I grew up in the mountains of
North Georgia and attended
White
County
School
in
Cleveland
. At that time, first through twelfth grades were all in the same school
building. Life was hard for a lot of families in the mountains and ours
was no exception; too many kids, not enough money. It can break you or
make you strong! I’m still going!
Most
of my family still lives in the area.
Even though I have moved to North Carolina
I still return to the area of my childhood often.
When I bought my Bob Ross
Master Kit, I opened it up and looked at everything several times, then
boxed it all back up. I didn’t have a clue on how to get
started!
In August of 2005, never dreaming
that I could ever become an artist, I started classes taught by my friend,
Irene Grasty. She convinced me that if I wanted to learn she could teach
me how to paint. She always found something “praise worthy” in my
paintings, even in the “less than praise worthy” attempts that I
thought I made! Without her encouragement I don’t think I would have
continued.
Being an empty-nester I had
plenty of time to practice different techniques. I soon found out that I
love to paint! I didn’t have time to cook for my husband anymore; I
spent all my time painting! He has supported all of my efforts and now
cooks for both of us.
I
share my love of painting with my
seven year old granddaughter, Angelina, and four year old grandson, Little
Jake.
They
are “artists” too!
God has created a world of
wonder for all who will take the time to see His beauty. I thank God for
the ability He has given me to capture some of this beauty in my
paintings.
Louise
“Lukie” Thomas
Appalachian 
