I hope to find my feet soon. I’m 61 and just picked up my first pencil to draw. I was sick with Covid and stuck in my house for two weeks and watch a video and thought I could do that . I’m not sure what came over me! I never drew a flower before or played with paint, I didn’t really color as a child. But something in me wanted to draw, then i wanted to explore markers and watercolors and acrylic paint. I started doing pours with resin and then acrylic paint. It’s been right at three years now I guess, and I now have a full art studio loaded with supplies and art pinned up all over my walls. after raising four wonderful boys and being an empty nester, it was time to do something for me. My husband supports my journey and really is proud of my work. I’m just now claiming to be an artist. Although I haven’t found my path or a style but I’m having fun experimenting with them all. Your videos are such great inspiration and I loved your journey.
Thankyou what an amazing story. I too loved art as a child it was just what I did everyday but had to leave school to get a job at 16 and there was no encouragement to pursue art any further. I eventually gave up art for 30 years only rediscovering it 3 years ago at the age of 50. I just love creating and playing and trying to improve, and as you say just happy to have art in my life again. For now it is a wonderful hobby which makes me happy. Hearing your journey is very inspiring x
Very inspiring personal art journey! I recently found a love for mixed media painting at 29 due to depression and it’s helped me not only heal, but also add creativity to my life when I needed it most. I’m also thinking of possibly making my art into something more than a hobby
Helen, I am now 70 and this video has been so inspirational. I wish I had seen this years ago. I spent my life juggling job and family life. The job was just swamping my whole life and I didn't particularly enjoy it. My precious family where being put in second place for it. It was at a time when the Labour government were throwing money at people to go to University and really I should have taken that step. Being a single parent you think will I be able to manage financially etc? Now, I would say to young people "follow your dream". It's not all about money but just enjoying life and family too. Seeing more of your work in this video...I have to say WOW! WOW! WOW! It is beautiful. Well done you. Your art is beautiful and you have inspired me...even with a bit of doodling here on the sofa in the evening. Bless you.
Oh wow thank you so much for sharing your story. I would say 70 is definitely not too late and the best time to start is now! Thank you for your kind words and wisdom. Love Helen x
Thanks for sharing that part of your story, Helen! It’s so good to hear and witness with your journey how life has twists and turns, and that listening deeply to ones intuition plus patience and dedication makes such a difference!
So much of what you've said resonates with me. As a child I went to eleven schools and never really got the opportunity to paint, but I'm naturally creative and have always loved art. I've never had time to devote to my art. Some people will say it's a question of priorities, but not when you're the only breadwinner supporting your family, it isn't... About ten years ago, I was in an art gallery and saw a print on the wall by the lovely talented artist Sam Toft. It said, "It's later than you think...." Those words, struck me like a bolt of lightening and I knew I had to make lifestyle changes. I purchased Sam's print and it hangs on the wall in my bathroom, where I look at it every day. It's taken a while, but I began creating my art "life" in June 2024. I've very recently had Covid for the first time, and I am still recovering, but every cloud has a silver lining, doesn't it? A long absence from the "day job" has given me time to think and reset, and with a bit of financial juggling, I have decided to retire, so I can spend the rest of my remaining life doing the things I love, which includes making art... I love your work Helen. It's so vibrant and cheerful. Very best wishes to you...
Wow what a beautiful thing to share. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been ill…many folk come home to art making after an illness..I’ve been reading a book about it called “When walls become doorways”…illness is so often the threshold to a creative life. I wish you much joy and exploration and ofcourse good health too…xx
@@HelenWellsArtist Thank you Helen. The book you mention sounds interesting. I will look it up... I have always found when things go wrong, a better opportunity comes along. E.g. Not getting a job only to get a better one, etc.
I really loved your story and relate to it A LOT😮😅I put away my dreams to be a full time artist because I was told it wasn’t realistic or likely possible to make a living at it. I only went back to it in late 30s as well and what thrill to know that it IS in fact possible and realistic after all! I’d love to hear more about the start of your art career and how you gained confidence in your craft.
Oh thank you so much Debbie: that’s good to hear: at the beginning I was n’t confident at all, I kept a part time job for years and years so I had something to fall back on… I tried lots of things and eventually time and experience helped me find my way and I’m still finding it a decade on. Sending love ❤️
I loved listening to your story Helen, so interesting. So happy that your life took this direction or I wouldn't have found you. I am a real amateur artist, though there are a lot of artists in my family. I have discovered a love of art late in life and just enjoy it as one of many hobbies! Good luck! I will continue enjoying your videos and courses !❤
Thank you Helen for this. Was just the nudge I was looking for. I am so happy you listened to your inner voice. I am from a journalism/acting background too, which has gone stale and I am being drawn once again to art. xx
Thanks for sharing your story. I can totally relate to that especially the childhood and giving it up parts... I feel like now it's the time to take the dive 🥰
Another great video Helen. And just wanted you to know, since getting your book Expressive Sketchbooks (a couple of weeks ago), I go back to it again and again - and I am creating again after a long long dry spell. Blessings my friend.
