I have been doing artwork professionally now going on three years. It has been an interesting journey, which started out as a simple hobby after my husband gifted me with a full set of 120 Faber Castell Polychromos artist pencils.
I was interested in art and drawing throughout high school, but life just got in the way and I drifted away from it. Through Facebook, I began to see many wonderful works of animals, which drew me in, as I am an avid, lifetime animal lover, but it also stirred my art interests again — I said “I think I can do that…”
I began with several larger animal works of Big Cats, a lion, clouded leopards and an Amur leopard. I got unexpected, strong favorable reactions from friends and family to the then ‘hobby’ pieces I had done, with lots and lots of encouragement. Not long after, I won an award for one of my pieces and got an unsolicited offer to purchase one of my pieces of artwork, and I then started to think about my artwork my seriously.
While it is taking me time to slowly grow my art business and remains very part time, as I still hold a very important, more-than-full-time job, I have slowly been able to grow my portfolio and make my art available through my website, Facebook page, and merchandise through Redbubble.com. And, this week, some of my limited prints are available at OOAK boutique shop in Three Oaks, Michigan which sells unique, one of kind merchandise. I really feel like things are starting to gel.
It is still more about my personal enjoyment than about the money, and I hope that it always stays that way. Through my art, I am able to satisfy my creative desires, while enjoying the many wonderful creatures with which we share the planet, and am able to de-stress and unwind while doing it. I hope you continue with me on my journey, as I’m sure there is much more to come.
Sandi Dornhecker Art 