Doing it Afraid: How one Woman Came to Life through Painting EP: 85

We don’t always know whom we are meant to be when we are young, but if we are observant, there are clues everywhere. For Libby Scheele, they were obvious in her fascination with color and texture and a variety of materials that could be used in artistic endeavors. When she didn’t have ‘real’ art supplies, she expressed her creativity by arranging rocks and sticks. 

 

Today, her work is much more sophisticated, as are her tools… even though they are the basics of an artist: high quality pigmented paints, good paper, sharp pencils, brushes, and permission to take the time required to allow the vision in her mind to emerge. 

 

Libby studied art at university, but then was married and had three small children at home; there wasn’t time or space for art. But then she was introduced to the concept of an ‘artist’s date’ by a friend who further encouraged her to carve out some space in her home that was just for her. She did; it was in the furnace room! Not ideal, but it worked… and today she has a more spacious studio room in the home she shares with husband, Paul. 

 

In today’s episode, Laura and Libby have an animated and sometimes emotional conversation about how their inner artists called to them, spoke to them, and finally drew them out into the act of creation, even though in the beginning you sometimes have to ‘do it afraid.’ It was also one of the things that drew them to each other at their first meeting. Libby describes it as a “spark when you’re in space with another artist.” 

 

Libby shares the story of wanting to create art so badly that she called an artist and asked for a job as her assistant even though she had no experience, no portfolio… just an undeniable desire to learn and a willingness to do whatever it took to move forward. 

 

You’ll want to listen in as she shares stories of pivotal moments in her growth and awakening as an artist, of the investments she continues to make in working with artists further along the path who are doing work she admires and longs to do herself, and of how important it’s been to find her own creative style, rhythm, and arena. 

 

While Libby would feel compelled to sketch and paint regardless, she is currently driven by an altruistic impulse to create a body of work for her collectors that will, in turn, help to pay off the medical bills of a family member. 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about Libby and the things she and Laura discussed today, check out these links: 

 

[email protected]

The Artist’s Way 

Jeffrey Hurinenko – Old Master Techniques

Joe Paquet – Plein Air Landscape Painter

 

Libby’s Bio

 

By age 5, it was obvious that Libby was fascinated with color and the world around her.  Her parents would often find her sitting outside, patiently watching the sunset, exclaiming that “indigo was the next color.” 

 

A retired art teacher, Neola Johnson, became her first mentor at age 8. Neola would ask her questions such as “what is beauty?” and “what is art?” These questions became the start of a passionate search for answers, which of course always led to more questions.  

 

Libby attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Art Education. She spent many years sharing her love of art with children in schools and summer camps. In 1995, she began a career as a mural painter having been trained by muralist Tricia Farrell. It was a joy to bring her client’s artistic dreams and wishes to life.

 

In 2007, she continued her fine art studies at the Hurinenko & Paquet Studio, learning Old Master portrait painting and plein air painting.   

 

Libby is a member of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota and the Minnesota Figure Study Collaborative.