Courtney:

Artists are truly kindred spirits driven by a passion for art.  Just the other day, I was looking at American Artist magazines from several years ago.  It was interesting to see the names of artists that I have meet in the last few years.  How differently, I see those individual today.  Previously, they were just names and beautiful artwork.  Today, I can put a face with those names and realize they are seeking to express themselves by sharing their God given talent with others.  Although, they are at a different level than many of us, it is encouraging and rewarding to watch them paint.  It makes me feel that hardwork and commitment can bring success.

Courtney, thanks for the many great articles that you share with us.

Thanks again,

Teddy

website:  TeddyJacksonArtist.com  

Well, my older brother is a successful regional artist, and while it has offered some great things over my life, there is a down side.  The advice and guidance is wonderful, but unless that family member respects your individuality, and understands that you are not a 'Mini-me'  version of that person, it can get out of hand and places a lot of pressure on you.  And asserting your own artistic identity can upset that relationship if the person is very rigid in thinking and controlling.

Think adoption.

Many of us are not but we could be the beginning of that legacy. Such pride knowing you started it, passed it on and watched it as it got passed down from generation to generation. Something to think about.

enjoyed  your article " Can't I be part of a painting dynasty".  I have been painting for two yrs. I was a bank president and as you can guest that is a pretty stressful job the last 2yrs. I decided to take of painting as golf was getting just as stressful. I could always draw from the time I was 5 but never got around to painting. It was the best thing I could have done. Painting was a God sent. Since that time I have sold about 10 pieces. It's not about the money its that somebody liked the art. Art have been in my family for a long time. My great great grandfather was a painter. I have one of his painting in my studio. It was painted in 1921. My great aunt painted until she was 102yrs old. My current teacher is a very good artist. He has painting in the Smithsonian. He made a very interesting comment. He said that we now can trace our roots back to Rembrandt. This is how. He(his name is Carl Groh) was taught by a very well known artist named Aaron Shikler. He did the portrait of President Kennedy. Mr. Shikler was from Germany. He was taught by a artist who was taught by artist etc. all the way back to Rembrandt. I thought that was cool.  Jerome