About Cindy Kinney:
You asked me to tell you a little bit about how I got into watercolor painting.The short answer is...I'm not really sure. Isn't that crazy?!I've always had a creative part of me - even when I was little. When I was a kid, I just loved to color. That box of 64 crayola crayons was one of my most treasured possessions. I especially loved it when I could have blank paper. Whole sheets of blank paper to create my own little worlds was just the most wonderful thing (it still is!). I liked that better than coloring books. Also, my family appreciates handmade things. I learned to make my own clothes when I was in middle school. I learned to cook then as well. My grandmother taught me how to crochet and how to embroider. So, you can see that I've always had an outlet for my creativity most of my life.
In high school, I took one art class as an elective. And in college, my senior year, I took an art class as well. But neither of those classes focused on watercolor painting at all. But they did feed my need to be creative.Then, one day, about 1988, I signed up for a watercolor class offered by the county parks and recreation department and I just fell in love with watercolors. I'm not exactly sure what prompted me to take that class but I'm so glad I did.
I learned some of the basics in that class. Soon after that, my husband decided to go into business for himself and we moved to Richmond. I was able to take some classes but due to various reasons, I stopped. For 10 years! Three years ago, I decided that I needed to get back some of that creative outlet that I let languish for so long. I found out about a class being offered at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center and have found a "home". The group is wonderful and supportive and I've been so inspired. We had an exhibition of our work - that was my first time in an exhibition. It was small but you have to start somewhere.
I guess the most important things I can say about this is to let yourself try new things without being afraid to fail. My family encouraged the creative part of me without criticism or undue expectation. You never know how long it might take for the seed you plant to grow. In my case it took years! From a practical point of view, there are all kinds of resources out there to help you achieve your goals. In my case, it was the county parks and recreation department that started me down this road. And finally, I think it's important to listen to your heart. My heart tells me that I "need" to do things that express my creativity. If I don't, I am not all the person I could be and I am not happy deep down in my being.