I have just bought Helen's book today and can't wait for it to arrive! I am over 70 and have started painting recently as a hobby. I love Helen's work!
Wow, talk about the right video at the right time, Helen! At age 37, I’ve just decided to take a part-time, remote job so that I can focus on building up my creative voice and hopefully be able to generate income from art within a few years. Your story is super inspiring! One question: how did you structure the time you spent on art during those years? Don’t worry, I know you can’t tell me how to structure my time, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about and I’d love to hear how you approached it.
I gave up art as a high school student too. Fortunately, I got really into music. Nevertheless I feel like I've been missing out, especially given my work history. So at 40, I am returning to art. I'm hesitant as I know my work will be crappy initially, but that's the nature of growth. I'll have to put forth significant time and effort. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this Andrew... and good luck with your new art adventure, I hope it is rewarding and nourishing. Somebody recently shared this quote with me and thought it was so true... so I'm sharing it here incase helpful: “Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” Ira Glass
Ah thank you… yes having a part time job for years really helped me to understand how to make money from art and to not put all the expectation or pressure on my art making from the very get go…it was a good slow run way of discovery that helped me develop and grow before I made the leap to full time artist…xx
Your story really strikes a chord with me! I adored art as a child and teen, but being a mummy took over! Now out 43 I realise there is art inside of me, I'm just a bit stuck on discovering my "style" how did you find yours??
This was touching thank you so much for telling your story. After my own heart break at 27 I finally decided to pursue what my creative dramatic inner child always wanted. It's been intimidating seeing how young other people have started but stories like this give me hope and motivation.
I have been artsy since I can remember.... and as a young child I said that I wanna be an Artist when I grow up. I'm still drawing and playing, still wanna be a full time professional artist who brings a bit of happiness to others through my art too. But I don't know how... what do I do??? Where do I start??
Oh thank you for the comment Megan. It's a big question which I think is hard to answer. I guess I would say just start where you are and take small steps in the direction you want... there is no easy route or clear cut path, lots of artists have taken years and years to get to professional status, working on the side, trying things out, seeing what works for them and lots of people just keep art as a passion awhile something else pays the bills- it might be useful to think about it in two ways - firstly how can you develop your art practice, improve your skills and develop you art style and secondly there's the making money part...not easy but not impossible. I guess my recommendation would be to start small, with whatever you can ie try selling online or a local art fair etc and see what works out...Wishing you lots of luck in finding your own path...x
Well nearly, my art has been used on clothing, but I never have actually designed any fabric as such. It's on my list to try and figure out how to do this. So hopefully one day... x
@@HelenWellsArtist that’s fantastic! There’s lots of places online to print your own designs on all different kinds of fabric if you’re interested. I think the mattress factory in Philadelphia has artist’s come and do it by hand too. It would be great to see what you come up with if you do try it. I love your channel. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us to create.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I hope to find my feet soon. I’m 61 and just picked up my first pencil to draw. I was sick with Covid and stuck in my house for two weeks and watch a video and thought I could do that . I’m not sure what came over me! I never drew a flower before or played with paint, I didn’t really color as a child. But something in me wanted to draw, then i wanted to explore markers and watercolors and acrylic paint. I started doing pours with resin and then acrylic paint. It’s been right at three years now I guess, and I now have a full art studio loaded with supplies and art pinned up all over my walls. after raising four wonderful boys and being an empty nester, it was time to do something for me. My husband supports my journey and really is proud of my work. I’m just now claiming to be an artist. Although I haven’t found my path or a style but I’m having fun experimenting with them all. Your videos are such great inspiration and I loved your journey.
