Artwork by Mike Strickland
You don’t know anyone who is happier to be retired than I am!
When I retired in 2013, I was trying to decide on what to do with my time. My wife suggested that I should pursue my art! So I jumped in with both (size 14) feet!
I’ve been interested in art since 6th grade, but college, then a career as an engineer, and providing for and raising a family, all took up most of my time so there was not much opportunity to work on art. Finally, there is time, so at 73 years old I am now pursuing a new, full-time career as an artist!
During my engineering career, I followed two very important concepts; lifelong learning, and continuous improvement. The two go hand in hand. It’s impossible to get better if you are not actively learning, and if you are focused on learning from the best, you are almost guaranteed to get better! The Old Masters Academy has an outstanding reputation for quality instruction in the Fine Art techniques and style of the Masters.
My painting style is realism combined with some impressionistic techniques. I spend a lot of time at the Booth Western Art Museum and when I travel, I always visit the best museum in the area. My biggest challenge with my art is that I want to learn how to get my paintings to approach the quality that I see in the great museums. In the time I have left, I want to become the best artist I can be and I believe that the Old Masters Academy can help me along that path.
I am working hard, studying, and learning in order to improve my art. The attached image, titled “Michele”, is an example of where I am now in my art. This portrait was completed about two weeks ago and I have already started on another. I started working on portraiture about three years ago and my current goal is to begin to incorporate people in my landscapes in the manner of the Old Masters. Quality training is the way to do that!
Anyone reading this can help me with their vote.
Retirement is the best time of my life!
StricklandFineArtStudio.com
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