Hello, everyone!
My name is Allison and I have been lurking in the shadows for quite a while and decided it is time for me to properly introduce myself. I wasn’t trying to be creepy, I’m just lacking confidence, but everyone here seems nice and supportive and I am sure I have nothing to fear.
My story is a bit long and turbulent so I will try to sum it up as best as I can. I have been painting in oils and acrylics for a good 20 years, ever since my parents enrolled me in private art lessons as a kid, and while I enjoyed it and have done numerous commissions (mostly landscapes and pet portraits…) it wasn’t a serious passion.
One of my goals since I was a young child has been to write and illustrate children's books. My mom still has a big box full the ones I created as a kid. But for various reasons life took me in other directions and I let that dream go.
I didn’t pick the dream up again until a few years ago when covid first hit. I was working in a government school in Vietnam so when we went into lock down I had nothing to do. On top of that, my dad (in the USA) passed away quite suddenly from cancer, my grandmother passed a month after, also from cancer, as well as a family friend. To help cope with my grief I started drawing (and writing) again like I did when I was little. I was still terrible but it was comforting and the only thing I could stand to do! I soon discovered that constant practice produced better results. WHO KNEW?! 
About a year ago I started using watercolors to up my game, only to find them insanely frustrating. Naturally, I consulted youtube where I stumbled upon some videos by Will, where I then learned about SVS. Like I said, I have been lurking for a while!
So, here I am. Trying to learn and build up a little confidence!
Here is a little character I created in the beginning, Pierre ze Bear, and how far he has come.
