Hello my artist family!
Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of our wonderful artists, Anne Marie Quinn from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. I always love hearing the stories behind each artist’s journey, and Anne Marie’s is such a beautiful reminder that creativity has a way of finding its way back to us—no matter how much time has passed.
Anne Marie has been creative her entire life. She first discovered the joy of tole painting back in the early 1990s and eventually even became a teacher, sharing her love of painting with others. Like so many moms, life got wonderfully busy after her two daughters were born, and painting took a back seat for a while. But here's the thing about creativity—it has a funny way of patiently waiting for us. About five or six years ago, Anne Marie picked up a paintbrush again, experimented with fluid art, and then happened to stumble across the DabblePaints™ website.
She purchased one of our very first five-color starter kits and, as she puts it, was hooked right away. I have to admit, those little starter kits have started quite a few happy painting obsessions around here!
When I asked Anne Marie what inspires her creativity the most, her answer made me smile.
She loves watching a blank canvas transform into something beautiful without feeling like she has to know how to draw first. Isn't that such a freeing thought? There's something incredibly magical about trusting the process and letting the painting unfold one palette knife stroke at a time.
Here’s the beautiful painting Anne Marie chose to share with us.
What makes this piece even more special is the story behind it. Anne Marie says every time she looks at it, she's reminded of the many places she and her family have traveled throughout Europe. I absolutely love that. Isn't it amazing how a painting can become a passport to our favorite memories? Looking at this one almost makes me want to pack a suitcase—or at least sit down with a warm cup of coffee and dream about wandering cobblestone streets.
One of the things Anne Marie loves most about DabblePaints™ is wonderfully simple:
"I absolutely love the Dabble paints they are so creamy and thick."
Music to my ears! Those rich, buttery textures are exactly why I created them—to make painting feel joyful, forgiving, and full of possibility.
When I asked what she enjoys most about painting, Anne Marie shared that it's the feeling of being completely relaxed and stress free while she creates. Honestly, I think so many of us can relate to that. Painting has this beautiful way of quieting the busy parts of our minds and giving us a little vacation—even if we're only standing in front of an easel.
Before we wrapped up, I asked Anne Marie what advice she'd give to someone just beginning their painting journey. Her encouragement is simple, honest, and exactly what every new artist needs to hear:
"Keep at it, the more you paint the better you will get at it."
Sometimes the best advice really is the simplest. Every painting teaches us something, and every brushstroke brings us one step closer to finding our own unique style.
Anne Marie, thank you so much for sharing your story, your beautiful artwork, and your heart with all of us. Your journey is such a wonderful reminder that creativity is never lost—it simply waits for the perfect moment to bloom again. I know your story will encourage so many artists in our community to keep picking up their palette knives and creating.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen
