Danny, once again you have touched my thoughts. Who knew I would one day be spending so much time in a room filled with art supplies while - almost! - considering myself an artist! I recently met up with a lifelong friend in person . We had been staying in contact via telephone and social media where she saw some of my art posts. When we finally got together she suddenly said, “ When did you start doing art? I never saw you do anything like this when we were kids!” That’s true. I did draw a little but never really had the chance to take many classes and grow. There were artists in the world but not me. Then came the internet. I took classes online. Then came Sketchbook Skool! I think of SS as a friendly ship filled with artists that has cruised into port and I have been sailing ever since.There are so many opportunities in life now. I very often reflect on the differences in the way that I live in such different ways than my grandmother lived. She wore house dresses and black laced “grandma” shoes and while she was very active around the house most of her 94 years, our ways of living are light years apart. I say this as I sit in my blue jeans and sweatshirt ready to spring outside to walk the dog in my running shoes. I was raised to be a life-long learner, to be active and to be ready to take on challenges, but I don’t think anyone ever foresaw the opportunities of youthfulness in our world today. I know I never intended to be that person who wore a house dress all day but I am pretty pleased that life now allows me to pursue most any area of interest. It’s like being a kid again. I can put on my bib overalls and draw and paint or sew or read with my favorite movies playing in the background. Responsibilities do exist like cooking and cleaning and laundry, but these are shared duties.
Thank you!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the essay and the video....and the person who commented about the click of your heels was spot on - the sharp sound such a lovely contrast.
Thank you sending me this much needed inspiration today and exposing me to these jaw dropping, spirited artists in our midst. "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety" for sure!
It’s me again from Colorado. I just turned 80 last summer. I’m still in my tap dancing troupe after 14 years following both hips replaced. Somewhere along the way, I started thinking, what shall I do when I can’t dance anymore? I went back to art, my degree, (I left several years after to work in hi tech). Back then I collected supplies for that time when… But that never came. Finally, I began integrating art back into my life. It started with photos, then watercolor and acrylics. I entered shows just to have my work on walls. Just entered 2 more paintings and looking at 2 more “calls”. Despite my training, I was always afraid of art. Perfectionism. But after I learned the fun of dance, I’m taking all that fun with me to art.
I've already saw your short film. It´s awesome. And I relly love your post of sketchbook skoll, they are so inspiring. Thanks a lot for both things. Regards from Mexico
I love reading your essays and see glimpses of myself in them. I’ve always done some kind of art and even taught some forms. We moved a lot over time. I am 89 years old so have seen and met all kinds of artists and tried many media. We’d just moved back east from AZ when Covid hit. I decided to take online classes and discovered how much I like watercolors which had always scared me. I also found how much I still like drawing and color pencils more than other media. Thank you for all your encouragement.
Love this so much! Reinventing in my 60s!
Danny, thank you for sharing your creativity. What is the piano score playing in the background?
Danny, love your video and have shown it to my artistic, 11 year old granddaughter as motivation! 👍
Danny, once again you have touched my thoughts. Who knew I would one day be spending so much time in a room filled with art supplies while - almost! - considering myself an artist! I recently met up with a lifelong friend in person . We had been staying in contact via telephone and social media where she saw some of my art posts. When we finally got together she suddenly said, “ When did you start doing art? I never saw you do anything like this when we were kids!” That’s true. I did draw a little but never really had the chance to take many classes and grow. There were artists in the world but not me. Then came the internet. I took classes online. Then came Sketchbook Skool! I think of SS as a friendly ship filled with artists that has cruised into port and I have been sailing ever since.There are so many opportunities in life now. I very often reflect on the differences in the way that I live in such different ways than my grandmother lived. She wore house dresses and black laced “grandma” shoes and while she was very active around the house most of her 94 years, our ways of living are light years apart. I say this as I sit in my blue jeans and sweatshirt ready to spring outside to walk the dog in my running shoes. I was raised to be a life-long learner, to be active and to be ready to take on challenges, but I don’t think anyone ever foresaw the opportunities of youthfulness in our world today. I know I never intended to be that person who wore a house dress all day but I am pretty pleased that life now allows me to pursue most any area of interest. It’s like being a kid again. I can put on my bib overalls and draw and paint or sew or read with my favorite movies playing in the background. Responsibilities do exist like cooking and cleaning and laundry, but these are shared duties.
Your pal, Grace.
Wonderful essay, as usual, Danny. This latest YouTube video was awesome. Bravo. Now I’m off to check out your mother’s work.
Thank you!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the essay and the video....and the person who commented about the click of your heels was spot on - the sharp sound such a lovely contrast.
So beautiful and inspirational, Danny!
Thank you for the essay and the lovely video.
Thank you sending me this much needed inspiration today and exposing me to these jaw dropping, spirited artists in our midst. "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety" for sure!
Nina
Brilliant
That was great Danny. Resonated with me 100%.
Promising myself to get back to more art.
Thanks for that‼️
Thank you, Danny. I am encouraged by your essays. I have done artwork and writing most of my life. Now that I am in my 90s, I don't intend to stop.
Thank you. This is just the encouragement that I needed today
Hi Danny,
It’s me again from Colorado. I just turned 80 last summer. I’m still in my tap dancing troupe after 14 years following both hips replaced. Somewhere along the way, I started thinking, what shall I do when I can’t dance anymore? I went back to art, my degree, (I left several years after to work in hi tech). Back then I collected supplies for that time when… But that never came. Finally, I began integrating art back into my life. It started with photos, then watercolor and acrylics. I entered shows just to have my work on walls. Just entered 2 more paintings and looking at 2 more “calls”. Despite my training, I was always afraid of art. Perfectionism. But after I learned the fun of dance, I’m taking all that fun with me to art.
SOME DAYS I SUCK, OTHER DAYS I SOAR!
And I’m lovin’ every minute of it.
I love your short film! You did a terrific job of telling the story!
And I’m inspired—I plan to learn bass guitar (at 80).
I've already saw your short film. It´s awesome. And I relly love your post of sketchbook skoll, they are so inspiring. Thanks a lot for both things. Regards from Mexico
I love reading your essays and see glimpses of myself in them. I’ve always done some kind of art and even taught some forms. We moved a lot over time. I am 89 years old so have seen and met all kinds of artists and tried many media. We’d just moved back east from AZ when Covid hit. I decided to take online classes and discovered how much I like watercolors which had always scared me. I also found how much I still like drawing and color pencils more than other media. Thank you for all your encouragement.