How I Became an Artist at 39

If someone had told me at 38 that I would become an artist, I would have laughed.

Seriously.

I had four children, no formal art education and, to be honest, I didn't even know I could paint.

Growing up, nobody ever said, "Christine is so talented." I always loved art, but I never imagined I would become an artist myself.

Then life surprised me.

At 39, while living in the United States, I picked up a paintbrush again.

I still remember that feeling.

It wasn't, "Wow, look how good I am!"

It was more like,

"Wait a minute... where did this come from?"

Because honestly, I had no idea.

The more I painted, the happier I became. Hours would go by without me noticing. I'd suddenly look at the clock, convinced I'd been painting for half an hour... when it had actually been four hours.

That was probably the first clue that something unusual was happening.

Three months later, I sold my first painting.

Not to my mother.

Not to a friend trying to encourage me.

But to a complete stranger.

Maybe this wasn't just a hobby...

From that day on, there was no turning back. People often asked me,

"Why do you paint so much?"

My answer was always the same:

"Because one day my paintings will be all over the world."

I didn't know how.

I didn't know when.

But somehow, deep inside, I believed it.

Looking back, I think that's what happens when you truly believe in what you're doing. You don't know exactly where the path will lead, but you keep walking... and little by little, doors begin to open.

Before I knew it, painting wasn't just something I did anymore.

It had become part of who I am.

Over the years, I kept learning, experimenting and growing. Then, in 2004, everything changed again. I discovered a painting by Ghanaian artist Ablade Glover and immediately knew I had to put away my paintbrush and pick up a palette knife. It was the missing piece. Suddenly, I could express the movement, energy and joy I had been searching for.

Today, my paintings have found homes with collectors around the world. They've taken me to wonderful exhibitions, introduced me to extraordinary people, and given me a life I could never have imagined.

And to think... it all started when, at 39, I picked up a paintbrush again

Sometimes people ask me what advice I would give to someone who dreams of changing their life.

My answer is always the same.

Believe in what you feel deep inside.

Never give up.

Sometimes your dreams may seem completely unattainable.

But if you truly believe in what you're doing, life has a surprising way of opening doors you never imagined.

Believe me.