Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Thomas.
Hi Lucy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started painting when I was 47 years old. Kind of a late start! I’d been given a medical diagnosis that made me realize life is short and I better get started on something that I really enjoyed. For some reason that meant picking up a paintbrush and turning my garage into an art space. It wasn’t long before what I was making, actually connected with people and I started selling my paintings. 12 years later, making art still brings me tremendous joy. It keeps me centered and sane most days.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I like to paint happy scenes in bright colors. In many ways that makes my art appealing to a lot of people. We’re all looking for a little bit of happiness I think. But it hasn’t always been easy. I was a single mom trying to make a living in the beginning so there were many other types of jobs that I had to keep Afloat other than just making art. Even now, that I’m remarried, the volatile economy has made me question whether I can continue to do this as my sole profession.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
People that know my work know me first and foremost for bright, colorful, wild flower arrangements that I paint on traditional canvas or Wood Panels. I also love to do landscapes and abstract work. I have shown work in galleries, at art, festivals, and on my own website lucyisanartist.com.
I think I would say that the thing I’m most proud of what something I did several years ago in my Home county, Jackson County Alabama. The county school system they had no art classes. Some high schools didn’t even have marching bands to go along with their football teams. So I volunteered to teach Art to high school age kids. The school agreed to bus them in to the technical school in the area and kids from all over the county met and made Art with me. It was great for them and rewarding for me.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think if you’re looking for guidance, you just have to ask. If there’s someone you know, that’s doing what you want to do. Just ask for their help. Ask them as many questions as you can think of. Most of the time folks will be pretty kind and be more than willing to offer suggestions and lead you in the right direction
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucyisanartist.com/
- Instagram: @lucyslifeinpictures
