Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

I use acrylic paint and paint on canvas. I paint realistic landscapes and seascapes and am looking to challenge myself with portraits and possibly abstract. When I was a child, I used to draw with pencil, but as I got older, I had to pick a path that provided me a 'career', so I never pursued my talent. I am now 58 years old and only recently discovered I can paint, turns out quite well and I enjoy it immensely!

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from nature, either from somewhere I visited, or a picture I see (or that friends provide). I feel inspiration is just in me, my mood will guide me on what to paint, usually triggered by what color I am 'feeling'. I feel color can be healing! I've had no formal art instruction; I am self-taught. I am a recent cancer survivor, and going through treatment, having my artwork hanging all around me, gave me strength and peace. With treatment behind me, all I want to do is paint!

What would you do with $25,000?

Honestly, first pay some bills that have accumulated over the last few years. Thankfully I had insurance, but there were a lot of items not covered, including some needed comfort expenses. If it wasn't for the bills, I'd take a vacation with my daughter to Switzerland (or anywhere she wanted). I would definitely get a new easel to hold larger canvases. I would like to take some lessons on portrait painting and if anything is left, create some merchandise from my artwork to sell at art fairs.