"Sheer Panic" Painting

Just as soon as I was able to hold a pencil and draw on paper, that's what I loved doing as a very young child. However, once I was in Junior High, it was encouraged for young women to take courses like typing, home economics, etc. You know those times. I hated business class, but took it anyway instead of art. I always had a desk job as a secretary, and hated every minute I was working. One day I was reading Shakespeare's sonnets, and there was a drawing of him. It intrigued me as much as his writings, so I did a sketch of him.......time went on, and then I decided I was going to try my hand at oil painting, so went to the expense of an easel, brushes, paints, etc. I really loved it, and did a few landscapes, but still I was just not enthralled with it. Finally, just a year or so ago I saw a picture of Marilyn Monroe, and sketched it. THAT was IT!! I found what I really loved doing that I've searched for all these years. "Scarlett" took me about 4 days to finish. I would work a while and then put it aside until I was in the mood to work on it more. Tonight I finished it, and this was the outcome. I have a couple of people who want to commission with me. I've found my LOVE now, and it comes naturally for me; not really years of a complicated task. So, this is my beginning. I adore doing portraits.