School Story
Yes, Redstreake is a very uncommon name, but for all of you out there who think it is native American, think again! It is actually the name of an English cider apple. (our name is actually in the old dictionary! Look it up.) I get asked that all the time so I thought I would clear that speculation up now. Redstreake is my mother’s maiden name. She is also an artist but makes hand made collectors teddy bears. She is very famous in the teddy bear collector world. She used to paint, but stopped when I was about 3 due to the fact that I tried to eat her oils one day (see, I had an affinity for paints even back then!). She quickly packed those away in case her ‘inspiring artist and paint eating daughter’ got lead poisoning. Funny enough, I didn’t really have an affinity for the arts until I was a freshman in high school. I had to take an elective and my mom suggested art. I hated the idea, was more interested in doing theater, actually. Growing up in New Mexico with art inspiration all around me, (I mean, even Georgia O’Keefe got inspired there!) I just didn’t get a clue. Reluctantly, I took the art classes and immediately discovered that I could draw! I fell in love with being able to create these amazing pieces of art with my own hands. I drew anything I could, using magazine models for my subjects. Portraits were where I started. Who knew that one day I would be painting horses and loving it!
When did I sell my first piece? I had to ask my mom that and she said that, actually, SHE bought my first painting. She and my father were my biggest fans back then. If you visit their house now, it is sort of my own personal gallery within their walls. Proud parents, nothing is more inspiring. I was very shy about my artwork 15 years ago, even now! My father is a physicist and was always pushing the sciences on us kids. He quickly found out that I was horrid in the sciences and I excelled in the arts so he finally gave in and said go for it! My father knew that it would be a challenge making it as an artist. It is a very competitive field. I am here to tell you, it CAN happen! It took a while but persistence paid off and people are really starting to know the name Redstreake. My hope is that when art lovers see my name, it will be as common as Bev Doolittle’s. (one of my favorite equine artists).
I am the mother of twins, and so many people ask me “how the heck do you do what you DO with 5 year olds running around?” The answer is pretty simple, really. Having twins makes you an incredible multi-tasker! Before they came, I did maybe 4-5 paintings a year. I had horrible artist’s block, and just couldn’t sit in front of the canvas. I was not inspired at all. Then I found out I was having twin boys and figured that art was going to be a distant memory after their birth! I mean, who can get ANYTHING done with twins around, right? Wrong! I started painting again when they were about a year old. Before that life was a blur and I barely remember getting to work and back. An artist friend of mine introduced me to pastels (thanks Mary!). She had recently discovered them herself and was in serious love! She told me to give them a try, I would fall in love, too. The first painting I did was absolute rubbish! I was so discouraged that I threw it out. I went back to my friend and told her she was delusional and that my first attempt was a disaster. She asked me what paper I used, shook her head and gave me some La Carte pastel paper. (It is very similar to simple sandpaper). Try THIS, she said. It makes a HUGE difference! So, I tried it and WOW! The pastels just flowed like butter on the paper and my first creation, a fjord horse, was a success! I instantly became attached to this medium and learning how to use alternate papers and boards. Pastels were inspiring me again.
That was 5 years ago, and today I TRY to paint on a daily basis. I have discovered a love for watercolors and oils... I found I am happiest when I am creating (and hangin' with the kidlings...). My main focus is horses but I do end up doing a lot of commission work of people's loved ones, mostly of the 'fuzzy' variety. :-)
I have been a Tennessee resident for the past 8 years and live happily with my terrorizing twins, 2 spunky black cats and a Dalmatian named Molly. I have worked at the University of Alabama in Huntsville as a graphic designer for 12 years. So, basically, when I am not designing... I am painting. Life is good :-)
