I’m inspired to paint!

Um....Art?

Art is subjective. Not everyone likes the same things. Are you saying her paintings aren’t art?

They are paintings.

Yes they are paintings which many people have bought. I just thought it was an inspirational story.

Thank you for the article .
I fully agree with vegansrock -
it's a truly inspirational story .
Well done Carol Douglas .

So did I (well, classes) but never sold anything.

Perhaps my paintings were too normal. Or perhaps I never put them up for sale. That does help

Thankyou for this- I shall visit the exhibition which is just up the road from me. Haven't been since lockdown!

I'm inspired to write poetry but there's no money in it!

I love her paintings. I've always been creative but family life took over. I only started learning to draw and paint in Spain after I retired early and we went over for a few weeks to our second home. I loved it and joined an art class back in the UK on our return home. Unfortunately when lockdown came all the classes and art groups closed down (I sold a few paintings) and I became involved in sewing again and haven't picked up a brush since. Perhaps at 72 I should? Feeling very inspired.

I write poetry and paint but never considered selling them

Afraid that ladies work doesn’t inspire me although I like a lot of ‘different’ styles it s very ‘simplistic with not much colour to pull you in but she’s sold hundreds so good luck to her

I'd get very bored with one of those paintings hanging on my wall.

I have just posted this same article under "chat" - didn't notice this here. Apologies.

How fabulous it is to fall in love with a new skill.

keepingquiet - there doesn't have to be "money in it" to find something compelling (in my opinion).

A friend of mine who is now in her 80s was dissuaded from going to Art College by her parents. When she retired she took an Arts Foundation course and now belongs to a couple of art groups. Her daughter works as an artist and her parents always supported her.

If someone admires one of my paintings I give it to them, except for my very favourite ones which are on the walls in my home.

Ginny I ve only ever given my paintings away I m not an entrepreneur in any way, but good for her to make money out of, not really what I d call an art talent, but a selling talent

Yes, I have been asked if I sell them. A framer/gallery owner once asked me if I sell them. I told him I give them away. I got a telling off from my sister when we got outside!

I rather like some of the figures Carol paints. I note that she says in the article having had success with selling her work, she now wants to prioritise creating for her own enjoyment. That's why I paint.

Saying that, I've made an error in a silk painting and I'm going to try to correct it this afternoon. Fingers crossed.

NotSpaghetti

keepingquiet - there doesn't have to be "money in it" to find something compelling (in my opinion).

I think that was my point, perhaps poorly expressed.

I thought the main focus of the article was that she was making money from her paintings?

I think the main focus was doing something new after 60. It’s an interesting series.

www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/oct/12/retired-cornish-builder-whale-paintings-steve-camp?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Here’s another one that might interest - this Cornish retired builder makes thousands from his whale paintings.

I like her work and congratulate her..

vegansrock

www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/oct/12/retired-cornish-builder-whale-paintings-steve-camp?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Here’s another one that might interest - this Cornish retired builder makes thousands from his whale paintings.

These remind me of Alfred Wallis' naif paintings... lovely

Inspiring to read about Carol Douglas. I had to admit to myself that I'm not an artist. I tried an art class but my efforts were abysmal. I love writing and used to write poetry and fiction. I may take up my pen again as I'm recovering from a nasty fall and get a bit bored.

Art is what you like . Some people like Picasso. I don't . Others like Monet which I do. Art is different for everyone. I went to gel printing classes at the Brain Charity for 8 weeks. We even had an exhibition at my local library for 12 days. Our work was all different as we have different tastes and disabilities. I still think it hilarious that I had some of my work in art exhibition. As apart from cross stitch I am not artistic. But I follow charts other people have designed . My gel printing was all me .
I don't expect anyone will like them but these are some of my work. I exhibited the purple one ,circle ,and yellow and green . I love the green on but lack of room it didn't make it into the exhibition. And the bottom one is in canvas the framed ones on copy paper.

This is an article about, I suppose, someone with a second chance.
It's about seizing opportunities as we get older... of following our hearts, hopes and fulfilling dreams.

I retrained in my late 50s and fell in love with a new skill. I know just how that felt. 💕