The Artist

My name is Spencer Sinclair, I am 19 years old and a self-taught professional artist. I became interested in art, specifically drawing, in the 6th grade after seeing an amazing portrait on tumblr. Everyday after that i would draw like crazy, drawing after drawing attempting to get better and better. At the time, I was diagnosed with depression and drawing seemed to be my only outlet. Over time, I switched from graphite to colored pencil and I grew increasingly better and more realistic. However, in sophomore year I dabbled in painting (at first only watercolor) and that sparked a new passion. I was memorized by how fluid and gentle each piece feels and that was when I decided to put my pencils down and purchase brushes. I was still painting and drawing basic things like faces and eyes, until I just stopped doing art all together. Drawing/painting ONLY realism, especially portraits made me feel more stressed out than anything else. I knew just drawing/painting portraits was not fulfilling me at all, it didn't make me feel good anymore. I felt stuck. I felt this way for 2 years, thinking "what can i do next". So I decided to work on self-love and self-care. Everyday I focused on loving myself and the life I live (before this i was very self conscious and depressed), I decided to throw out my sad dark colored clothes with lighter shirts and a few dresses, something I would have been afraid to wear if not for this push. Months passed and I felt more confident than ever. I actually posted pictures of myself having fun, I became more creative, and i began loving and living my life! Then, just 3 months ago to this day, I found my passion for art again, but it wasn't drawing realistic portraits (however, I do enjoy creating those now and again), it was painting emotions- positive emotion. What I love doing is painting what I hope everyone gets the chance to feel: self love, joy, excitement, and so many other feelings. I have never been more happier painting and I hope you feel something, anything, when you look at the paintings.