Hello my artist family!
I’m so excited for you to meet another wonderful artist from our community, Jill Allen from Strathroy, Ontario. Jill’s story is one that I know so many of you will relate to because it all started with one simple “maybe.” One evening paint night… one little spark of curiosity… and before she knew it, painting became a beautiful part of her life.
About ten years ago, Jill attended an evening paint event with some girlfriends. While everyone else was happily focused on the food and drinks, Jill found herself completely captivated by the painting process itself. Honestly, that would’ve been me too. Give me texture and paint over appetizers any day. She left that night thinking that maybe painting was something she could explore once she retired.
Fast forward to retirement, a move, and a little more free time — and then something magical happened. Jill came across one of my Facebook videos and immediately connected with the texture and joy of palette knife painting. When she heard me say that no experience was needed and anyone could learn, something clicked inside her.
Now, I absolutely smiled when she shared that she ordered tiny canvases from Amazon because she thought smaller would be easier. Isn’t that exactly how so many artistic adventures begin? A little nervous excitement, a tiny canvas, and absolutely no idea what you’re doing yet. Jill admitted she was terrified to apply paint for the first time… but thankfully, she did it anyway — and the rest is history.
Today, painting has become something she genuinely looks forward to, and she continues learning while being part of our incredible artist community. Hearing stories like Jill’s reminds me exactly why I love teaching so much. Watching someone discover creativity they never knew was inside them is pure magic.
When asked what inspires her creativity most, Jill shared that nature is her greatest source of inspiration. The sky, trees, old buildings, textures, and colours surrounding her all spark ideas now in a way they never did before she started painting. I absolutely love that because once you begin creating art, you really do start seeing the world differently. Suddenly every shadow, every weathered barn, every dramatic sunset starts whispering, “Paint me!”
The painting Jill chose to share is especially meaningful because it brings back memories from painting in Tuscany alongside her Dabble friends. She described the experience as full of laughter, incredible food, wine, friendship, and hard work as they completed two paintings together during the retreat.
And honestly… can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that this woman went from being afraid to touch paint on a tiny Amazon canvas to painting in Tuscany?! That is the kind of artistic glow-up I absolutely live for.
Jill shared that what she loves most about DabblePaints™ is finally understanding firsthand how different quality paint can feel. During a Dabble retreat, all the supplies were provided, and suddenly everything clicked for her.
“They are so thick and easy to work with. They don't drip down the canvas and the colours are gorgeous. Once you have tried Dabble Paints, you do not want to use anything else!!”
I love hearing this because that buttery texture and rich pigment are exactly what I wanted artists to experience — paints that work with you instead of against you.
When talking about what she enjoys most about painting, Jill said something that I think will resonate deeply with so many artists:
“What I enjoy most about painting is the fact that I am creating something original and that it brings a smile to someone else when they see it.”
Isn’t that beautiful? Art has this amazing ability to connect us to each other emotionally. A painting can hold memories, joy, courage, and even entire seasons of our lives. And while Jill admits it hasn’t always been an easy journey, she’s proof that patience and perseverance truly pay off.
When I asked what advice she would give someone just starting out, her answer was perfect in its simplicity:
“Don't be afraid. Just dive in.”
I LOVE that advice. So many people wait until they feel “ready,” but the truth is that confidence grows after you begin, not before. Jill’s story is such a beautiful reminder that you do not need experience to start — you just need the courage to take that very first step.
Jill, thank you for sharing your story, your journey, and your heart with all of us. You are such an inspiration to our DabblePaints™ community, and I know your words will encourage so many artists who are standing right at the beginning of their own creative journey.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen
