My First Brush with Magic: How I Found My Art

For years, I dreamed of painting. The urge simmered inside me; a quiet whisper that wouldn’t let go. But fear? Oh, it was loud. It told me I wasn’t ready, that I didn’t know enough, that I’d mess it up. I’d scroll online, watching other artists splash color across canvases with confidence, and I’d think, “I want that. I need that.” One day, I decided—enough was enough. I had to overcome the fear and just do it. So, I picked up a brush, grabbed some paint, and dove in headfirst. No clue what I was doing, no rules, just me and a blank canvas.

At first, it was pure experimentation — messy, wild, and so much fun. I wasn’t trying to create anything specific; I was just playing, letting my hands move and my heart lead. My very first piece? A swirl of pinks, purples, blues, and whites — colors that felt alive, like they were dancing. I’d splash and blend with no plan, stepping back to laugh at the chaos. But then, something unbelievable happened. As the days went by, I’d stare at that canvas, and it started evolving. Shapes emerged from the madness. A lady appeared, sitting with her arms stretched back, poised to leap. And behind her? A beautiful angel, wings glowing, as if whispering, “It’s safe to jump.” I hadn’t planned it — it just happened. I named that piece Leap of Faith, which is part of my print collection, a testament to that fearless beginning.

I was shocked. Stunned, really. I hadn’t set out to paint a woman on the edge of courage or an angel of trust—it came through me, like the canvas knew what I needed to say. And I couldn’t stop. I’ve never looked back since. What started as a leap into the unknown became my passion, my purpose, my magic. My paintings aren’t just art; they’re alive. They shift and grow, revealing new details over time, like they’re breathing right alongside you. People tell me they light up any room—literally and figuratively. The colors, the energy, the way the images unfold—it uplifts them. They love watching my work evolve as much as I do, and that? That’s inspiring.

This is what I live for now: bringing joy through my art. Every piece I create carries a piece of my soul, a burst of that fearless moment when I said “yes” to the brush. Leap of Faith was just the start—those pinks and purples sparked a fire, and now my work is stunning (if I do say so myself!). But more than that, it’s a gift—to me, to you, to anyone who feels it. I’m not just painting pictures; I’m painting happiness, wonder, and connection. And I’m only getting started. Stick around—this journey’s just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what emerges next.

- Kristy Reibel