Written by When I was a kid, I started writing and illustrating books for my dad, because I wanted to try to cheer him up and make him laugh. My mom had died, and it was hard for him, grieving for her, and raising 5 kids on his own.
I wanted to be an artist, but everybody said, “That’s not a real career. You can’t make a living at it.” So I set art aside for a “real” career, but it always felt like, “This is not what I’m supposed to be doing.” After a while, the urge to paint became too strong to resist. I thought, I’ll take one art class, and if I’m not good at it, I’ll move on.
My first art professor (and most of the rest) was into contemporary art. She’d squint at my drawings disapprovingly and make remarks like, “You’re a throwback!” or “You were born in the wrong century!” I did a lot of things my art teachers didn’t appreciate, but I knew what I wanted, so didn’t let it get to me. If you’re going to be an artist, know what you want to accomplish so you can withstand the pressure of all the “expert” opinions you’re going to get as to why you should fit the mold. We’re all different, and that’s a good thing!
After a year and a half, portfolio all ready to go, I made appointments with several publishing houses in New York City. My dreams seemed about to come true! But then, something unexpected happened, and my whole life took a sharp detour. I ended up changing my degree course to Criminal Justice/Behavioral Science and earned a B.S. in CJ (with one course short of a double major in Psychology).
I learned a lot about people—some good, some things I wish I didn’t know. But the most important thing I learned is that most offenders in the CJ system can’t read at a 6th grade level, have no job skills, and once they’re in the system, they rarely get out because they go right back to the same environment that led them there in the first place.
I decided the best way to help was at the beginning, so I went into teaching. I wanted to be prepared to do my best, so I earned a Professional Clear, CLAD Credential and a Master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Education. I loved working with my students and loved each and every one of them as if they were my own. I couldn’t believe the conditions some of them were living in!
For those who believe that it’s “nature” not “nurture” that shapes a child, believe me, it’s mainly nurture. Given a loving, constructive environment, children’s special talents and abilities are able to grow, and they can fulfill their best potential. I wish I could make it so that every single child is brought up in a home where they’re sheltered and encouraged.
Back to the story… Statistics show that most new teachers leave within 5 years, and that was my original plan. Instead, I stayed in teaching for 12 years. The whole time, I prayed I wouldn’t lose the skills I’d worked and studied so hard to gain. I’d catch myself looking at people, places, and things, working out in my mind how to render it in a painting.
I guess I was developing all along without realizing it. When it became too difficult to put aside the artist part of me any longer, I resigned. I’ve been back in art for about three years now, and even though there have been a lot of trials, I’m thankful to be able to paint.
While I was teaching, I wrote a few manuscripts for children. My favorite one is about constellations, because all of my kids (and grownups, too!) would always tell me they wanted to know about them. It took two years of research, both on the stars and their stories, to complete it. I thought it would be so cool for others to be able to learn about the constellations without having to become an amateur astronomer to do it! The star illustrations are on scratchboard paper with watercolor pens for the colors.
Here’s one of Pegasus, which is actually a larger copy of a horse sketch I did when I was 14; it’s the only sample I have left of my art from childhood. I sent the manuscript out with a few sample illustrations, but heard nothing from any of the publishers. I guess they didn’t think there was a need for it, with all the information that’s on the internet.
But that’s not really true; a lot of the “sky maps” and information about constellations on the internet aren’t accurate. Also, you can’t look at a lighted screen, then look into the sky for a constellation, because after looking at light, your eyes won’t be sensitive enough to see any but the brightest stars.
Maybe it seems as though all of this doesn’t seem like a typical artist’s life story, and you’re right, it doesn’t! But my dad always said that we should be like they were in the Renaissance. He said we weren’t meant to do just one thing with our lives. “Inventors! Scientists! Philosophers! Writers! Painters! Architects!!” (My dad also always told us how wonderful books are, and he made us eat a lot of fish because he said it was good for the brain…)
Artistic Influence
My strongest artistic influences include many 18th and 19th century painters, especially the Impressionists and Naturalist painters from France and Britain. My favorite artist is 15th century Rembrandt; I’m overawed when viewing his work. My other favorites are Renoir, Monet, Turner, and Pissarro. By the way, if you’ve never seen any of their early “traditional” works, take a look at them—you’ll be astonished at their transformation.
