My Dad is a college graduate!

 On May 14, 2011 my dad graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art degree! I couldn't be more proud of my dad.  He is someone who struggled through school as a child, never really connecting to school, which sadly resulted in him dropping out in high school.  Throughout my childhood my dad was creating amazing oil paintings.  I used to love watching him create amazing landscapes, portraits and still lives, with paint, a paintbrush and a canvas.  When I was in third grade and my sister in second, my parents were not impressed with the schooling we were receiving.  We had just recently moved to Maine and the school system we were in was not the greatest.  My sister and I started regressing and My dad couldn't stand it.  The next thing we knew, we were pulled out of school and my dad started teaching us full time at home.  He was the greatest teacher, and through teaching us he found out that he loved to learn!  He ended up going back to school to get his GED.  I loved being taught at home! It was also great to see how much my dad loved to learn.  He always pushed me to work and try a little harder because he was so interested in the work himself.  He ended up enrolling in a community college when my sister and I started college.  After taking some required courses he enrolled at the University of Southern Maine.  My dad excelled in college, he graduated Magna Cum Lauda! I don't think I know anyone who has worked as hard as he did.  He always gave 200% in everything he did, even the simplest project he would take it to a whole other level.  In fact while I was in college I started pushing myself harder because if my dad could do, I thought, Why can't I?!  So dad thank you for always having my back, always inspiring me and for being my best friend.  I hope you continue to have the desire to learn and may we always have conversations about being open to opportunities and our struggles with gluten (yes I get my wonderful stomach from my dad, but it is OK because I got his creativity too ;-) ).

My father has always been an inspiration to me and will always be in inspiration to me!  So with all that said, you can check out his amazing works at  http://www.maine-artist.com/

Here are a few paintings he has done. 

portrait of my uncle as a child

self portrait

still life

My dad with at his senior art exhibition with his work

Who in your life inspires you?

Peace, Love and Learn,
                                Ashley