Hello my artist family!
I am so honored to introduce you to today’s featured artist, Sara May from Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. Her story is one of courage, perseverance, and a dream that simply refuses to fade.
Sara retired at 75 with absolutely no art background at all. None. And instead of deciding it was too late to begin, she joined Let’s Dabble in 2023 and stepped into something completely new. That alone deserves a standing ovation.
Retirement didn’t unfold exactly the way she had hoped. Medical challenges made home life more difficult than expected, and the time she thought she’d have to explore and grow creatively just wasn’t always there. She shared that it’s been frustrating. But what moved me most is this: she just cannot let the dream go.
That right there is the heart of an artist.
When I asked what inspires her creativity the most, she said it’s the community — everything I do and all the other club members. She shared that she’s simply in awe of everyone and their accomplishments. Sara, if you’re reading this, we are in awe of you. Starting something brand new at 75 takes bravery. Continuing when it feels hard takes strength.
Sara chose to share one of her very first reflection paintings.
She said, “It is not great but I was glad I attempted it.”
And I just have to say — attempting it is everything. Reflections are not easy. Water has a personality all its own, and capturing that mirrored world takes courage. The fact that she chose a reflection piece early on tells me she isn’t afraid to stretch herself. That’s how growth happens.
What Sara enjoys most about painting is the quiet time she has simply creating. I love that. That peaceful, focused space where the world softens and it’s just you and the canvas — that’s a gift we give ourselves.
When it comes to DabblePaints™, Sara admitted she started with very cheap paints, trying to save wherever she could. So many of us have been there. But once she tried DabblePaints™, she said there’s just no way she could ever go back. And I understand that completely. That creamy, highly pigmented texture changes the entire experience. It makes painting feel joyful instead of like a wrestling match with your supplies.
Her advice to someone just starting out is simple and powerful:
“Persevere. Sometimes difficult to do. When you are ready to quit. Sleep on it. I have been so glad I did so many times.”
That is wisdom. So many breakthroughs happen the day after we almost quit. I can’t count how many times stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes made all the difference.
Sara, thank you for sharing your journey with us. You remind us that it is never too late to begin. You remind us that perseverance matters more than perfection. And you remind us that dreams do not have expiration dates.
Artist family, if you needed a reason to keep going today, let Sara’s story be that reminder. Sleep on it. Pick up the knife again tomorrow. Your next layer might surprise you.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen