Never fail to dream big - and then to hold that dream(s) until it comes true - even if it happens many years later. This has been true of my whole life.Heather was a little girl when she came to me for lessons. She is now married with children of her own and lives in the UK.
I extracted some of the following from Facebook messages to me:
First comment: 15 Jan 2011Hi Dennis
Thanks for the your comments on my paintings & drawings, and you mentioning me in your blog
)
It always makes me feel so good when my teacher likes my work.
I have just completed another painting of a lion which i'm extremely proud of. When you have a moment, i'd love you to have a look.
Hope you and the family are all well.
Take care
love Heather
7:33am 14 Nov 2016
Hi Uncle Dennis
I wanted to write to you to share some news. It's been over 23 years since i had my first class with you, but that day left a lasting impression on my life and i still remember it, and how i felt when i left with a drawing i was proud of.
I remember you asking us all to draw a tree at the start of the weekend, and then you taught us how to see, and what not to draw:) - I remember drawing trees for months afterwards - Thank you for setting me on the right path to my art career.
I also remember your evening classes and thinking to myself at the time, that one day i was going to be doing exactly what you were doing. I have searched, but have never found a class quite like yours. You taught us all, but allowed allowed us to explore our own creativity and to share our ideas and techniques with each other. So we were learning and teaching each other.
I am now in the position and have the opportunity to finally enter a full time art career, and will be leaving my full time employment at the end of April 2017.
Im excited and terrified, but that little girls dream of one day being able to teach like you has stuck with me for all these years, and next year is the year (My emphasis)
I never thanked you enough as a teen, but it was thanks to you saying "anyone can draw - if you can write your name, then you can draw" that i believed i could. So THANK YOU!!
I'm not quite sure where to start, but your classes will definitely be a model for the route i want to take:) I hope you and Aunty Anna stay well, and hope to chat soon. All my love
Heather
14 Nov 2016
Many thanks Heather for those very encouraging words. Makes me feel it was worthwhile all those years of teaching art. You can believe that I enjoyed every hours spent in the studio seeing all the students producing such wonderful works of art. You were all a joy to me. Although I'm still teaching over the internet, I officially retired from studio teaching at the end of April this year after 31 years of teaching. The Lord gave me the one of the greatest talents and I'm please that I used it well.
Don't be afraid of starting to teach. You have a great talent of your own of which I am immensely proud of. You will do great. I'm here if you need any help and advice. That's what email service is all about. I have others like you who who have been teaching successfully for several years now. My love to the rest of the family and to your Mom and Dad. Love Dennis
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. They really mean a lot to me xx
I believe you when you say that you enjoyed teaching. It showed
You changed and made a huge difference to so many lives and I often think of you when I paint or draw, or have an artist achievement.
Congratulations on your retirement and good luck with your online classes.
My dad retired last year, and is just beginning to wonder how he ever had time to go to work! Haha. [her Dad and I were colleagues at the same firm where I worked]
We're all well and I'll send your love to the family.
Keep well and chat soon
Xx
Big hugs
Heather
My late father's favourite saying was "everything comes to those who wait" Patience is the name of the game!
