Hi, I'm Allison!
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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.
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@AlliFaith Welcome, and thanks for your honest introduction. Sorry to hear about your family loss. I think using art as a therapeutic tool is very smart. I have used poetry and verse in a similar way, at difficult times.
Yes, looking at your work you look like a natural children's book illustrator, with a definite style and ability.
I also felt reluctant to introduce myself, for me it was another stage of getting over the fear of presentation, yesterday I posted my first drawings, another stage to get over. I hope you get all you need and enjoy these SVS courses(if you have subscribed) forums, and friendly people that are clearly kind and helpful to others seeking the same or similar dream. Good luck. -
@PenAndrew Thanks so much! I haven't worked up the nerve yet to start posting WIPs, so I know what you mean, but I am sure we will both get there!
And yes, I am subscribed. The courses have been such a HUGE help! -
@AlliFaith I took the l plunge yesterday and shared my treehouse ideas.
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Welcome Allison. I’m sorry that you’ve had a turbulent few years, and I hope that reconnecting with your art has brought you some comfort. This is a great community, and I’m sure you’ll see much growth by being here. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the future.
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@AngelinaKizz thank you! Perhaps my story was too much of a downer, hahaha, but my point was so say that through tragedy I rediscovered a passion.
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@AlliFaith Not a downer, truthful and honest and appreciated and valuable to hear.
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@PenAndrew it means a lot to hear that, thank you. Perhaps it will inspire someone else. That’s always my hope.
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@AlliFaith Honesty is a valuable gift that we can give others.
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@AlliFaith
Definitely!
I lost the use of my dominant hand in an injury just before covid and now use my non dominant. So I totally empathize with finding joy after hardship and struggle. Keep drawing! -
@AngelinaKizz wow, that’s amazing! Go you!
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@AlliFaith Hello Allison! Welcome to the forum. I hope you'll like it here.
Portfolio: nyrrylcadiz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyrryl_cadiz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJCF1Im8ZO7hpGWTKOJMuA -
@Nyrryl-Cadiz Thank you!!
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Hey Allison, Welcome! Don't be afraid to put yourself and your creative ideas out there. We're all very supportive around here.
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@Larue thank you! It does look like everyone is supportive. It’s nice to see that in a community of artists, especially after having seen how vicious some can be.
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@Larue Yes I second that! I believe it is because of a shared goal, a shared appreciation of all the teachers at SVS and many have invested time and money in subscribing, so it is a serious endeavour that means something to everyone. @AlliFaith
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@PenAndrew yeah I totally agree. I also think because it’s a paid subscription, no one is just lurking around to troll. We’re all here wanting to grow in our endeavours.
