Hello, I'm Cara Bevan and I'm 19. I've just started my business at wildlife painting with acrylics. I'm always seeking constructive criticism and any comments are welcome! Here's a few of my paintings for you all to see. I have more on my website/blog. (www.carabevanartfromtheheart.blogspot.com.)

Thanks!

Cara

All of your comments are well appreciated! Thank you! Oh, and the strange "M" on the cats head is there because...he really has that stripe design on his head! Comet is an orange tabby and it felt wrong to leave such a detail out. But I see what you're saying - it is a little distracting. I'll have to watch out for little details like that on my other paintings! Thanks y'all!

Cara

Wonderful pictures Cara! You are in the right business.

Really like the chicken!!

Are you self taught? Did  you take

much art in high school? My daughter is about your age and I

am wondering how she should practice her art. I can't say I

fell in love with the Art schools (colleges) we looked at...

have been thinking of having her just study here and there.

Keep up the great work!

River/michele

Thank you River/michele!

Yes, I am self taught. I took all the art classes I could in high school (where I'm from, it's not much...) and it just wasn't enough for me. So beyond the basics I ended up teaching myself. I understand about the college thing - the reason I never went was 1) prices (ahhhh!) and 2) they were teaching everything BUT what I wanted to know! However, I did take three, week long classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School about basic painting. It's not a school with grades, it's more of an extended education about any kind of art and craft you can think of. It's in Brasstown, NC (in the mountains, on a 300+ acre farm. No distractions either - you can hardly get a cell phone signal!). Look it up, thier website tells all. I highly recommend your daughter at least try it out - you have to be 18 or older to go, but the things you learn there are priceless. You could try Penland, in Asheville, NC as well. Never been there, but I heard it's competitive with the Folk School. There are many non college related art classes around - they're worth it in the long run.

Overall, I think it's best for any artist to teach themselves. That way, they can form thier own unique style and way of doing things without being pressured to be like anyone else. A little help now and then through independent classes never hurt, though. ^_^

Thanks again!

Cara

Yes, I'm 19 (going on 20), but no one ever believes it. Thank you, you're so kind! I've always been a fan of the realistic (I love every kind of art, but my personal preference is realism). I paint with photos as reference, but I generally like to meet, study, and get to know my subjects first. I have a hard time painting animals when I don't know thier personalities! I wouldn't mind painting from life, but most of my subjects are outside. I use acrylic paint and, even though I use a special kind that takes longer to dry, it wouldn't withstand sunlight, dust and pollen, and other outdoor issues.

Thanks for your interest!

Artists forever!

Cara Bevan

Thank you PJ Dennie!

I think my business and artwork is going pretty well - I am very thankful to have printmakers used to helping out newbies in the art world. My printmakers also own a gallery and I'm just starting to sell prints of my work there. It's all so exciting and overwhelming at once! I'm not sure if you've heard of Bob Timberlake or Dempsey Essick, but the exclusive printmakers for them also is my printmaker (called The Gallery Hall and Hall Publishing). My first prints are now for sell and it's a dream come true! I think I'm on a road to success, but I'm going to take it slow from here. I've seen a lot of people try and fail because they rush.

I'm just gonna keep painting, drawing, and doing what my passion asks of me. I joke with my family that one day my art will be in a museum - you never know. Dream big!

Thanks for all of your support and comments. I couldn't thank you enough!

Friend in paint,

Cara Bevan

Thank you! I've been painting for a year and a half, but I've been making art all of my life! And as of Sunday, May 4th, I am 20 years old! I'll keep the art coming, thank you all for your support!

Cara