About Janine Taylor
Janine TaylorI loved to draw people from my imagination as a child.
I did not, however, understand how to draw movement.
As a result, the people that I drew were stiff, with their hands by their sides.
I knew that I wasn't the best at drawing, but also recognized that I could draw better than most people.
Not being the best did not hinder me from drawing, as it was quite fun, and relaxing.
When I was 12, an adult made a negative comment about my drawings.
I internalized this, and told myself that I would never draw again.
And, for 18 years, I didn't.
During this time, the urge to draw would arise occasionally, but I would say to myself, "You don't know how to draw, remember?"
When I was a freshman in college, I met a woman on campus who was an Art major.
I was not aware that art was even an option as a major.
Listening to this woman talk about her art classes brought an excitement within, but it also stirred up envy, for I would have loved to have been in those classes.
As an undeclared major, I thought for a moment about declaring Art as my major.
This dream quickly faded as I concluded that I didn't have the artistic abilities to study art.
At the age of 30, I felt inclined to take a drawing class at a junior college.
It was challenging, as my skill level was far below that of my classmates.
I wanted to give up after every class, but felt a push to keep going.
I slowly learned how to capture movement, as I continued to draw from my imagination.
Shortly thereafter, I was praying with a friend, and the friend prayed about me being a painter, and how my paintings would have a positive impact on others.
Because I did not know how to paint, I did not receive these words.
After much resistance, I went to an art supply store, and felt foolish as I shopped for canvas, paint brushes, and paint.
When I got home, I prayed, and asked God to paint something through me if I was really a painter.
To my surprise, I painted my first painting that evening, and I have been painting ever since.
My first painting.I discovered an ability that I did not know I had, and found joy in the process.
About five years ago, I learned that my drawings are greatly improved when I am looking at an actual photo of a person.
I am not able to draw an exact replica of the photo, but I am able to portray the movement, and features.
I am also able to make it my own by tweaking the hairstyle, skin complexion, and clothing.
A sketch and painting that I created from my imagination.
A sketch and painting that I created from my imagination.
A sketch and painting that I created while looking at a photo of a person.
A sketch and painting that I created from my imagination.
A sketch and painting that I created while looking at a photo of a. person.Drawing and painting are now my passions.
I am still very much a student of the arts, as I continue to learn, and grow with each new creation.
I feel as if I am working through struggles and difficulties from the past as I draw and paint.
I remember my stiff drawings, and I am amazed by my current skill level.
There are so many wonderful fashion paintings that I would like to design.
I am excited to style beautiful women of different ethnicities with a pencil, and paintbrush.