Hello my artist family!
Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of the wonderful artists in our community, Tamar Schuyler from Castaic, California. Every artist's story is unique, and that's one of my favorite things about this community—we all arrive at our creative journey in different ways, but we share the same love for making something beautiful.
Tamar's artistic journey began a little over ten years ago with watercolors. She's primarily self-taught, picked up a few classes here and there, and she admitted that maybe a little wine was involved. I have to say, I think quite a few creative adventures have probably started that way! What I love most is that Tamar simply kept learning, kept experimenting, and kept showing up for her art. That's exactly how artists grow.
When I asked what inspires her creativity, her answer made me smile. Travel, being outdoors, beautiful scenery, and those incredible cloud-filled skies that make your brain instantly say, "I could paint that!" I think we've all had those moments where nature practically hands us our next painting idea. It's no surprise that the beauty she sees in the world finds its way onto her canvas.
Here's one of Tamar's beautiful pieces, Oak Tree and Poppies, and I can absolutely see why it's her favorite. The rich colors and peaceful landscape draw you right in. I almost found myself looking around for a gentle California breeze and the scent of wildflowers. That's the kind of painting that makes you want to grab your palette knife and head outside.
One of the things Tamar loves most about DabblePaints™ is exactly what they were designed to do. She shared, "They are perfect for the palette knife. They don't drip and they stay put! Thick and yummy. Love the colors." I couldn't help but smile reading that because "thick and yummy" is pretty much music to a palette knife artist's ears.
When it comes to painting, Tamar says she becomes so immersed in the process that time simply flies by. Isn't that one of the greatest gifts art gives us? Her Oak Tree and Poppies painting has become a favorite, and she's already dreaming of creating an entire series of oak trees surrounded by vibrant California poppies. I have a feeling that's going to be a collection we'll all be excited to see.
When I asked Tamar what advice she'd give someone just starting their painting journey, she shared something I think every artist needs to hear:
"Keep painting. The more you do the more comfortable you get. The difference for me between #1 and #24 is crazy. I will hit a moment in just about every painting when I'm sure I just made a mistake—but I can always paint over it and fix it. Love acrylics—they are so forgiving."
I absolutely love that reminder. Every painting has those moments where we wonder, "What did I just do?" But that's the beauty of acrylics—and of being an artist. We get another layer, another chance, and another opportunity to keep creating.
Thank you, Tamar, for sharing your story, your beautiful artwork, and your heart with all of us. Your journey is such a wonderful reminder that growth happens one painting at a time, and I know you've inspired so many artists in our DabblePaints™ community to keep picking up their palette knives and creating.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen
