I started painting at a very young age at my grandmother’s kitchen table.

She was always encouraging me to go after my artistic dreams. Success for me, has been a journey. It wasn’t a straight line. I wasn’t always sure I could make it as an artist. I thought I would have to go to art school to feel qualified; to be a “real” artist.

I actually buried my dreams of becoming an artist for a while.

I got married young, had kids, got a job that would provide, worked a lot, got divorced, didn’t believe I had the ability to paint anymore. I remarried about five years ago, and my now husband is my biggest supporter. He encouraged me to stop working my pharmacy job, and pursue my real passions; my family and my art.

I started saying yes and being brave.

I said yes when I was  asked to teach art to my children’s class. I started painting for fun and posting on Facebook. People started to contact me asking me to paint dog portraits for them. One portrait led to another. One, artistic job led to another. I just kept saying “yes” and pretty soon realized, my dreams were coming true. I was being hired to do what I loved! I am teaching art to kids and being commissioned to paint paintings.

I have loved taking classes with Ali Kay!

I have loved learning a new painting style. My style of drawing/painting had always been about realism. Ali is helping me loosen up and paint more impressionistic paintings. It’s great! I have been able to incorporate a new, fresh style into my work. I believe we should always strive to be learning something new, to stay current and relevant.

I am proud of how far I’ve come.

I am so grateful that my creativity survived all of those dormant years. I am also grateful, I have had the courage to do things anyway, even though it felt scary. 

I think fear of failure keeps people from exploring.

People need a safe environment to be vulnerable with their creative process. I love experimenting and trying new things, but it took other people believing in me before I could believe in myself. Finding the people who believed in me was transformative and a springboard to my success.

You Can Find Bambi’s Work on her website www.bambirae.com