I’ve always been a little different. I guess “eccentric” or “black sheep” are terms that some of my family members might use to refer to me. But that’s okay. I love my family. As I get older I appreciate how blessed I am to have such a supportive, wonderful, crazy, and drama filled family. They do not always agree with my decisions or sometimes “weird” perspectives on life. Yet they accept and love me unconditionally.
Recently, I was blessed to go home and spend a couple of days with some of the core people in my family. Each person is dealing with some major issue or situation; however, they sacrificed their time and money to minister to me. Having been extremely homesick lately, being blessed to go home was the medicine I needed. I am especially thankful to my best friend who is my other sister; she paid for my trip. God is sooo good. Sometimes we focus on things we do not have instead of seeing the blessings we already contain. No matter how crazy or dysfunctional the people in your family may be, be thankful because they are one of the greatest blessings you have.
Have you ever taken a class and thought ”Will I really use what I learn in this class in the real world?” This video answers that question for the student who thinks that going to art class is a waste of time. Enjoy.
Over the years, I have had so many people look at my work or discover that I teach art and say, “How did you learn how to draw? I can’t even draw a straight line.” Or they say, “I am terrible at art.” I think anyone who says or believes this notion is misinformed. If you can see and write your name, you can draw. Drawing is simply about seeing. In kindergarten, we learn about the basic geometric shapes; we color and try to draw them. Every thing is composed of simple shapes and lines. When you begin to see things in these terms, then you will be able to draw them. Grab a sheet of paper, pencil and follow the steps in this video. You will see that you can draw.
Every since I can remember I have always wanted to have an art related career. When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a book illustrator. In high school I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer. But, by the time I graduated from high school I felt unsure about what my career path should be.
It wasn’t until I entered my first year of undergrad that I learned about Art Education. I thought that sounds like a good major. It involves art and teachers get to take the entire summer off. So, I declared my major and graduated four years later with a B.S. in Art Education. I remember my peers asking me if I was fearful about getting a job and I would always respond with the same nonchalant reply. “I”m not worried, I’ll get a job”. My plan was to teach art for five years and then work full-time as an artist or vocalist. (I was so naive.)
Two months after graduation I was hired as a full-time art teacher for a local elementary school.The first time I walked in the art studio, the students were standing on the tables, yelling and throwing art supplies at each other. I thought “what in the world did I get myself into?” In a short period time I had the art studio cleaned, neatly decorated and the students under control. In the beginning, I enjoyed my job and loved my kids, but things started to change as the years progressed. Before I knew it over 11 years had passed and I found myself feeling burned out. I guess my five year plan was unrealistic.
I was tired of the unneccessary paper work, meetings, disrespectful students and parents, being blamed for the plight of the public school system in America, health issues from stress and on an on and on. So I took a break from teaching in the classroom because I could not give the students the best me. I was totally depleted.
Now, that I have had time to replenish and reflect, I realize that I truly enjoy teaching art minus all the other stuff that comes along with being a teacher in a public school classroom. Thus, I am going to begin sharing art info and ideas on my blog. From time to time I will share a short art video. While this is not exactly the same as teaching in the classroom, it will be a great outlet for me. I hope you all enjoy the videos.
I’ve always been a little different. I guess “eccentric” or “black sheep” are terms that some of my family members might use to refer to me. But that’s okay. I love my family. As I get older I appreciate how blessed I am to have such a supportive, wonderful, crazy, and drama filled family. They do not always agree with my decisions or sometimes “weird” perspectives on life. Yet they accept and love me unconditionally. 
