Hi! Welcome to my site. I am a self-taught artist of animals, who loves such creatures, and loves even
more recreating them through art.
Many years ago I created various works of art using the medium of paints and/or pastels. Then I discovered
woodburning, and took a "one-day class" to learn how to use a woodburning tool. Any actual art ability I have, however,
came strictly from my Mother's teaching when I was a child, or my own trials and errors.
I loved the woodburning, and eventually even taught it. But, that somehow wasn't enough, as it didn't
leave me enough time to do what I really wanted to do, which was __ and remains __ the actual artwork.
Although most __ not all __ of those using a woodburning tool are copying and/or tracing, that was not
the case with my work. I was taught by my Mother, who was also an artist, that "A real artist always does his or her own work,"
which is what I continue to practice. I don't want any credit for taking another artist's work, rather it be from a painter
or photographer. So, with my work, any mistakes you see are strictly my own!
The fumes of the burning wood can be very dangerous. I've learned that the hard way. One should never
use a woodburning tool without either a reverse fan and/or wearing a mask. Neither are any longer enough for the
safety of my health, so now I have returned to painting.
For the most, I use acrylics or colored pencils. I truely enjoy the challenge of working quickly with
acrylics, which is just about a must for one using this medium. With the pencils, there's no rush, but nonetheless a challenge
to make the colors do just what one wants __ I do, fortunately, love a good challenge :-)Although most of the
artworks on my web are done with woodburning, I will be adding some of my paintings and colored pencil works soon, too.
I'm certainly not the best artist out there, but I do have a good imagination and enjoy putting it to
work. I hope you have some fun looking through my site.
Darlene
