• Home
• About
• Life Story
• Mindset

The Beginning of My Art Journey

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8

People often ask me when I first realized that I had talent. I remember my mother told me I had a special gift when I was around 4 years old. By first grade, several teachers noticed my talent was beyond average and would talk to me about it. One time they even called my mother in to school to discuss my talent. It was a good thing that God gave me a special talent, because like many artistic types, I found it hard to concentrate on traditional school work!

Early on, the most influential person in my life in terms of art was my grandfather.

He started painting when I was little and he bought me my very first pastel and color pencil set. I used to sit by him and draw as he would work on an oil painting. Even though I was just a young boy I could see things wrong in his painting but didn’t know how to explain to him how to fix it.

He used to always say to me “Billy, I wish I could draw like you.” And then I’d say “Grandpa, I wish I could paint like you.” I remember when my dad, uncles, aunts, or cousins would ask for one of his paintings — he would light up like a Christmas tree. I’ll never forget that look on his face.

Many years later I had the privilege of putting some of grandpa’s work in an art show along with some of mine, and at 91 years old, he won his first award. The tears that rolled down his face that day left a lasting impression on me and have helped me over the years as I have taught people of all ages. I certainly don’t think it’s ever too early to start a child painting, but I also believe it’s never too late for an adult to get started either. So I always tell people “Don’t tell me you’re too old! My grandpa painted until he was 94!

When I was young, there weren’t any PBS artists on TV. But there was one guy named John Nagy on after school. He worked mostly in charcoal. The only other art I got to see was Norman Rockwell on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. When I looked at Rockwell’s work, I knew I wanted to make my living in art.

When I was fourteen,  I submitted my work to Rockwell’s “Famous Artist School.”  Some men from the school actually came to my house, talked to my parents, and said that I would be accepted into their program! I couldn’t believe it - I had the opportunity to study at the school where Norman Rockwell worked! Unfortunately, my parents didn’t have the money for me to attend, but just knowing I was accepted helped bolster my confidence.

Throughout grade school and high school, I exhibited and won in state and national shows. I had my sight set on attending Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Little did I know that life was about to change for me in a BIG way. The comfort and ease that I had always known at home were about to be completely blown out of the water.

Next page

Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.

Copyright Kidz 4 Kolor | Theme by DailyBlogTips