Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
When I was 13 years old, I received a sketchbook and some pencils for my birthday. This may seem like a pretty plain gift, but for me, it was where my journey as an artist began. To say I was an immediate prodigy would be a gross misrepresentation. To be perfectly clear, I stunk. My drawings were laughably lacking in proper anatomy, perspective and design. But there were about 50 pages in that book – 100 if you counted the backside of the paper (and I did!), and I was determined to fill them all.
You can imagine that, as I continued along my sketching journey, I got better. When one sketchbook was full of semi-recognizable drawings, I was gifted another! This continued through my teenage years, and slowly began to seep into other mediums. Each began as a gift; one yule, I was given a set of paints instead of a new sketchbook. For another birthday, a charcoal kit. While some people are difficult to shop for, I was always easy; when in doubt, art supplies were something I could always find a use for.
Fast forward to today, and I now own Art Enchanted, an art business specializing in a variety of mediums, including art classes. I teach at a local gallery called Starling Musings, where I can pass along the techniques and skills that I taught myself over the many years I have been pursuing art. Because I am self-taught, I love to stress to my students that you do not need a formal education to tap into your creative mind. You just need to give yourself a chance to explore different mediums, try out different techniques, and find what speaks to you. You have to be brave enough to be really bad at something you enjoy, like I was, and stick with it long enough to build your skills. Whatever medium you choose, however far you take it, it all starts with the decision to try.
For me everything started with a gift someone gave to me. For those who struggle finding the perfect gift for their friend or family member, art supplies can be an excellent option. For those who don't know where to begin, I am now offering gift certificates for my art classes, where prospective artists can test the waters of different mediums before purchasing supplies of their own.
The certificates cover the cost of the class ($30), and each class provides all necessary supplies and instruction. Students are led, through a semi-structured lesson, to create a piece of artwork, which they can embellish upon as they desire. The certificates can be given to anyone as a gift. To redeem, simply RSVP to the class of your choosing via the contact provided on the certificate, and present it at the class. Students do not need to bring anything except themselves, and a snack or beverage if they like.
To purchase a gift card, contact me at (850) 363-7038. If you are gifted a certificate for a class, to choose a class to join, simply visit the Starling Musings facebook page, where each month's classes will be listed. RSVP is required for all certificates! You just never know what one simple gift can turn into. Happy holidays, and I hope to see you in one of my classes!