I'll try this again

[Jane Hall]

First I must say that this a wonderful site, truly inspiring. My professional name is Jane Daniels-Hall. I just got married last month after 15 years as a single mom and the "Hall" part still seems pretty strange to me. I have been an artist most of my life but started back to school 15 years ago and finally received my BS in art education in '92. My favorite classes were the figure drawing classes (but they taught nothing of portraiture).

After teaching a couple of years in the public school, I realized it was NOT what I really wanted to do. For the past 8 years I have been painting and designing for a pretty well established pottery studio but the economic crunch has hit us up here in Maine terribly. Everything is closing down, going out of business, cutting back, etc. So, it is time for me to 'gird up my loins' and strike out in this scary world of ART!

I have had my own hand-painted tile business (murals mostly)for the past 3 or 4 years. Fox Hill Tile Works. We have a picture in the Home Depot Setting Tile book if you're interested...but haven't made much money at it. And I want to paint with oils! It is so seductive.

I came across this website and A Stroke of Genius and Eureka! This is IT! I believe I have read every one of these posts and felt I have come home.

Karin, you are truly inspiring. Your posts are so helpful and explain things so clearly. I have dug out and started working on 3 portraits in various stages of undone and am starting 2 new ones in order to build up my portfolio. It gives me hope to see that you are up here in New England and doing so well. Of course the fact that your work is outstanding would sell it anywhere. Did you really get your break through the Stroke of Genius website?

I really have a problem in trying to sell myself, just can't do it. I hope after I get my portfolio built up I can get accepted into the site. So I am working on it like crazy now. Off to work.

Would appreciate any comments anyone has on this portrait. It is of my daughter and a gift for her high school graduation. Thanks so much for being here. Jane