Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindee Beaver.
Hi Mindee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I basically grew up in Plano, and am married with a teen son and daughter. I never had an intention of being an artist. I went to college to become a psychiatrist and took an art class as an elective, thinking it would be an easy “A.” I couldn’t draw, sketch, or paint, and I was horrible with abstract concepts because my mind wants things to look like something I can identify. Well, I almost failed that class! I guess my stick figures didn’t meet the expectations. I ended up leaving school and joining corporate America working in the commercial oil, gas, marine, and aerospace insurance industry. Once my first child was born, I decided to become a stay-at-home mom, eventually becoming involved in their elementary school and creating the yearbook for four years. Once the kids left elementary school, I realized how much I missed the creative aspect of making the yearbook, feeling the excitement of taking a blank page and creating something from nothing that others will keep and enjoy.
I’ve always been creative, and music was my first passion. I’ve played the piano since I was seven and sang since I was a pre-teen, and I still do both today. As I got older, I started painting rooms in my house and upcycling and refinishing furniture. I still do some of that today. But one day a couple friends asked me to go to one of those BYOB painting classes. I agreed to go although, I can honestly say, I was not that excited, especially with my past “art” fail in college. But that one event changed everything.
After that night I was seeing art, patterns, and colors differently and I started painting cute crafty things like Santas, stockings, and other holiday items for gifts. I realized I was able to look at a picture and paint it (easy things). From there I found myself looking at art online a lot and found some artists whose work I enjoyed, and would just study their color schemes, brush strokes, etc. I remember it was New Year’s Eve of that same year, and I decided I wanted to paint an angel… and I did! I painted angels for a while and then transitioned to creating fluid art, acrylic cityscapes, abstracts, and textured abstracts.
Late in 2021, I decided to give watercolor a try. I knew it was going to be a totally different technique from anything I had done in the past—and I was right. I started with flowers and cute puppies and kitties. But then I took an online class from Sarah Stokes through Domestika and created this stunning horse using only black and white. I was amazed that someone who can’t draw was able to create this beautiful painting, and it really looked like a horse (shadows and all)! Right then I realized I had a different kind of connection with art when I was painting an animal. I then tried painting my father’s beloved white German Shepherd as a birthday gift for him. It was the first time I was starting from a picture I’d received and had to figure it out on my own; this one was not just black and white. The painting turned out great and he was extremely touched. As soon as I posted that on Instagram, I started getting commission requests for pet portraits for people to give as Christmas gifts. Things have just taken off from there.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t say I’ve struggled, mainly because I didn’t start with the intent of being a professional artist. I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband and two great kids that are always supportive… even if it’s telling me something is awful. In fact, I couldn’t have gotten this far without the support of my husband who always made sure I had every paint, tool, or gadget I desired so I could try new things and find my niche. However, probably like many self-taught artists, my biggest hurdle to overcome is my self-confidence. It took me a very long time to tell people I’m an “artist.” I didn’t think I could use that term without having the formal training and schooling others had. Slowly but surely, I’m realizing that someone doesn’t have to be formally trained in art to be an artist. Art is a form of self-expression, and that means everyone is an artist in their own unique way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a self-taught, versatile, mixed media artist who dabbles in inks, resin, furniture, but work mainly with acrylics and watercolors. I love the creativity and freedom I have when working on an abstract since I use many textures and colors. I might start off with one thing in mind, and end up with something totally different, but that’s what makes it so exciting and fun, there are no rules.
Even though I’ve been doing them only a few months, I am most proud of the pet portraits, not only because of how they look but because of the immediate emotional connection the owner has to something I created just for them.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The number one thing that matters to me is my family. As a mother, I always want to make sure everyone is happy and healthy. I find that this mentality has merged with my art as well. Each piece, whether it’s a painting or a piece of furniture, is like a child of mine Each one is special, Painting pet portraits is in a league of its own. Not only do people love the piece, but it’s extremely personal and brings up many emotions. Some people have portraits made of their current pets and others of pets who have passed. Either way, I am creating something they will cherish forever, bring them joy, fill them with love, and remind them of special memories. This means the world to me!
Contact Info:
- Email: mindeebeaverdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mindeebeaverdesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindeebeaverdesigns
