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I cried a little after my first two art lessons in November 2020 when I tried (and failed) at drawing a succulent. I was so frustrated that it did not come more easily to me. Often before class, I would ask myself, “What if I just can’t do this? What if I create the worst picture and get discouraged?” A handful of pictures were ripped up after lessons because I just couldn’t look at them. But deep down, I knew these things take time. One year later, I made this succulent that I am submitting. Art has saved me. When my precious dog Gladi was alive, I revolved everything around him. He had seizures and arthritis and cancer at one time, and I worried about him constantly. He had his days and nights confused, and often I would stay up all night with him just letting him in and out of the house. Sometimes he would get lost in the yard, and I would go outside and bring him back in. When he died this year, I lost my purpose. But art gave it back to me. This picture reminds me to never give up on my dreams and to always be passionate.
