I was 35 years old, when I realized that I was letting my dream of being a full time artist slip away. I was working in a very challenging position that drained all of my energy by the end of the day. I had no time for creativity. So I thought.

I decided to start painting again. I took a watercolor class at The Scottsdale Artists School. It changed my life.

I had so much fun with a medium I hadn't ever really explored before. I started painting every day. The response from friends and family and classmates was so encouraging that I dared to share my lifelong dream with trusted people.

I joined a local arts league and started attending meetings and connecting with other artists. I started reading art magazines. I followed artists I admired online. I read books about artists, painting, history and the business of art.

The next year, I entered my very first art show at the Desert Botanical Garden. I had 15 framed paintings and sold all but 1. It was exactly the validation I needed to keep going on this new path.

I can’t believe it has been 9 years since I first started pursuing my art as a business.

It is important to celebrate your milestones in life. They help keep you going when times are difficult and they create an occasion to pause and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished.

I am so grateful to be able to continue to pursue art as a dream and as a career. I thank all of you, my collectors and supporters for your words of encouragement, your following on social media and your purchases of each artwork I create.

Cheers to 9 years!