When I read into the 3rd paragraph, I thought you were reading my mind and my past. It immediately brought me back to the 4th grade. I remember drawing the most incredible, at least I thought so.. giraffe and elephant. Taking great pride in the colors and details. Only to be met wtih a so-so reaction by Mrs Carpenter, my 4th grade teacher. I thought obviously my work was not good enough to impress someone who I thought alot of.. sooo.. guess my art just wasn't any good. My feelings were hurt and it had the effect on me.. that maybe I shouldn't even bother with it any more.. I do know now.. with the proper encouragement, I could have gone on to a career in the arts field. If only I had trusted my "gut". I have always been creative.. and self-employed for over 25 years making and selling my own line of jewelry but not fullfilled as an "artist". I am now finally working on lifting the artist block I have had for sooo many years.. I am enjoying experimenting with techniques.. open to learning more and more.. and more..
thanks.................