It shows how much they helped each other to develop the style of painting we call Impressionism. It’s so fortunate for us that they had the courage to step out of the prescribed painting methods of the day. That’s why I joined the Doodlewash art community, because as artists, we need support and discussion with like minds to help each other grow.
Methods
I think my painting process is similar to most artists. I’m very fortunate to live in Southern California, close to the Safari Wild Life Park, San Diego Wildlife Refuge, and the Pacific Ocean. When sketching at the beach, it truly feels like I’m living the dream! I usually compose a painting with field sketches and/or photographs to use in the studio. This gives me first-hand experience with the sense of the subject as a vibrant, living creature.
I also spend time researching every subject to give me an adequate knowledge and understanding of it to transfer to the painting. If I can’t take my own photos of a subject, I use reference photos from my (tons of, of course!) reference books on art and nature or the internet (and yes, I give credit where it’s due! I’m a stickler about copyright).
Materials
After seeing J.W. Turner’s incredible watercolors on exhibit at The Getty about three years ago, I died and went to heaven! Just kidding, but it was a transformative experience! I took tons of notes—photos weren’t allowed, as these paintings were on loan from, and are jealously guarded by, the Tate Gallery—and started experimenting with watercolor on canvas. Turner’s papermaker had a special ground formula to prepare the paper so that Turner could achieve a lot of effects we don’t see nowadays with watercolor paintings. His results were amazing!
I did a lot of research and found that several of the Impressionists did the same thing, and even painted on canvas using this same ground. Who knew? I did more research and experiments until I found a solution that worked best for me: Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground. (I don’t get paid for advertising them, lol!) I’m still experimenting, and while at times (most of the time!) it feels like I’m over-reaching my skill level, it’s still rewarding, because I’m getting closer to the results I want to achieve.
Kolinsky Sable brushes are the only kind I use—good hair is important! My favorite brushes are Winsor & Newton, Series 7, but I also have some Da Vinci & Richeson brushes (and others, whose names have faded and are now unreadable). I use a variety of watercolor papers, but I think my favorite is Arches. I like medium- to heavy-weight papers because I do a lot of things that tear thinner paper surfaces. For paints, I only use pure, natural pigments (because they mix without muddying), and mainly use Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith watercolor tubes.
I don’t use Photoshop or any other illustration programs. That’s probably considered a drawback in the technological age, but the tactile part of painting is one of the big attractions for me, not to mention, computers seem to leech away my creativity. I guess I see computers as a necessary way to get business done, but I don’t enjoy it “at all at all” as the Irish would say.
Last, but not least, I want to express my deepest thanks to Charlie O’Shields for all he’s doing. Charlie, you’re fabulous and inspiring—a talented artist, professional, friendly, and supportive to other artists. Truly a Renaissance kind of guy!
Miste Caulder
Website
Watercolor On Canvas Tutorial
Doodlewash
What a nice scene!
My computer was very slow to load everything. Now I see you have a nice selection of paintings! I really enjoyed your post and your paintings. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you, Delores! Charlie did a great job putting this together! I was dying of nerves!
Charlie does good work! You do wonderful paintings!
Awww, Delores, that is so kind of you! Thank you!!!! ❣️
My mother also told me that I couldn’t be an artist. It’s not a real job. I never got to take any art classes. Today I make money painting … who would have thought!
FrugalMinimalistme, so now what does your mom say? I bet she’s proud of you! 😁
Outstanding, art and article!
Thank you so much, Smzang! 😀 Charlie put it together so well!
Thanks Miste. What an inspiring tale. You give me hope. Impressionism is my aim, just have to go through this skill learning thing 😏.
Thank you very much, Rod! I’m not usually very personal online, but this community is so generous that I felt it deserved the real story! From what I’ve seen of your art, you’re well on your way to reaching your goals! 😎
Wow, Charlie! You put this together so well! You’re amazing, thank you so much! 💕 Merry Christmas!🎄
Aww my pleasure!! Thanks so much for being part of Doodlewash, Miste! 😃💕 Merry Christmas to you as well!
Thank you, Charlie, for creating Doodlewash, it’s a great pleasure! 😃💕
Great art and a very interesting journey Miste,,,thank you for sharing.,the Guest artist articles are very inspiring.
