Colleen J Dyson SCA
artist
artist
My sister and I shared a bedroom when we were little. We had a blackboard on one wall and mom's hope chest was against that wall and under the blackboard. We would sit for hours drawing pictures. I like to think that she drew 'stick' people while I drew the real thing. I can't remember now what she drew. I know that I drew horses and princesses...didn't we all? My horses were complete with bridles, blankets, and saddles and had long manes and tails. My princess would have long, blond hair, of course, and a little crown. She would be standing sedately between two huge pillars at the top of a stairway.
When I was twelve, I went into Junior High School. Art was not on the list of Electives so I thought I would take sewing. It wasn't on the list either, so I learned at home sewing Barbie doll clothes, then my own. I've been told that that's probably where my artistic talent went: into creating something from fabric. I made almost everything: from drapery, suits, dresses, and coats, and when I had my own family, baby clothes and bed linens. As my boys grew up I made track suits, rugby pants, shirts and shorts, and a tux and a gown for my son's and his girlfriend's graduations.
The time came that the nest was empty and the headaches started. I had had headaches for years, but now they were full-blown migraines. It was at this time that I discovered that my neighbour was a watercolour painter. She allowed me to paint with her and learn the ropes. I also thought that it would relax me and help the headaches. I painted with her for six months then decided that I wanted to paint my own originals. I enrolled in a Fine Arts course by correspondence and the rest is history.
When I was twelve, I went into Junior High School. Art was not on the list of Electives so I thought I would take sewing. It wasn't on the list either, so I learned at home sewing Barbie doll clothes, then my own. I've been told that that's probably where my artistic talent went: into creating something from fabric. I made almost everything: from drapery, suits, dresses, and coats, and when I had my own family, baby clothes and bed linens. As my boys grew up I made track suits, rugby pants, shirts and shorts, and a tux and a gown for my son's and his girlfriend's graduations.
The time came that the nest was empty and the headaches started. I had had headaches for years, but now they were full-blown migraines. It was at this time that I discovered that my neighbour was a watercolour painter. She allowed me to paint with her and learn the ropes. I also thought that it would relax me and help the headaches. I painted with her for six months then decided that I wanted to paint my own originals. I enrolled in a Fine Arts course by correspondence and the rest is history.
I've discovered some family members were or are artists. This drawing was done by my grandfather, Jesse, around 1910. A relative has the original and sent me this copy. Jesse was also a musician and made and played the instuments he taught with.
This other relative, Cynthia, is Jesse's great-granddaughter. She also paints, takes oil-painting classes, and has been involved with gallery businesses. I have since visited with her and we did go on a paint-in...from the barrio of Tucson to the Saguaro National Park. It was great fun, she is such an inspiration!
This other relative, Cynthia, is Jesse's great-granddaughter. She also paints, takes oil-painting classes, and has been involved with gallery businesses. I have since visited with her and we did go on a paint-in...from the barrio of Tucson to the Saguaro National Park. It was great fun, she is such an inspiration!
Amidon Series
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