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It's such a nice feeling to see my paintings in someone elses home. For quite sometime I only made original artwork for myself & my family.
After coming across so MANY copycats of my Made By Girl art, I decided it was time to venture into one of my OTHER passions.... painting.
I admit, at first I was a little SCARED. The thought of NOT SELLING one single painting.... crossed my mind. However, I decided that worrying wasn't going to BENEFIT anyone & that I had to have faith in what I was doing.
After coming across so MANY copycats of my Made By Girl art, I decided it was time to venture into one of my OTHER passions.... painting.
I admit, at first I was a little SCARED. The thought of NOT SELLING one single painting.... crossed my mind. However, I decided that worrying wasn't going to BENEFIT anyone & that I had to have faith in what I was doing.
To tell you the truth, I have loved painting since........aaah yes, FOREVER. It is a passion.
I started painting when I was about 7 years old & even painted a landscape scene on my dad's back (with magic markers). That was my dad's idea. He was so IMPRESSED with my ability to draw & paint that he told me to draw whatever I wanted on his back. He has a pretty WIDE BACK, so there was PLENTY of space!
I ended up drawing an ocean, a few palm trees, a boat & a whale. I remember the BIG smile my DAD had when he turned around & looked at his back in the mirror! To this day, he talks about it!!
I ended up drawing an ocean, a few palm trees, a boat & a whale. I remember the BIG smile my DAD had when he turned around & looked at his back in the mirror! To this day, he talks about it!!
In essence, painting has always been a part of me....a God-given gift that I am grateful for.
-bottom 2 images by becky kimball
visit Cocoa & Hearts to view a gallery of my work. NEW paintings just added today!
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Aw, aren't Dads the best? :) It is so scary to put yourself out there like this, whether it be with artwork, designs, or a blog. You don't know what people will think! But that is the point - you can't care what they think. You have to do what you love! <3
ReplyDeleteYou're artwork is gorgeous! Its so simple yet so very very original. I am definitely saving up for piece. I've recently discovered my love of photography but it scares me to stick with it because of the other thousands of talented photographers out there. It may not ever be a business of mine but I feel like a little fish in a very large pond sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI totally admire what you're doing and your blog was one that got me started on liking blogs :)
ninasaraa.blogspot.com
Your paintings are beautiful. I love how bright and cheerful they are!
ReplyDeletexo Julia
galmeetsglam.com
what you said about your dad made me smile
ReplyDeleteI like needleworks so much ,i remember when used to mess up with my mom's stuff when i was a kid
http://girlynote.blogspot.com
I have a passion for making things in general, look good. Right now, my focus is on blog design & launching a graphic design & illustration business with my Husband.
ReplyDeleteInitially, I was a bit nervous about sharing this, but nothing ever becomes of what we keep inside; because of fear.
By the way...did you receive my email?
MERELYMARIE:
ReplyDeleteSo very well said... :) what email?
Hmmmm...I sent it about a week ago. ...jen@madebygirl.com? I'll try sending it again:)
ReplyDeleteJen you are very brave to put yourself out there, and I think your passion shines through in your artwork.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration those of us contemplating taking the next step! Love yout work : )
I think this is truly lovely. I love your work!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Jen. It is truly inspiring to see someone follow their passion, even in the face of fears and doubts, and succeed with GOLD STARS :) I have so many passions in life - my main one to be able to work from home in the near future. I want to put my creativity to good use and know that when I look back on my life 10, 30, or 50 yrs from now I can smile and know I made a living doing what I truly love. I am a true idealist...so why not making a living out of it right? :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Those are wonderful paintings and your dad is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteYou truly do have a gift Jen! My passion is to create and indulge...whether it is to create a beautifully designed room, or just a small vignette of some sort, or to indulge in music, food, wine, nature... I used to wish to be able to draw well but my sister got that gift (a very talented artist) I got the gift of music - played violin since I was 6- which has subsequently become a passion as well (just not professionally). xx
ReplyDeletehttp://decorislikebutter.blogspot.com/
Great to see people pursuing their passions, your quite creative and I enjoy reading your blog and browsing your store because of it! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteA Girl's Next Best Friend
My passion is helping people get physically fit. My mom was a single mom working long hours every day so fast food was in constant rotation and I was never taught what proper nutrition was. Because of that I struggled with my weight in high school and it got worse in college. Since graduating, I've been working on myself and have found a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their fitness goals!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be receiving my PiYo certification in September and my Turbo Kick certification in October so I can start teaching classes at my local gym! I'm nervous and scared but I know that paying it forward to people who were in a similar situation I was is what I'm meant to be doing :)
Very happy you got over your fears to share your talents with us all!
ReplyDeleteI have a passion for ... writing! lol It's not a big secret (you can see that plainly if you check out my blog www.cateemond.blogspot.com) but I used to be afraid to say it out loud because I thought it was such an unrealistic dream. The other day, someone asked me what I "do" and for the first time my first reply wasn't "I'm a student". I said, "I'm a writer!" ... "and a student". Haha :p
ReplyDeleteJen - thanks for sharing your heart behind what you do. It hadn't really dawned on me until now, that fear can be a huge barrier, stopping us doing what we really love.
