The Beginnings

I recall the first time I was recognized for a drawing I made. It happened in my Grade 1 class when the teacher asked us to draw trees. To my surprise, she selected my drawing and showcased it to the entire class! She even displayed it on the wall for everyone to see. Despite all the attention that one drawing received, I never thought I would become interested in art afterward!

During visits to friends or family, I would scan their walls in search of art. At that time, the paintings typically depicted oil landscapes, a woman with long black hair beside a tree, or a boy with tears in his eyes. (Have you seen these?) I was astonished by how many people had the same or similar paintings! As an adult, I understand they were likely mass-produced or printed.

I recall creating my first "real" drawing when I was in Standard 5 (Grade 7). My only materials were lined exercise books from previous years with used pages removed, or scrapbook paper and an HB pencil. I always had a passion for African wildlife, particularly cheetahs, leopards, lions, and elephants. Although I no longer reside in Africa, my affection for it persists. You can take a person out of Africa, but you can't take Africa out of the person. Growing up in South Africa, I only encountered these animals through documentaries and the lovely Reader's Digest books my dad gave me. I decided to draw a cheetah, captivated by the beautiful tear stripes on their faces.

Cheetah in graphite on scrap book paper.

Throughout high school, I continued to draw and eventually experimented with oil painting. I enjoyed painting on the boards I had, but I was overly concerned about wasting any leftover paint. As a result, my paintings turned out muddy and quite cartoonish.

I thought about studying art, but I couldn't envision making a living as an artist. At that time, the "starving artist" mindset was prevalent, and only a few managed to turn it into more than a hobby. My father was a health inspector, my grandfather was a health inspector, and even an uncle on my father's side worked as a health inspector. Occasionally, my dad would take us to his office, and I enjoyed watching him work—cultivating bacteria in petri dishes, conducting inspections in shops where he had to seize expired foods, and more. So, I opted for a "real" career and spent three years studying Environmental Health. I secured a job as a meat inspector (which led me to become a vegetarian!), and later transitioned into industrial hygiene, conducting noise, light, and air quality surveys, among other scientific tasks, as well as occupational health and safety.

Leopard drawn in graphite

As a young adult, I explored various forms of art, trying out watercolours, coloured pencils, and other mediums I could find.

Dolphins in watercolour

I met my husband, got married, and had the chance to take art classes for about a year or so. I really enjoyed them, even though I wasn't "taught" a lot; instead, I was given the opportunity to experiment.

Dried up leaf in charcoal

When my children were born, time became a scarce resource crucial for maintaining my sanity. Raising young kids was incredibly challenging and tiring for me. Despite my efforts to incorporate art into our homeschooling, I seldom found time for it. My boys simply weren't interested, so I had to put art on hold.

However, art continued to beckon me, and in 2023, I realized that if I wanted to pursue it, the time was now or never. I purchased a range of pencils (including watercolour, pastel, and regular colouring pencils), pastels, and paper at a significant discount and committed to reigniting my passion for art. (Since then the range of mediums has expanded.)

Closeup of an eye in coloured pencil

I assure you, my intentions were sincere. Isn't that true for everyone? I watched several YouTube videos (perhaps more than just a few) and began sketching on small pieces of paper to keep things manageable. (I didn't want to start something I couldn't finish.) I considered transforming these sketches into little thank you cards or notes to sell or give away. Then, I stopped once more! Why? It's hard to say. Life intervenes, challenges emerge, and excuses follow. (I think artists refer to this as resistance, or perhaps it's a lack of belief in one's ability to succeed.)

Flamingo in coloured pencil

In early 2024, an idea emerged. I recalled the wonderful experiences I had with fellow artists, both young and old, during those long-ago art classes I attended as a newlywed. What if I formed a small art group, not for lessons, but simply for artists to create together? This was a bold move for the very small, rural community I reside in here in New Zealand. I wasn't sure if anyone would participate, but fortunately, two other women joined. We all sought an "excuse" to engage in art more regularly, and it has been incredibly enjoyable! I've learned a lot by observing and conversing with the other women, as each of their skills and artistic interests differ from mine. (We can use the community hall's meeting room for $1 or $2 per person, which is such a blessing!)

Lion in graphite

As of today, my passion for art continues to expand, and I aspire to further develop my skills to become a proficient artist—perhaps even dedicating as much time as possible while being a homeschooling mom. I intend to educate myself through free online lessons and potentially invest in paid courses, such as those from the Milan Art Institute, or any other options that align with my artistic interests and budget. (If I manage to sell some artwork along the way, it would expedite this journey of exploration.)

Currently, my aim is to experiment with various art forms, enhance my abilities, and remain receptive to how God intends for me to utilize the talent He has bestowed upon me. I wish for my art to serve a purpose beyond myself, contributing positively to the challenging world we inhabit.

Kingfisher in mixed media

What skills and abilities do you possess? Are you putting effort into enhancing them? What challenges have you encountered, and have you experienced any significant progress along the way? Perhaps you need some motivation, or maybe you can provide encouragement to someone else to continue following what they feel called to pursue?

Use your creativity, and I'll talk to you again soon.

Natasha Allison