Introduction

[Magdalena Castaneda]

Hi, everyone.

I noticed that it's been 9 months since I joined the Forum without introducing myself. Partly it was shyness, but mostly it's been wanting to post one of my paintings and not being able to. And since I haven't been able to do that yet, I don't want more time to pass without introducing myself.

I'm living in Portland, Oregon, right now and supporting a friend who has been going through a health challenge. The Good News is she's a Winner!

I'm from New York, Brooklyn to be exact. As my registration says, I am a figurative painter, moving toward becoming a full-time portrait painter. I studied with Dean Keller, Jack Faragasso, and Michael Burban at the New York Art Students League for four years. I studied artistic anatomy for those years, as well as painting. I believe though that the learning continues, it will continue through the rest of my life.

I would love some suggestions about how to get the work on the Forum. I do have access to this computer, but no scanner, or digital camera.

This past year found me painting not at all as I was afraid to paint indoors. And my attention/energy has been on my best friend, but I decided to "paint" with graphite, in other words
to draw, not to let my hands forget...drawing for me is the foundation of my work.

I've begun painting again this past September and it feels so great, I'm home again. Also, a person from work has commisioned me to paint her, and her kids.

I wanted to let you all know that you have supported me through rather scary times here. You have all been a source of learning, moral support, joy. Thank you for being here, and hopefully soon I'll share with you all my work, my life.

Gracias,
Magdalena