…I enjoy many different artistic mediums. I’m not sure how many of you might relate to this, but I often get into new hobbies very quickly! Usually the hobbies are artistic in nature.

In 2020, I set photography aside for a while because I was unsure of the direction I wanted to go with it. I knew I wanted to make a business out of it, but I didn’t know specifically how I wanted to market myself because there are so many types of photography I enjoy such as senior pictures, weddings, product photography, pet portraits, landscape photography, and fine art photography.

So instead of pursuing photography, I decided to go back to painting. Those of you who knew me in high school would know that I was very much into drawing and painting. So I bought some acrylic paints, new paint brushes, and a sketch book. I started doing casual paintings in the sketchbook and even on rocks that I found outside.

After a month or so, I got even more into painting, and I even decided to try oil painting again. My brother, Casey, first encouraged me to try oil painting in college. My first oil painting was absolutely horrible. I blamed the oil paint and never tried it again. My problem was that I wasn’t using the oil paint properly, because I was used to acrylic paints. They work and behave very differently. Here is my very first (and incredibly embarrassing) oil painting that I did back in 2013 or 2014:

My fiancé, Andrew, knew that 2020 had been taking a toll on me mentally, so he thought I ought to watch Bob Ross to keep me in a positive mindset. After watching several episodes of Bob Ross and watching multiple videos about oil painting, I decided to purchase high quality oil paints and some canvas boards and canvases. It was time I tried it again. I wanted to start small, so my first oil painting in almost a decade was done on a little piece of wood. I gradually worked my way up to bigger boards and canvases.

I did a lot of experimenting to get a feel for the oil paint. After a while, I decided to follow along with Bob Ross. I found that I really loved painting mountains! I love painting water too, but it’s really difficult to paint realistic water. I’m still learning and practicing water.

In the summer, I decided to try Gouache, which is like a thick watercolor paint. I fell in love with painting Polaroid-style paintings for a while.

In the fall, I decided to try my hand at sculpting with polymer clay. I sculpted a Bigfoot that didn’t turn out very well. But I also made several Christmas ornaments that I ended up selling!

Finally, earlier this year, I got my photography spark back! I felt re-inspired and invigorated. I finally got more clarity on which direction I wanted to go with my photography as well. Pet Photography is something I have become deeply passionate about because no only do I love animals, I love Art. Having your pet as a piece of art in your home is special and unique.

2020 was a rough year, but I learned a lot from it. I am thankful to have gotten back into old hobbies and start new ones (even though I have too many already)! I am also thankful that I was able to get my passion for photography back and with a fresh new energy. Here’s to the rest of 2021 and beyond!

∆ Abbi