I wanted to be an artist for as long as I could remember
Artwork by Len Jagoda
… Finally an artist. Once the commitment was made, the passion and desire returned. Knowing that the absence of formal art training would never be totally overcome; I decided to build a foundation with sculpture and drawing. Form, shapes and values, but no color, not yet. After a little over a year of this self imposed limitation a level of self satisfaction was achieved and it was time to add color. I wanted to paint in oils but felt intimidated by the medium and the lack of education.
I made the decision to work in pastels first to get the feel of colors and how to use them. Working in pastels began around 2009 and I eventually realized a level of proficiency with that medium. I believed that I was ready for oils. I started working in oils (part-time) four years ago and now realize how much more the lack of training impacts on someone using this medium. I am self taught in sculpture and pastels but have taken a few workshops in oil painting. Those workshops help, but so much is missing in fundamentals which is costing time, and preventing me from reaching an acceptable standard. I need to fill the education void. …
