Jumping in but intimidated

[Lisa Ober]

Hello!

My name is Lisa Ober. I live just outside St. Louis, Missouri. I am married and have two children who make for great portrait practice if you ask me.

Like many others whose posts I have read recently, I have lurked here for quite some time. I have been both impressed an embarrassed. Being impressed with the talent and professionalism here is obvious. The embarrassment for me comes in when I realize how much time I have wasted in my professional life by not pushing myself and not being as dedicated to improvement as I should have been. Over the past few years I have decided that is going to change. I know I have found the right place to learn and grow. I just hope one day to have something to offer in exchange.

In spite of what has been mediocrity I think (especially after looking around here), I have somehow managed to make a living for almost two decades as a full-time portrait artist. I must have very good luck. Because an enormous amount of my work is children's portraiture, I do work primarily from photos. I miss the days of art school when I was able to work form live models but I don't see that happening any time soon for my work. That being said, I am hoping to learn how to take better photos in addition to improving my technical skills. I am a bit nervous about posting but I am looking forward to becoming a better artist.

Thank you for allowing me to join in the fun as I go jump into the ego-busting world of critique. In a few years, let me know if I my work has improved. I know I'll be saying my prayers toward that end.