Thank you very much, Pamela, for your kind comments! I feel like it’s definitely a jouney! 😃
*journey 🤓
Inspiring!
robert
Thank you, Robert! Your photographs are beautiful! I’m going to follow you next time I get on WordPress. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your story. It has been quite a journey but it looks like you made the right choice coming back to your art. Lovely pieces.
Awww, thank you, Jean! 🤗
Miste, It was wonderful learning more about you and your watercolor journey. Your paintings are amazing and so is your story. And it’s nice to know what the M stands for in M Caulder!
Sandra, I was looking forward to seeing what you’d say! 😁 You always say something witty! Thanks very much for your compliments. When I’m done with a painting, I’m usually so tired of it that I can’t appreciate it anymore 😞, so I truly appreciate everyone’s kind comments! And hehe about the “M”, when I first put up a website not quite 3 years ago, I was so shy and the only reason I made a website was because it’s necessary. So the M was a compromise, lol 😁
What a nice story, Miste! I admire your cats – they’re so very expressive, even if they’re dormant. Lovely, lovely!
Violetta, thank you so much! And haha, these cats sure are expressive when they’re not dormant! 😁
Thanks for sharing your story and very beautiful art.
Thank you, Sharon, that’s so sweet of you to say! 🤗
Oh my…I’m only half-way through your article, and I have to respond!!! I love this quote, “[he] said we weren’t meant to do just one thing with our lives. “Inventors! Scientists! Philosophers! Writers! Painters! Architects!!” Your dad was a genious! This totally resonates with my heart since I’ve been: a carhop, a bookkeeper, typist, secretary, small business owner, teacher, coach, administrator, and all around parttime artist!! Love your art…and I’m so glad you recognize that it takes ‘a village’ to help kids grow and develop. So true…and I’m praying that we all wake up and take care of our future! All of my best to you!
Cindy, thank you so much! Yes, i think my dad was a genius. He sure instilled a lot of good practices in us, not that we liked it at the time, lol.
I get what you mean about it resonating, I shared the story because I thought maybe it would encourage someone who has to put aside what they want to do because of other responsibilities. You sound very talented to be able to have worn all those hats! Are you on Doodlewash, if so, let’s friend each other?
About kids, amen! I’m right there with you on that! We NEED to be protecting our kids. Too much is happening that is harmful to them. 💔 Best to you, too! 🤗
Thank you for sharing your story, your art and your thoughts! It is all really amazing and inspiring.
Thank you very much, Janneke, for your kind comments! 🤗
Miste, your art is luminous and your story of becoming an artist is incredible and inspiring. I agree with you that the single most important factor in determining a child’s success in school and later as an adult is the level of involvement and support from parents. Your paintings are a terrific honor to your father, and I think it’s pretty wonderful to acknowledge Charlie’s contribution as well. You’re a very talented person with an appreciative nature. Thank you for sharing so much.
Sharon, thank you very much for your sweet remarks! Saying my paintings are an honor to my father really touches me, because my dad finally died from a broken heart after we grew up. My mom was the best person I’ve ever met, to this day. His life was hard, so I think giving him honor is important. Thank you ❣️🤗
You and I had the same experience, told not to pursue art as a career but the irresistible draw to it made it impossible to say no… eventually. Lovely to hear your story, have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Jennifer 🙂 I’m glad we made it! 😎
Me too, I couldn’t imagine my life without art!
P.S. Merry Christmas to you, too! 🎄
I so enjoyed reading your story, and seeing your lovely art! Thank you.
Thank you, Susan! That’s so nice of you to say! 🙂❣️
I love your story and your paintings.
Thank you, Sandra, that’s very kind of you! 🙂❣️
Miste, your beautiful and creative style of painting is only matched by your wonderful and authentic style of writing. I want to thank you for who you are, what you do, every day you do it, and what you mean to so many others. Thank you so much for all your support. God Bless You and all you touch in your amazing life, and there are many.
General Mike Flynn
Dear General Flynn, no one can ever thank you enough for all you have done and are doing for our nation. God bless and be with you always, as you are an apple in His eye and Highly Precious. ∞
And please forgive my late reply, I haven’t participated on Doodlewash for over a year, because it doesn’t like my browser. I’m answering from my wordpress site. God bless you! <3