We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shirley Long. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shirley below.

Shirley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was a young child when I first had the desire to create beautiful artistic drawings. My cousin had a relaxed natural gift that I admired. I had no idea how to cultivate my longing. It took 30 more years to find my creative self. It truly was a gift from God, himself, as I was grieving the sudden loss of my spouse of 23 years. At the age of 41, after ernestly praying to Jesus, my Savior, for guidance concerning the future, He sent a flyer extending a one-event ‘learn to paint’ opportunity. I went and it changed my life. As a busy mom, painting time was a hit and miss, but wow, how quickly I picked up the skill by just practicing.
Over these 25 years I have enjoyed doing shows, exhibiting in the fair, gifting to causes and individuals, and gallery representation.
Never give up on yourself and have the tenacity to better yourself. Keep faith in God and His purpose for you. “For all things work together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artist who paints in many different mediums. I began with oils and have pursued water based, and pastel mediums. I enjoy plein air and studio painting sometimes using reference photos. I have successfully painted commissions and personalized scenes for fundraisers.
I am most proud of paintings of my native state, South Carolina, which offers mountains, beaches and agricultural fields. Being self taught has strengthened my ability to rearrange compositions and create scenes. My clients are most impressed with my insight to combine several scenes on to one canvas, therefore fulfilling there inability to select one scene. Connecting with the client is most valuable.
I helped myself using library books to grow knowledge and to challenge me. Growth comes from discipline, failure, and courage to pursue the unknown. My motto, “you can’t be afraid to try”.
My advice is pursue your interests, be brave and keep going. Pray continually.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Life has a way of disapointing us, knocking us down and then demanding we get up and do our best. Very shortly (6weeks) after being widowed, my business partners of 11 years decided to depart. With children still at home, I had an important decision to make, buy them out or sell and start over. My choice to keep the business and do my best has delivered 43 successful business years. Sixteen years into the process my marine son was found dead. During much grief, my challenging response was get up and do your best.
Painting has provided the emotional release needed to keep going and keep doing my best. God knew I would need this release so He provided it. Tenacity – the quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence. This term best describes my approach to progress. After all, it’s how you finish that counts. I’m still on my way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of my artistic journey is the process of the journey. It’s easy to aim for the end and forget to enjoy the process itself. Seeing the uncreated canvas form an image, establish values, gain depth and perception, brighten with color, mark with fine details, then evaluate the project with a critical eye and say it is good, is the utmost rewarding satisfaction. Watching the expression of joy and/or intrigue the buyer has as they walk away makes it all worth while. They now have a part of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shirleylongart.square.site
• Facebook: Shirleylongart