From Dining Room Table to Dream Art Studio

Vanessa’s Incredible Journey

I wanted to share the story of Vanessa. Vanessa joined my weekly in-person class around 9 years ago, and we worked this out the other day because I was pregnant with my eldest Sienna when she joined, and she’s going to be 9 in November.

When Vanessa first joined, she had very little confidence in her painting skills and really wanted to learn more about the world of colour. At the time she was working from her dining room table in her home.

Fast forward to today and I’m so incredibly proud of where Vanessa is now. She’s had numerous exhibitions and has created her very own art studio. Last weekend she took part in the Hampshire Open Studios and I went along to support her and see just how far she’s come.

It was incredible to see lots of red dots on her work as well (I gave her the red dots in our last lesson, so I’m pleased they were being put to good use!)

Vanessa continues to attend my weekly classes because the journey of art is really a never ending journey, and that’s what I love most about it. You’re always learning. She’s always eager to learn more and takes it all in. Vanessa has also become a very good friend and I’ve loved seeing her grow into this wonderful artist over the years.

What can you learn from Vanessa?

Well firstly, you may be working at your kitchen table today but it’s more than possible for you to build your own studio and start selling your work. If you’re determined enough to listen and learn, the opportunities are endless. Don’t try and struggle along on your own. Learn the skills and the techniques and develop your own unique voice, and don’t stop learning and developing no matter how long you’ve been painting. Vanessa is still learning, I’m still learning new things.

The journey of an artist is a wonderfully exciting journey.

Don’t ever let it end.

Michelle x