ReplyDeleteI just published a post on 'Inspiration' and included one of my favourite quotes:
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman
Jen - thanks for sharing your heart behind what you do. It hadn't really dawned on me until now, that fear can be a huge barrier, stopping us doing what we really love.
ReplyDeleteI just published a post on 'Inspiration' and included one of my favourite quotes:
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman
I love this post! Pursuing your passion is so important and I truly believe when we ignore our God given talents, we never reach TRUE happiness in our lives. Glad you decided to pursue your 1st love. Your passion for art shows through your paintings.
ReplyDeleteMyisha
www.bohemianspiritjewelry.com
www.bohemianspiritjewelry.blogspot.com
What an inspiring post! Exactly what I needed to hear today. My dream actually is to sell paintings as well! I've always always loved painting! I've been fighting that scary feeling of "what if's" as well, but my goal is to start selling my creations by the end of the year! Stay tuned! :)
ReplyDeleteWould you mind sharing with me where I could purchase your leopard wallet? Thanks!
ReplyDeletecute store about your Dad.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for pursuing your passion! And what a great Dad you have for encouraging you! Kudos for being Brave Jen!
ReplyDeleteDo or do not. There is no try.
ReplyDeleteGood for you to pursue your original love...
:)
My passion is a mix of reading, writing, educating, and creating. I love painting, illustration, writing for kids...
Blogging is addictive, but it has made me more productive.
My passion is also for painting, and I've only recently taken the step to actually share it, albeit in quite a small way. It is actually REALLY scary, and I never feel that any painting is ever finished - a major impediment to selling anything!
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful, Jen, you should be very proud!
I admire you for following your passion! Good for you! You are so talented, Jen. I am still watching my painting that I've had my eye on!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute story about your sweet dad!! When I read your words I think it describes how I feel about my art exactly. I've only ever shared it with my family and now I am timid about trying to get it out there and see what God has in store for me! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteNancy xo
I think it is so great that you are following your dreams and passions. I agree, you definitely have a God given talent. Even though there are so many people that want to copy your ideas and designs, God knows you and your heart and you will always be successful! My passion is to just inspire. Share my life to help others. Even with my new endeavors like my blog and Etsy shop; I am learning so much about myself. It's scary but sometimes you have to just go for it! Just letting God have control, there's so much He shows you. I also have a passion to sing. I don't how that will come into play, but one day I would love to record a worship album. God willing, it could happen :) Well Keep doing what you're doing Jen, you have no idea how much you inspire people. Even those you haven't met :)
ReplyDeletelove this post jen..i feel the same way...i could go on and on...i actually love photography and painting myself. although mine is no where near yours...i enjoy it and i do it with my kids which gives us bonding time. i hinder myself over and over again because of my fear...hoping to get over it soon.
ReplyDeleteYou're artwork is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas
I love your paintings so much! And it really is a gift from God. Personally I'm passionate about fashion design, but more the creating of clothes to make women feel beautiful! :)
ReplyDelete<3 Kelly
Your paintings are amazing. I love them. I loved this post. So glad you are doing what you love and are doing it well! You blog has been very inspiring to me!
ReplyDeleteLove all your work, so glad you decided to share it with everyone! Has really inspired me to do the same with my painting! x
ReplyDeleteGreat story. You always strike me as such a confident go getter, but glad you took the leap of faith! Your paintings have inspired my 15 year old daughter is about to set up an Etsy shop and sell her paintings as well. She has talent and I have encouraged her to sell some of her work. She is so nervous and anxious that no one will want them! I will have to get her to read your post!
ReplyDeleteThanks:)
Just beautiful! I love all the colors.
ReplyDeletehttp://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/
Your paintings are beautiful and so fun! You are an inspiration to many. My passion is interior decorating and design. Ever since I was a child I was building cardboard houses and designing rooms which as I grew up, I have been so terrified to pursue, partly because it's ingrained in me that I have to work at a corporate job in order to pay the bills. I believe we are here to express our talents through God. In doing so, it brings all of us joy. There is no competition really, we all fit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story about you and your dad - so very sweet!
I look forward to your daily reads!
I LOVE your paintings and recently included one in my wish list. ...pennies saving now!
ReplyDeleteI keep missing grabbing an 8x10 - those suckers sell out quick!!
congrats to you and your marvelous artistry. continued success
best -d.
post script: don't forget, pink looks good on everyone and everything.
I really admire the way you trust yourself and just start paint. Really! This is beautiful.
ReplyDeletei love your paintings...so simple yet striking! Keep on painting. I have a fab giveaway from Dana Gibson if you're interested www.brilliantchic.com
ReplyDeleteNINA SARA: I love photography too! I had that same fear at first- where i felt there were so many other photographers out there & how would I appear in comparison. But i think WE all need to know that if we dont try, we will never know how we compare. Go for it, even if its just starting as a hobby... :) Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteGAL MEETS GLAM: Thank you so much ox!
