Turning Points

 

  • Turning point: a point at which a significant change occurs (Webster’s Dictionary)
  •  “In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and clear that one feels as if one’s been hit in the chest, all the breath knocked out, and one knows, absolutely knows without the merest hint of a shadow of a doubt that one’s life will never be the same.”  Julia Quinn

Forty five years ago, I was a full time mom with a two year old toddler and a three month old baby girl. I was happy as a lark. I loved my husband, my family, and my beautiful life.  But one day, browsing through the day’s mail, I came upon a catalog from a book store that contained books on how to paint. I didn’t know that you could actually teach yourself to paint by reading books! And I thought, “when Tom and I retire, that’s what I’m going to do – teach myself how to paint!” And then the next thought that entered my mind was, “why wait until retirement – if you begin now, you’ll have a really good head start.”

Fast forward to today……………Tom’s last day at work – he is retiring today!  It feels as if those forty-five years flew by in an instant!  And I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I hadn’t decided to follow my heart so many years ago and pursue my dream of becoming an artist. That one decision was a major turning point for me.   

When I first began my journey, I decided that I would educate myself by creating a curriculum that one might pursue in getting an art degree.  My goal was, and always has been, to learn everything I could possibly learn about how to put together a fabulous painting. And I discovered that I’m as passionate about researching and learning about art and art history as I am about creating it. I’ve explored many paths over the years and my art journey has lead me to places I never could never have even imagined when I began. It has provided me a place to get to know, grow, honor, and express myself every single day of my life, and an opportunity to share my passion and my discoveries through my teaching and writing. Seeing and experiencing life through the eyes of artist has given my life grounding, meaning and purpose. I am so very grateful to have this very precious gift in my life.    

So, today a new chapter begins for Tom and me – and I wanted to mark it because have a feeling it will end up being another turning point in my life!

Happy Painting!

18 thoughts on “Turning Points”

  1. Laurie Mueller

    I really enjoyed reading this, Donna. I am so glad you followed your dreams early on! Everything you said here rang true for me. I love your work and I’ll be showing up at a workshop one day. I’m the one that was sitting in Mark Mehaffey’s workshop when he called you (we chuckled). Thank you for a great article…….it certainly is a blessing to have art in our lives!

  2. Constance Guidotti

    Congratulation! Life has been wonderful.
    I hope you will continue with your painting and teaching career. You have been an inspiration to many.
    I am one of your past students from the Santa Clara Valley Water Color Association.

    Constance Guidotti

    1. Donna Post author

      Thank you so much Constance! My students continue to be a great source of joy and inspiration for me as well. I have great memories from the Santa Clara workshops 🙂

  4. Suzanne Scheer

    Congratulations Tom! Retirement is fabulous and I know you and Donna will continue to have great times together. Donna you are the best teacher and your passion in your work is inspirational. My best to you both and I hope to see you back in Sonoma County

  7. Vicki Wood

    Congratulations!!! Love your work and you are a gifted instructor as well… so glad you found art so early and are so willing to share your ideas!!

  8. John Giannotti

    Donna,
    Thanks for the article. I really enjoyed it. I retired 3 years ago and am just getting back into painting.
    I look forward to someday taking your workshop. I love your artwork.

  9. Diane Cannon

    Thank you, Donna. Wishing you and Tom much joy and creativity at this special Turning Point. I enjoyed your workshop at SpringMaid a couple of years ago. Your emphasis on value studies has helped so much with my teaching.
    I always look forward to seeing your work. It speaks to me.

    Diane Cannon

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