As a small child, I remember drawing the pictures in the Reader’s Digest magazine that said, “Can you draw this?”. They were promoting an art school. How did I know it was for an art school, because they sent me an application and the cost to attend the school. That was not to be. But I must say that it did not stop the desire to draw or paint. Many, many years later, I had the opportunity to learn Tole painting with an artist named Maggie Miller. Then, that too, was put on hold. Years passed and children raised, and what do you know, another opportunity popped up. I had a co-worker that was taking classes at the Lancaster Michael’s Store. She invited me to a class taught by the local artist, Marco Aguilar. I was able to take classes with Marco for about 4 years. What a blessing it was to sit under his teaching. He encouraged me to push passed my fear and just enjoy the process. It has not stopped ever since. There are many times I have painted something over a few times, but the lessons I have learned in finding my own style are worth it. I have entered a few contests and won first place, second place, and third place. My artwork is on display and for sale here in California City. It is my heart’s desire to encourage others in painting even if they have never picked up a brush. My future dream is to have weekly painting sessions. It’s also my goal to see and encourage all forms of art being expressed as a part of California City’s culture.