Wow Sheila what a lovely story, thank you for sharing your journey to art. Wishing you every success.... xx
Thankyou what an amazing story. I too loved art as a child it was just what I did everyday but had to leave school to get a job at 16 and there was no encouragement to pursue art any further. I eventually gave up art for 30 years only rediscovering it 3 years ago at the age of 50. I just love creating and playing and trying to improve, and as you say just happy to have art in my life again. For now it is a wonderful hobby which makes me happy. Hearing your journey is very inspiring x
Ah I'm so glad you have found your way back to art making. I wish you every success and enjoyment on your art adventure. Love Helen x
Very inspiring personal art journey! I recently found a love for mixed media painting at 29 due to depression and it’s helped me not only heal, but also add creativity to my life when I needed it most. I’m also thinking of possibly making my art into something more than a hobby
Thank you and good luck with whatever creative endeavours you pursue. Love Helen x
Helen, I am now 70 and this video has been so inspirational. I wish I had seen this years ago. I spent my life juggling job and family life. The job was just swamping my whole life and I didn't particularly enjoy it. My precious family where being put in second place for it. It was at a time when the Labour government were throwing money at people to go to University and really I should have taken that step. Being a single parent you think will I be able to manage financially etc? Now, I would say to young people "follow your dream". It's not all about money but just enjoying life and family too. Seeing more of your work in this video...I have to say WOW! WOW! WOW! It is beautiful. Well done you. Your art is beautiful and you have inspired me...even with a bit of doodling here on the sofa in the evening. Bless you.
Oh wow thank you so much for sharing your story. I would say 70 is definitely not too late and the best time to start is now! Thank you for your kind words and wisdom. Love Helen x
Thanks for sharing that part of your story, Helen! It’s so good to hear and witness with your journey how life has twists and turns, and that listening deeply to ones intuition plus patience and dedication makes such a difference!
Thank you so much Julia, I appreciate you taking the time to watch x
So much of what you've said resonates with me. As a child I went to eleven schools and never really got the opportunity to paint, but I'm naturally creative and have always loved art. I've never had time to devote to my art. Some people will say it's a question of priorities, but not when you're the only breadwinner supporting your family, it isn't... About ten years ago, I was in an art gallery and saw a print on the wall by the lovely talented artist Sam Toft. It said, "It's later than you think...." Those words, struck me like a bolt of lightening and I knew I had to make lifestyle changes. I purchased Sam's print and it hangs on the wall in my bathroom, where I look at it every day. It's taken a while, but I began creating my art "life" in June 2024. I've very recently had Covid for the first time, and I am still recovering, but every cloud has a silver lining, doesn't it? A long absence from the "day job" has given me time to think and reset, and with a bit of financial juggling, I have decided to retire, so I can spend the rest of my remaining life doing the things I love, which includes making art... I love your work Helen. It's so vibrant and cheerful. Very best wishes to you...
Wow what a beautiful thing to share. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been ill…many folk come home to art making after an illness..I’ve been reading a book about it called “When walls become doorways”…illness is so often the threshold to a creative life. I wish you much joy and exploration and ofcourse good health too…xx
@@HelenWellsArtist Thank you Helen. The book you mention sounds interesting. I will look it up... I have always found when things go wrong, a better opportunity comes along. E.g. Not getting a job only to get a better one, etc.
I really loved your story and relate to it A LOT😮😅I put away my dreams to be a full time artist because I was told it wasn’t realistic or likely possible to make a living at it. I only went back to it in late 30s as well and what thrill to know that it IS in fact possible and realistic after all! I’d love to hear more about the start of your art career and how you gained confidence in your craft.
Oh thank you so much Debbie: that’s good to hear: at the beginning I was n’t confident at all, I kept a part time job for years and years so I had something to fall back on… I tried lots of things and eventually time and experience helped me find my way and I’m still finding it a decade on. Sending love ❤️
Love your story. Life is a journey. There is no destination 🙂
I loved listening to your story Helen, so interesting. So happy that your life took this direction or I wouldn't have found you. I am a real amateur artist, though there are a lot of artists in my family. I have discovered a love of art late in life and just enjoy it as one of many hobbies! Good luck! I will continue enjoying your videos and courses !❤
Thank you so much! Art is a brilliant hobby! It’s brilliant to have lots of interests x
thanks for sharing Helen...good job listening to your Inner Self...love the balance of left and right brain...happy days
Yay. That’s so kind of you. Thank you Fiona x
Thank you Helen for this. Was just the nudge I was looking for. I am so happy you listened to your inner voice. I am from a journalism/acting background too, which has gone stale and I am being drawn once again to art. xx
So glad it was helpful! Wishing you every success with your art adventure.. Love Helen x
What a beautiful child, so pretty!
Ah that’s sweet of you. Thank you ☺️
This is so amazing! Thank you for sharing your story!
Oh that's so kind of you. Thank you so much Anna x
Thanks for sharing your story. I can totally relate to that especially the childhood and giving it up parts... I feel like now it's the time to take the dive 🥰
Oh yes do dive back in…. I’m cheerleading you on from the sidelines x
@@HelenWellsArtist 💕💕💕💕
Another great video Helen. And just wanted you to know, since getting your book Expressive Sketchbooks (a couple of weeks ago), I go back to it again and again - and I am creating again after a long long dry spell. Blessings my friend.
