What’s Holding You Back?

Take a Chance – Change Your Life

An incredibly talented artist from Michigan responded to my January’s Newsletter article entitled, “What’s Holding You Back?”. . We haven’t met personally but if you visit her website/blog you will understand why I’m so impressed with her work as well as her writing. Her name is Jeanne Illenye and after some lovely words about my newsletter and Bella here is how she answered that question . . . thank you for your inspiring response Jeanne.

Painting by Jeanne Illenye

“It’s so easy to procrastinate or become distracted, but if one has a special gift, I’d suggest that taking the first step is daring but well worth it! I’d painted all my life, but only began selling my paintings online five years ago via ebay just to clear out some smaller works that wouldn’t sell locally. I was disappointed that local galleries turned me away in lieu of abstract contemporary work, much of which was what I considered rather ugly. I thought beauty had lost it’s popularity. After much prompting from my sister, I hesitantly listed a few paintings on eBay and waited…then my first bid!! What joy! Then another and another…and I sold out! So, just when I thought painting my ‘Little Gems’ and things of beauty was becoming obsolete, I became a ‘Power Seller’ immediately and have been selling in other online venues ever since. I still have so many artistic goals to achieve but I understand how difficult and daring it sometimes is to take that first step. Here’s hoping we all dare to be the best we can and share ourselves and our gifts with the world! In the words of my late father, ‘Aim High!’

“Looking forward to hearing from you.

“Best wishes,
J E A N N E I L L E N Y E / R E A L I S T P A I N T E R
‘An Enriched Life: It has been said that collecting original works of art is a luxury, but considering that it provides nourishment for one’s soul, it is indeed a necessity’.” — Jeanne Illenye