Introducing Myself

Valerie Gudorf · 03-17-2003, 03:46 AM

Hello All,

Just a quick note in the way of introducing myself. My name is Valerie Gudorf. I'd been drawing and painting off and on for most of my adult life. The "off" periods were always precipitated by a form of abject fear; in my case a toxic stew comprised of one part self doubt, two parts over-concern for the potential rejection of my work by every Tom, Dick and Harry with an opinion, and, "I've never been to Art School, so how could I possibly be an artist?" syndrome.

Stephen DeStaebler is quoted in Art & Fear as having said, "Artists don't get down to work until the pain of working is exceeded by the pain of not working." I don't know about you, but in the past, I resembled that quote to an unreasonable degree. However, my forty-sixth birthday served as a long overdue wake-up call. Now I just paint! Life's too short.

I look forward to participating in this on-line community of artist passionate about Fine Art Portraiture. I've been reading the threads and viewing your art, and feel very privileged to be numbered amoung you. I intend to learn as much as possible from the talented members of this forum and maybe, at some point in the future, will be able to give to others as much as I've been given. Thanks for scooting over and making room for me (what incredibly cool company!). I look forward to eventually meeting each of you individually.

Until later,
Valerie

Valerie Gudorf · 03-20-2003, 02:46 AM

Was it something I said? It's because I spelled, "among" wrong, wasn't it..?

Steven Sweeney · 03-20-2003, 04:25 AM

After a stint in Australia, I spent a while trying to get rid of "amongst", which was doubly difficult because I rather liked it.

I think there's a chapter (if there isn't, there should be) in Art & Fear suggesting that delays in or absences of responses to Forum posts usually have no significance or meaning much beyond the fact of it.

Anyway, welcome, and relax. This introduction section has generally developed in practice as a kind of one-off opportunity to say hi. There's not often a lot of follow-up, which tends to play out instead in threads elsewhere on the Forum. Even "out there", there will be times when your posts do not seem to generate as much response as you'd like. If you read something into that, it can paralyze you and you'll need something like, well, Art & Fear. I would commend to you this thread (click on the red text to be transferred) for scintillating reading on this subject.

And of course, a lot of members are otherwise preoccupied these days by unfolding world events.

So pull up a chair, or an easel, and just dive in.

Leslie Ficcaglia · 03-20-2003, 11:27 AM

Hi, Valerie - welcome aboard! I was hoping that you would have included a sample of your paintings; it's always fun to see different approaches to portraiture. However, as Steven pointed out, interpreting lack of response as a value judgment can be dangerous to your health and wellbeing, to say nothing of being just plain inaccurate. I think I got two responses to my debut - perhaps only one. Occasionally when you post a question or put up material for a critique it strikes a chord and posts fly fast and thick, but it's hard to predict.

I too began painting late in life, although I had always sketched. Actually I believe it was at approximately the same age you mentioned: kids grown, a bit more leisure, and voila! I "know" quite a few artists who picked back up on their art at a similar time in their lives and became quite successful at it. So good luck and I look forward to seeing your work.

Patt Legg · 03-20-2003, 06:35 PM

Hello and welcome, Valerie. We are happy to have you among us -- pardon the pun. Had to say that because I too (even though I like to think that I have this language and -- spelling -- down tight) have often misspelled the very same word as you. Must be a mental block there for me. I still check myself.

I am looking forward to reading and sharing with you during your excursion into this Forum. You will love it as I do. There certainly is a lot of help and friendly conversation here, not to mention a great bunch of artists, all of whom have various ideas about art and life. VERY INTERESTING IT IS.

See ya,
Patt

Valerie Gudorf · 03-21-2003, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the welcome, Steven, Leslie and Pat. I apologize if I sounded overly sensitive. I did notice that things have been somewhat quiet around the board lately, but I was feeling like an invited guest who was ignored upon arrival at the party. I understand now, that no snub was intended.

I've enjoyed reading your posts and viewing your art. I'm technologically challenged and have a lot to learn in terms of posting my own art, but I hope to do so soon.

Art & Fear is quite the thought-provoking read, isn't it, Steven? At middle age, I've just begun my serious commitment to an art career, so being admitted onto this Forum is a big deal to me. I'll just jump in now and attempt to get to know the other guests