The Acrylic Painting Begins

My Acrylic painting journey has begun. It all began rather abruptly and without much forethought. I’m not exactly sure why I chose to pursue acrylic painting. If you will give me a few minutes, I’ll tell you the story of how it began.

I suppose my late grandfather may have been partly responsible for influencing me to paint. Whether the influence on me was consciously or unconsciously I don’t know. I was only nine years old when my grandfather passed away at the age of ninety. Yes, I was the youngest of four children, and my Dad was 44 when I was born. Consequently, my grandfather was rather old when I was born. He did live long enough however for me to have many memorable times with him.

My grandfather was a retired pharmacist. When he was in his 80’s he took up oil painting. Based on the paintings he did that I have seen, he was quite talented. He became quite an artist. His forte was painting landscapes. Some of his work was absolutely stunning.

The Decision to Paint

Other than art class way back in high school, I have never had any formal art instruction. I’m self- taught and still learning. Up until May of 2022, I had never done an acrylic painting in my life! The day I made the decision to take up acrylic painting came about out of the blue. I literally woke up one morning and said to my wife, ” I think I’m going to start acrylic painting.” Her reaction was priceless. The look on her face spoke of surprise and perplexity. Her next word was simply, “What?” I had not even so much as hinted to her previously about my new endeavor. Honestly, I didn’t even know myself.

I have always had a desire to be creative. Up until just recently, I was a blogger. I actually love to write, and I maintained a blog site for almost ten years. I’m a musician. I can play piano, organ, clarinet, guitar, and alto saxophone. I don’t consider myself superb at any of those instruments. I’ve  always said I’m a “Jack of many instruments, and the master of none,” But, my love of making music has always been due to my inner desire to create. Art is all about creating and sharing the gift within you with the world. Much like my musical ability, my art gift may not be spectacular, but the gift is there. And what good is a gift if you don’t share it with others?

So What is Next?

Now you know the background story of why I’m here and how it started. You may be wondering what is next in my art journey. If you are wondering that, you’re not alone. I’m wondering that as well. I will take one day at a time and play this out as it comes. I believe there is a reason for everything that happens; both good and bad. As has always been the case, I want to share the gift within me. If whatever artistic talent I have can bring joy and inspiration to one person, my mission will be accomplished.

All of the artwork you will find in my online store is a one of a kind original. I currently don’t do prints. I hope you will take the time to browse my website and look through my shop. I actually don’t post everything I paint on my website. The reason is that much of my work gets sold at local area craft market venues soon after it is finished. Often it gets sold before I’m able to place it in my online shop.

The best way to catch ALL of my work and my latest paintings is to follow me on my Instagram page. The link to my Instagram page is on the homepage of this website, Maybe you’ll find the perfect painting for your wall! If you have any questions about my products, prices, or shipping policies, contact me using my contact page. I will respond to you as soon as possible. If I’m going to do this, I want to do it right. That means doing it with diligence, and integrity. I hope you will follow mw on this journey.

Thanks for visiting my site and for reading!  God Bless!

Mark Lile – Artist of Foothills Acrylics