Making the best out of what I have: Meet @drsharon

I have a friend who has taken up painting. He had a learning curve with what he was painting and has gotten much better. I love his work when the painting tells a story. Sometimes he tells a well known story and sometimes he "had a dream". For instance he did a painting around 2002-4 of a forest and a river. Two groups of men were in the picture. One on horseback and the other in canoes on the river. On the far side of the river is an Indian (Native American) village. I looked at the painting and immediately said, "Lewis and Clark expedition on the Yellowstone River." He replied, "How did you know that?" I said, "the expedition was two hundred years ago and the government is trying to make a big thing of it.

To me, Still Life is just that, while your painting may be a study of color and brush stroke. I want a story.

@drsharon - thank you so much for your willingness to share your story. I think that needing to leave a profession one loved due to health reasons may be a common thread among many members on Mayo Clinic Connect and one others can relate to. You have made this transition, though painful, I'm sure, with grace, and seem to be making the absolute best of it. Your art is a testament to that.

Thanks Lisa, Finding this site has been. gift for me. Many of us have been overwhelmed and confused by our symptoms and there is comfort in sharing. It took me way too long to realize all my symptoms were coming from scents and chemical exposures and learning there were a lot of people with the same issues. Figuring out how to cope with our limitations is a challenge but we all do the best we can. I spent some time this morning making homemade creams as I react badly to those same chemicals on my skin. Surprisingly easy and very satisfying! Have a wonderful day!

@rollingf Thanks for your insights! As an artist I paint what speaks to me and while all my subjects are completely different, from portraits to still life to cafe scenes, they are all about kindness and love. The flower was part of a Mother's Day gift from my daughter and means a great deal to me. The fact that it is alone is undoubtedly significant. Every artist is saying something. What people see in the art may be very different. I'm glad your friend is exploring painting.

@hopeful33250 Hi Teresa, You've been terrific and so helpful! Thanks for all you do!

@SusanEllen66 I hope I'm sending this to the correct party, if not, the content can be properly routed to the right person (thank you Mayo Moniitors) Just in case.

Re the artist: Way to be you.!! Luv that you have such a strong motivation. Since you luv abstract then mentioned tremors it made me think hmm, Let your tremors help you make some of the art. Beautiful colors, motion, unexpected 'holy cows'. Now I wanna see a sample. Omg, keep arting lovely lady.

@drsharon Thanks for sharing your story. Scents assault us in every day life in so many situations it must be challenging for people such as yourself to try to avoid many such experiences and educate others. Glad you've found an outlet in art - perhaps you can share some of your creative endeavors here with us!

@ellesea01 thank you, yes you have the correct person.

Tremors are affecting me in many places. Typing is especially difficult.
I am attaching a sample of my “art”

@SusanEllen66. Wow, thank you for sending these pics. The Color schemes in both are beautiful. Impressive too.

@SusanEllen66 Gorgeous colors! People who use bright colors in artwork, the clothes they choose to wear and how they decorate their living spaces - in my opinion - are more optimistic, trying to emphasize the positive.