldn't make a difference. I believe Art comes from within your soul.

Eerin Vink 01 Aug 2008

For me it is the same, no art school. I would like though, maybe in the future.

Susan Cherry 04 Aug 2008

Ravi, I'm self-taught and old, (63yr) , ; ) I do wish there was a catagory for "outsider artists" or "folk artists". I've just begun to be serious about my art, and now I'm really intimidated, some of the self-taught artists are absolutely amazing! Namaste' suzi