"Purple Haze" - acrylic on paper

I'm really excited to share information about an exhibit in Bakersfield, Ca:  "Claudia True and Friends - Under the Influence."  Opening is April 9 at the Younger Gallery. 

The idea behind this show is to encourage people to start their own creative journey - by looking at the "paths" taken by me, and by some of my students who also started painting when they were adults. 

The painting above was done in 1996, very early in my art career.  I'd been painting about 1.5 years, and was "under the influence" of a very kind and supportive teacher  at the Bakersfield School of Art - Sharon Epperson.  I was also very impressed with JMW Turner landscapes - loved his soft and ethereal style.  Sharon had me do a series of "doodles" - I did about 70, starting with the same "doodle' and each turned into "something" - a landscape, floral, or a non-representative abstract exploration of values, color and styles.  What a great way to get in tons of painting time, and to learn how he brushes and paints work!

Now - about the "Friends."  These are all people who were my students.  Many had never painted so I introduced them to this magical world.  Some were experienced in the arts, and I was yet another influence for them.  They've all pursued painting fairly consistently and have either developed their own style, or are making huge progress on doing that!  I must say that I'm often influenced by them - their enthusiasm and the creativity that they exhibit in their own pieces. 

Here's a list of the Friends in the show:  Betty Blair, Carol Helt, Rose Lester, Terri Murray, Linda Osburn, Joyce Paesano-Chapman, Barbara Reid, Chris Romanini, Cindy Stiles, and Tracy Van Fossen.  You can meet them at the opening on April 9 - and I'll be there too.  We're all looking forward to the reunion!  I'm so anxious to see their new art! 

I just know this will be a beautiful show.  Maybe some others who've wondered if they can paint will be encouraged to start their own art journeys!!