Oct. Spotlight-Judy Heusner

When I was a kid, my mom would entertain us with craft or sewing projects. When I grew up and had to choose a career, I thought I needed to do something practical. So I thought Iwould become a Psychologist, since Philosopher didn’t pay very well. But halfway through my freshman year, I thought that I really couldn’t see myself wearing a suit or sitting in an office with a client for the rest of my life. I had taken “Intro to life drawing” just so my course load wouldn’t be so strenuous, but as it turned out, it was the only class, I really enjoyed. I would cut class and go home to whip us a new outfit for the impending weekend’s round of parties.Finally, my mom said, “Why don’t you just go to school to be a designer? So I did. I ended up in the garment business, wearing a suit albeit a designer suit and sitting at a drafting table, at least I got to travel and see the world. I was officially a commercial artist. For years, I did “Crafts” for my mental health and as an escape fromthe garment business insanity.I never thought of myself as a fine artist. I did mosaics in a painterly way, I printed on silk scarves, Istruggled with glazes on my ceramics. I complained that they just didn’t behave like paint. My aunt finally said to me, “Why don't you just paint?” So I did.

I chose Plein Air because I just wanted to wander around in beautiful scenery, and I really didn’t care what my painting looked like. But I would go years, just painting every once in a while. I am famous for never finishing a painting!

My current goal is to get good enough, that by the time I retire that I can go to a paint out and not be embarrassed by my work. Not a very high bar at all. Every once in a while, I actually finish something and sometimes I actually like it! Wo hoo! I had to give up a few other hobbies, but it’s paying off. Painting is becoming less frustrating and sometimes even fun. I love the scenery, the travel, the adventure and of course the people. PAPI hasbeen a big part of that. I hope you will hang in there too!