For as long as I can remember, I fantasized about having an art exhibition where my artwork was on display for others to see. I intentionally use the word fantasized as opposed to dreamed. According to the dictionary, fantasy means “the faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable“. The dictionary defines a dream as “a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal”. How can someone ever show their non-existent artwork – therefore fantasy.
This recent journey started almost 3 and half years back when my estranged father came back into my life after 30+ years. He remembered that I loved art and was good at it, even as a young child. I also have an art degree (BFA in Graphic Design). But here is the thing, I wasn’t actually creating any artwork. Though classically trained in art, OCD and ADD has kept me from creating artwork, such as paintings or drawings, for many decades. Even as a career graphic designer, I leaned more toward production jobs than creative jobs and now own my own sticker printing company that run out of my home office. But creating artwork – NOPE. Through his encouragement, I decided to take up painting with watercolors, which is the hardest medium to work with. I took some local watercolor classes as well as online tutorials on and off, but still wasn’t really creating any artwork other than the occasional class and such. This went on for a couple of years, 2 to be exact.
Creating art is not only an expression of myself, but also a commitment to overcoming challenges. While encouraging my child to overcome his OCD and ADD, I realized that I was not practicing what I was preaching. I decided I wanted to not only encourage him, but show him how to succeed. It has not been easy and most days are a struggle. It’s not uncommon for me to have 20+ unfinished paintings in the works. But each day I am moving forward in my progress. I am determined to continue to overcome these challenges and model that achievement for my child and others.
Fast forward to just a little over a year ago, I now specialize in realistic wildlife and pet portraits. My favorite mediums are pastels, acrylics and watercolor. I hope to bless others with my artwork and to be a positive role model to those with OCD, ADD, and any other challenge that holds them back! No more fantasizing for me, only dreaming bigger and bigger each day.
Which brings me to the BIG NEWS!!!! I now have my very own solo art exhibition. You heard me right. 31 of my paintings/ drawings are now on display today through April 16th, 2023 at Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery. Each piece is also for sale as well. Stop on by and check it out! If you do, feel free to take a picture of you with my art (or just my art for non-selfie peeps) and post on Facebook and tag my art page Davet Fine Art or on Instagram – Dave Fine Art.
Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery
1101 E. Bardin Road, #101 Arlington, TX 76018
https://www.facebook.com/savorcoffeebar
http://www.savorthecraft.com
Art show arranged by: Artists of the Tourniqué Collective who work with our community to bring businesses and artists together for our community to enjoy. Check out their website: https://tourniqueart.godaddysites.com/ or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TourniqueArt.
Davet Fine Art 