ReplyDeleteHEBA: Aw thanks! Funny, i liked needlework too- but when i was younger.
PRETTY MY WORLD: Wow, thank you!
LA-LINH: We have something in common then..because i also had a moment where i wanted to work from home. I finally took the plunge & havent looked back since. Dont get me wrong, i do miss the social aspect of working outside of home....so it has its good & bad. I agree - i would love to also look back years from now and be happy with where i was.
J'ANNS BOUTIQUE: Thank you!!
CAITLIN: I love your story & what you're doing. i always feel that when you do things that inspire others, you get positive feedback. im proud of you!! :)))
CATE: Hey, if you write on your blog on a consistent basis...why not right? Id say that too if i were you! However, my posts arent too much about writing but showcasing trends in home decor and fashion etc. :)
SWEETASNGIRL: aaah great quote, thanks!
MYISHA: That is what ive been learning for several years now...not to ignore my God given talent. Sometimes we deviate into other things, not necessarily what God wants for us, then our talents remain stagnant - just waiting for us to tackle them.
Following your passion can be extremely scary and intimidating but so glad to hear that you did it! I started mine journey just yesterday following my passion of what I love to do so we will see how it all turns out!
ReplyDeleteLove the story about your dad.
ReplyDeleteYour paintings are gorgious, i love the colors that you use.
I draw and paint too, but only for myself.I also crochet a lot and friends and family always ask if i crochet something for there birthdays. I also have a passion for making miniatures for the dollshouse for almost twenty years now. Hope that one day i am brave enough to quit my job and make a living out of my passions.
Hugs
Maria
Your artwork is really great. It has a good energetic life to it. I am passionate about my art, my museum work, fashion and for the past 8 months my baby girl. Keep selling! I remember the first time I sold. It was a great feeling! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome. Painting is actually one of my passions, too, and this makes me want to jump back in with two feet. I love how your paintings turned out. Good for you for doing it again...it must be the best feeling:)
ReplyDeleteI can totally see why your 1st painting sold out in 1 week!! You have the most energetic, yet calming paintings!! My passion of course is design (graphic design mostly) but I have a strong passion for painting..just never make the time for it like I should. You truly inspire me to get back at it though! ;)
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you had the courage to follow and pursue your passion. Your love for what you do shows in your work. Congrats on finding success as well!
ReplyDeleteyour paintings are so beautiful Jen! You have inspired me so many times through the years, and now finally, I'm ready to start my own business. The idea has been growing inside of my head for the last 2-3 years, and my recent trip to USA just pushed me over the egde. I started talking to my fiancé about 'serious stuff', that is where we would live in the future, what I REALLY would like to do and so on... Sitting on the beautiful Santa Monica Pier I decided I had to pursue my dream and start my interior textile business - even small, it's still my thing, my passion. So, we decided I would just go for it :) I'm still going to work as an executive in IT & Finance but I now have atleast started to live my dream. So, back home in Stockholm I registered my business (actually I did it already via Internet sitting on the beach in Santa Cruz!) and now I'm busy with suppliers, designs, planning... OH, we also decided we will try to move to sunny California some day :D
ReplyDeleteSo, thank you so much for all the inspiration. I thought of you while we visited LV.
xo, tiina
Painting is one of my passions, but rutine has put it in the last point of importance... working, home, baby...
ReplyDeleteI would love to have time to paint and paint and find the way i feel good painting.
I love the colours you use, the kind of brushstroke... they are so joyful!
You can be proud of your paintings!
Your art is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an inspiring post and I'm so happy that you were able to put aside being a little scared to pursue your passion :)
xoxo
Olivia
Love love these colors! you are so talented!!
ReplyDeleteyour artwork is amazing and reflects happiness and modernism.. i have a passion for ballet and piano.. and any form of expression (different that talking) I admire people that say a lot without talking..
ReplyDeleteHi Jen
ReplyDeletethis is VERY inspiring, I am so happy you share your passion with the world! I am about to launch my collection of textiles - yes it can be scary but at the same time it is so rewarding to do what you love...
Thank you for being you, I get inspired everytime I stop by!
Hugs & kisses from Rio!
http://acasadava.blogspot.com
A CASA DA VA:
ReplyDeleteOoh! that sounds exciting! I wanted to get into textile design awhile back...but obviously didnt... i wish you the best! :))
Awesome! You keep on painting
ReplyDeleteMy first memories are painting at about age 3. My niece is the same. She is 6 now and I have her artwork throughout my house. I wish I had the courage to sell my paintings. You know. That fear of not selling any of them
Proud of you that you conquered that fear
Xx
Callie
Just wanted to let you know I linked this post to my blog today! http://cateemond.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-makes-you-happy.html
ReplyDeleteI was inspired! :)