Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am one of your unregistered users. I want to say "THANK YOU!" for allowing me to read your posts, even though I am not a member of your esteemed group.

Deep in my heart, I harbor a secret desire to be a portrait painter. In my dreams, I paint beautiful paintings filled with invigorating color, brush stokes that are "alive" and inspiring composition. I paint works that capture the essence of our humanity and the human condition.

Then cold, harsh light of reality hits me; I live in the sticks, drive 100 miles, one-way, each day, to a job I hate, and have never been able to find an instructor or someone to mentor me. I even ran ads in a few art magazines and wrote to a couple of very well-known artists to find someone I could work under--all to no avail.

I want to apply, but am too embarrassed by my work. Your site says it's for professionals. My uninstructed, uninformed attempts to paint are not suitable for view by such wonderful artists. And at this point in my life and in light of my skill level [more like lack-of skill-level], it has to remain a hobby.

So, on nights when its quiet and I am alone with my thoughts, when hubby has gone to bed, and I am away from the pressure and stress of work, I grab a glass of wine and settle in to read your Web site. I have been reading it for years, and it has provided me with much joy and elation. It's my escape into bliss. I feel like I know many of you from having read so much about you and from looking at your work. I have LOVED looking at the critiques--it has been the closest thing to instruction I could get. I live for looking at those new critiques!

I hope you continue to leave the Web site open for view. You all are my idols and, through your posts, have allowed me to vicariously experience the thrill of being an artist. I am eternally grateful for your openess, your willingness to share your knowledge and your inspiration!

May God Bless you all, and may your work continue to prosper.