I started drawing in 2013 when Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and one of our granddaughters was facing an operation to remove half of her brain after years of debilitating seizures. I coached teachers for a university and a new director sapped the joy I’d always found in the job. I was staying alive in the water.
In the very early mornings, I started doing drawings on leftover pamphlet paper from my teaching days. I wanted the paper to last so I used two inch squares. I drew with a ballpoint pen. I didn’t know what I was doing.
The drawings began as nothing more than lines and shapes. They evolved into images from the places I love.
In the spring of 2016 my mom died, our granddaughter had a much smaller surgery and she and her life improved instantly, and I retired from education after 44 years. I kept drawing though. My work began to have an intentional style.
A chance conversation led to notecards which led to buying equipment and learning many new skills and creating a company. It was a wonderful journey.
My first attempt at a real notecard was a very simple image from Puerto Vallarta. We met local friends for drinks at Casa Karma one evening the previous spring. We all moved to the deck when the sun set and I drew the scene the next morning. Margaritas and good friends and a perfect sunset seemed important to remember.
I used the drawing for my first card. It was a wonderful night.