I began this blog on March 4, 2016 — yes, my blog’s anniversary is coming up soon — and to this day, I still don’t know what possessed me to do such a thing. I certainly wasn’t wanting to show off my art work. I was struggling to learn the basic elements of drawing and had just started using color in my work.
Maybe what I was looking for was someone to share my experience with. As an aspiring artist, teaching myself to draw in the quiet corners of my room, I had no contact with or connection to other artists. I had nowhere to go with questions, and — other than family and a few close friends — no one to note the progress I made. It was, in many ways, a lonesome journey.
When I posted this first drawing, I didn’t expect much to come from it. No one would see it, I told myself, but my blog would be here as a visual record of my learning experience. Here I could express my thoughts about art, post the good, the bad, and the horribly ugly pictures I created, and — in the event someone did choose to read the blog — perhaps my determination alone might inspire another aspiring artist.

A surprising thing happened. Within a few months, Artistcoveries was gaining readers. I received comments from artists around the world, encouraging me to keep going, offering suggestions on books to read or techniques to try. I heard, too, from many students, aspiring artists like me who said, yes, my blog had inspired them.
As I watched my list of followers increase, I formed an ambitious hope. I wanted to have 500 followers before the blog’s first anniversary. It seemed impossible, but today — still weeks before the celebration — I hit that milestone.
In honor of the occasion, I quickly sketched a marker. Mile markers on ancient roads were originally built from stones, and since I happen to love drawing rocks, I was excited to create my own milestone.
Thank you to each of you who have chosen to follow me on this journey. I hope it will continue to inspire and that my efforts may encourage others to travel the exciting, rewarding pathways art offers.
Congrats on hitting your milestone 🙂
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Thanks, Jodi. 🙂
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Wonderful. You have exceeded all your expectations.
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Yes, and that feels good!
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Congratulations! 🍾🎉🎈🎊 I wish to continue reading your blog for many more years and milestones to come. You inspire me and I like looking at my inbox in the morning with my daily dose of inspiration from Artistcoveries. 👩🎨👩🎨👩🎨Cheers!
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Thank you so much for the kind words. Lately I’ve really been struggling, and that’s part of the journey. It’s so nice to be able to share it with others, especially those who understand the occasional frustrations. 🙂
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Congratulations ! Your chronicles of your journeys are so inspiring !
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Thanks, Cathy. Your comments and suggestions have helped me immensely.
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That’s wonderful, Judith! Congratulations! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Congrats on the milestone, Judith!! 😃
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Thanks, Charlie!
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