Oh gosh Gail that is just brilliant, you've really made my day. Wishing you lots of luck with all your creative endeavours. Love Helen x
@@HelenWellsArtist Its all true. So happy that you did the book Helen! It will be an inspiration for many I am sure.
I have just bought Helen's book today and can't wait for it to arrive! I am over 70 and have started painting recently as a hobby. I love Helen's work!
Wow, talk about the right video at the right time, Helen! At age 37, I’ve just decided to take a part-time, remote job so that I can focus on building up my creative voice and hopefully be able to generate income from art within a few years. Your story is super inspiring! One question: how did you structure the time you spent on art during those years? Don’t worry, I know you can’t tell me how to structure my time, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about and I’d love to hear how you approached it.
Oh gosh, that sounds so similar to me. Wishing you lots of luck and I hope this new chapter brings everything you are hoping for...x
I gave up art as a high school student too. Fortunately, I got really into music. Nevertheless I feel like I've been missing out, especially given my work history. So at 40, I am returning to art. I'm hesitant as I know my work will be crappy initially, but that's the nature of growth. I'll have to put forth significant time and effort. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this Andrew... and good luck with your new art adventure, I hope it is rewarding and nourishing. Somebody recently shared this quote with me and thought it was so true... so I'm sharing it here incase helpful:
“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”
Ira Glass
What a great story Helen - it's so nice to see someone making a such a change and making good on it. And lucky us , we get to benefit from it too!
Oh thank you so much for your kind words! I’m lucky to have such a lovely gang of supportive folks! X
Thank you for sharing your story.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching. Helen x
I love how you got a part time job and let your art breathe for a bit without the pressure of making money on it.
Ah thank you… yes having a part time job for years really helped me to understand how to make money from art and to not put all the expectation or pressure on my art making from the very get go…it was a good slow run way of discovery that helped me develop and grow before I made the leap to full time artist…xx
Your story really strikes a chord with me! I adored art as a child and teen, but being a mummy took over! Now out 43 I realise there is art inside of me, I'm just a bit stuck on discovering my "style" how did you find yours??
Oh thank you Emma. you may like this blog post I have written about finding your art style...helenwellsartist.com/blog/developing-your-own-style
Thankyou so much, I'll take a look! 😊
This was touching thank you so much for telling your story. After my own heart break at 27 I finally decided to pursue what my creative dramatic inner child always wanted. It's been intimidating seeing how young other people have started but stories like this give me hope and motivation.
Thank you so much and wishing you every success…
Love your story!!❤
Oh, that’s lovely of you. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you😊
You're welcome 😊
I needed this thank you ❤
You’re welcome 😊 wishing you luck 🍀
This is so inspiring ❤️ Thank you for sharing
Oh thank you so much Sarah for your lovely comment and encouragement. Helen x
BravO! thanks for sharing
Thank you too! For your kind comment x
Inspiring! Do you teach any in person workshops at all? X
Oh thank you so much Hannah. Only online classes. Thank you love Helen
I have been artsy since I can remember.... and as a young child I said that I wanna be an Artist when I grow up. I'm still drawing and playing, still wanna be a full time professional artist who brings a bit of happiness to others through my art too. But I don't know how... what do I do??? Where do I start??
Oh thank you for the comment Megan. It's a big question which I think is hard to answer. I guess I would say just start where you are and take small steps in the direction you want... there is no easy route or clear cut path, lots of artists have taken years and years to get to professional status, working on the side, trying things out, seeing what works for them and lots of people just keep art as a passion awhile something else pays the bills- it might be useful to think about it in two ways - firstly how can you develop your art practice, improve your skills and develop you art style and secondly there's the making money part...not easy but not impossible. I guess my recommendation would be to start small, with whatever you can ie try selling online or a local art fair etc and see what works out...Wishing you lots of luck in finding your own path...x
Have you designed fabric with your artwork?
Well nearly, my art has been used on clothing, but I never have actually designed any fabric as such. It's on my list to try and figure out how to do this. So hopefully one day... x
@@HelenWellsArtist that’s fantastic! There’s lots of places online to print your own designs on all different kinds of fabric if you’re interested. I think the mattress factory in Philadelphia has artist’s come and do it by hand too. It would be great to see what you come up with if you do try it. I love your channel. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us to create.
You look so cute!❤
Oh thank you! That’s a sweet thing to say x
💖💖💖
Thank you Rika x
❤
Thank you, thank you x
you´re an inspiration Helen!@@HelenWellsArtist
❤️💚💙🌹
Thank you 🙏🏼