Crossing Paths

“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” Kurt Vonnegut

Morning Glow, watercolor by Julie Beal, Nov. 2015

Multitudes of people have come and gone in my life, especially since I was a teacher for 35 years. Some have had a great impact on me, sometimes in ways that changed my perceptions of what I thought was the way things should be, and they opened up my eyes to the way things ARE in this life.

For them, I am eternally grateful, because I believe it has made me a better, more compassionate person.

In my journey into the world of creating art, I have met people who have truly made this adventure memorable and helped to build my confidence to just let myself go and create.

Thank you to my KSU instructors, Shannon Hines, Julie Friedman, and Charisse Harris, for everything...your expertise, your guidance, your support, and your friendship.

And thank you for helping my soul to grow.

After the Cruise, Acrylic on Canvas by Julie Beal, Nov. 2015

Retirement

Retirement.

It seems to me that as my 35 year teaching career has come to a close, it's not the"end" of anything. Teaching has been one amazing and fulfilling adventure in which I was blessed to be able to reach and positively impact young people, helping them to realize success and self-worth despite some of the most defeating circumstances of their young lives. But that journey doesn't have to end. It just changes. 

And new adventures begin. 

I spent most of the summer working on my yard, which had been sorely neglected for a few years. We KNOW what weeds and little, easily removed sprouted maple seedlings do in a few years! Trust me...they are NOT so easy to remove, as they have developed into mini trees snaking their roots deep into the earth.

I cleared out the raised beds I built probably 10 years ago, but I did not plant them since it was so late in the planting season and I would have had to refill them with soil. Too much work for recovering from surgery for torn cartilage in my knee. The nice thing is that they will be ready for next year.

I decided to take advantage of late-season plant sales in pots, as well as patio furniture deals. And there is where Katie and I sat on the first day of the 2015-2016 school year, sipping coffee in the sunshine,  listening to the chirping of the birds, and loving freedom.

Miss Katie, loving her chair

       This fall, starting at the beginning of September, I decided to enroll in two undergraduate studio art classes at Kent State University. Through the KSU Continuing Education Senior Guest Program, I was able to participate in the classes for free, without credit or grades. 

I took Drawing I and 2D Composition, both with the most wonderful instructors from whom I learned a great deal. It was really hard work, and I know I refined my fine motor skills through especially my drawing assignments. The most important thing, though, is I developed both an understanding of the fundamentals of design and composition and the confidence to challenge myself with my painting. You can see my work at my art blog that I created as an art student.

My new adventure in art is now to conduct private home painting parties. I had so much fun trying this with my family at Thanksgiving, and it truly blends my love of teaching with my love of painting. We will see where it goes.

The final result of my painting-on-the-spot demonstration

My wonderful sister, nieces, and beautiful mom

Our final AMAZING paintings, each as unique as us individual artists!

The journey continues!