Becoming a Professional Artist: My Story as an Abstract Oil Painter

[@dianemartin6077]

Loved hearing your story! Reality and inspiration together equals encouragement. Thank you for sharing ❤ Diane in SF

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

Hi Diane! Thank you so much for chiming in here. It's always good to hear that "my story" offers inspiration and encouragement to other artists. Sharing one's story is a vulnerable experience that generates personal empowerment as well. In other words, it takes courage to share one''s personal journey. I suspect you know of where I speak 😊🙏

[@dmpascucci]

Beautiful story, Marianne. Thank you for sharing. You are amazing and a great motivation in art and life.

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

Awww thank you SO much Denise! It's a true joy knowing you've benefitted from our work together... Cheers to your artistic practice!

[@utaloesken]

Thank you so much, Marianne, for telling your story and encouring us to find our way. I'm not making a living from my art but since some years I dare to say "I'm an artist". And it's how you said at the end of your video: We have to figure out what's our own way to making art and being an artist. I'm nearly 62 now and I'm still on my way to figuring out. That's an exciting journey and I hope it would never end.

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

thank you so much for sharing your story here, Uta. I'm 65 and I'm STILL figuring it out too!!! The journey only ends when we have moved on from this world. So enjoy the learning and making that keeps your journey going...

[@josephrapp]

I was drawing,sculpting around age 12;no courses offered in HSchool,so gave it up to focus on other ideas. Later, at age 22, I began my journey. I have not stopped. I now paint large canvasses-mostly abstract,but sometimes realistic land landscapes too. You and i share love of atmosphere.

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

Thanks so much for sharing your story here!

[@carriemitchell3020]

Thanks Marianne, that was helpful 👍

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

so glad it was for you, Carrie!

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

Hey everyone! So for me, it can be a challenge to "Talk about myself" but in this case, I'm sharing my story of becoming, and being a professional artist because I've come to learn that hearing my story as been hugely helpful to artists who are just trying to figure out their path as an artist. I invite you to listen, and I hope my story is helpful to you as well!

[@grayjacobik]

Marianne, thank you so much for speaking so directly and clearly about your path from kindergarten to now, your lucky breaks and other challenges, and the evolution of your sense of identity as a successful artist and artist-mentor. It’s made me think about my own path and its markers, the ‘what I have’ and the ‘where I want to go’, etc. Your distilled reflection and the sincerity and generosity with which you speak, just blow me away. I feel so fortunate to have found your filmic self behind which I know stands an extraordinary human being.

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

Hi Gray, I am truly honored by your remarks here about "me" and my story. It's great to know that my trajectory has encouraged you to think about your own path, your marker works, moments, experiences. It takes one generous person to see another, so thank you for your generosity here.

[@gaildarlington4660]

Thank you. Enjoyed hearing this, as i enjoy all you say and do. You definitely gave me some food for thought!

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

@@gaildarlington4660 Hi Gail, so glad to know my story was helpful for you and gave you “good for thought” 🥂😊

[@mariannemitchellwholeart]

@@gaildarlington4660 Hi Gail! So glad you enjoyed hearing my story and the was helpful by giving you “food for thought!” 🍀😊