In pursuit of an art career later in life…

I’ll just put this out there and see what happens…

I’m in my late 50s and really motivated to revisit the art world and the possibility of a later-in-life art career after raising a family. It’s a VERY different art world than the one I walked away from after getting an art degree in my mid-20s. I share about that on another site.

Anyway, I guess I’m hoping to find other artists in a similar place to share thoughts, experiences, ideas, serious critiques, encouragement, business insights, etc.

 I work mostly in oils (usually with an acrylic underpainting) but also like to draw and colorize with watercolor. I have a love-hate relationship with gouache. I was commissioned to do a pet portrait recently but I’m trying to find my artistic voice/direction.

Thanks
Diane Ballard Smith

Pursuing a career in the arts later in life isn’t “too late”—it’s a conscious choice. Yes, it won’t be easy; you’ll have to start from scratch,
you may have to balance it with a job,
and you’ll have to face moments of doubt.

I’m very encouraged by all the opportunities for artists that exist now that weren’t available in the early 90s. Definitely no regrets for the time I’ve had with family for all these years.