The online community has been a miracle for me

 

Drawing my friend via Skype
Photo
2009

I came upon this photo of me drawing my friend Melinda Esparza
as we talked via Skype. Skype was the beginning of video 
communication for me. Since then Zoom saved teaching
when we were in lockdown for COVID, and I could still teach
my students virtually.  I've made friends through Instagram Zoom,
and kept my friendships going through Instagram.  So I am 
grateful for these wonderful connections. Here's what I wrote about

this image:

"Today was a jam packed day so I was delighted to find a post about drawing
with Skype.  Skype -- the Zoom of the time of the photo, was an incredible
gift to my art career, and connected me with friends and students all over the 
world.

Looking through my really old blogs, I found this image from June
2009.  2009 was a pivotal year for me and my art.  I started drawing
using Skype images, when my son was teaching in Korea, and Skype was

our very cool method of communication. During our talks I'd start
drawing, and ultimately my Skype paintings got me the chance to draw
Oprah live via Skype.  That was thanks to Howard Wolinsky who 
encouraged me to do Skype paintings to feature in the Skype blog he
was writing at the time.

This photo is of me drawing my friend Melinda Esparza in Arizona
via Skype.  I got a lot of attention from being featured on the Oprah
show, and I was featured on City News in Toronto on the day of this photo.

The Oprah show, and other TV shows, and newspaper articles

also brought me more attention in the art world.  As I've told you before the
result was getting to exhibit my art in shows in New York City, Florence, Italy
and in the Louvre in Paris, France.  So yes I am incredibly grateful to technology."

Yes I am incredibly grateful to my art community around the world and 
here in Toronto. 

Have a loving your life day.