Jacquie Williamson-Mixed Media Artist: November 2011

They say everything happens for a reason. Last summer, I lost my job. In this economy, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. It’s been so hard to find a replacement, especially since I don’t have an accounting degree. I have read art magazines for a few years. There was always something inside me telling me that I needed to create something. What? That was the issue. I have always loved the work of Kelly Rae Roberts. I used to see her in almost every magazine I bought, or maybe I bought every magazine I saw her in. It’s the whole chicken and egg issue! A few weeks after I lost my job, I was in the art store and saw Kelly Rae’s book. Of course, I had to get it. It actually changed my life. I found out that when she was writing her book, she had only been painting for two years. “Wow, I can do that.”, I thought. And so my journey began.

Besides her artwork, Kelly Rae has many things to admire. One of them is her business sense. She has created an amazing business for herself, and she taught an online workshop called Flying Lessons. She shared many of her secrets. Along with this knowledge, a vast community of likeminded souls was created. I have met such an amazing group of women who are on the same path as myself. It’s amazing how connecting with people who share your goals, fears and enthusiasm can help you in your venture. I’m so glad to have connected with these women. As part of our journey, we have set up a blog hop to help introduce each other to the world through our blogs. Below is a list of the women who have joined in the hop along with links to their blogs. Please take a look at them. You will be inspired by the all just as I am. You will also find some great art along the way. One thing I love about blog hops is discovering new artists. Take your time and enjoy! Make sure if you like what you see that you subscribe or follow their site so you don’t lose track of them. That’s happened to me too many times, and I’ve tried finding their site again and found that they were lost forever.

Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/

Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com

Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/

Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/

Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/

Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com

Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/

Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org

Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/

Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com

Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com

Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com