I never thought l artistic ability. At one time I watched an artist teach painting on public television, became interested and finally took the plunge and attempted to paint. However I lived in a small apartment at the time and the fumes from the oil paint drying created a problem and gave it up. I did continue to paint with acrylic paint. I couldn’t use the oil technique with acrylic so I was on my own. I didn’t have an easel at the time, having left the cheap one behind when I moved out of the apartment and into my house. I put a plastic sheet on the floor, and painted with the canvas on the floor. I painted abstract art. Painting helped express my emotions in color, texture, and in the techniques I used. I used brushes, palate knives, plastic utensils, natural sponges, my fingers, and other stuff.

Life intervened and painting was on hold until years later. A some months ago I hung my art in a Jambalaya Art Inc gallery. I have resumed painting now that I have the time. When I was painting before I had several times put my art on temporary display, I couldn’t talk about my paintings or the emotional content behind them. I did tell them that I painted abstract art because that way I could hang up my smut in public. I tell them that now, but I can now talk about the emotion and how it’s expressed on my paintings. It’s hard to get me to stop talking now. Other artists have commented on my art and see things I haven’t noticed in them. I’ve also gained appreciation for other artists styles. Thing is, I didn’t know what I could do until I did it. I’ll bet you can too. Maybe a different art, pottery, photography, mosaic. Try something that interests you. Everyone starts as a beginner, everyone makes mistakes, some of mine are painted over. I learned what worked for me; I’m still learning, I hope I never stop. I even learn more about myself through painting. Hope that after reading this you’ll find something to try, and maybe a previously undiscovered talent.

Sincerely,

Mark Roley

“We must be the change,
we wish to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi