Artist Johanna Thebige and her husband are full time RV Travelers. She creates her artworks in an incredibly versatile compact area purpose-built by her husband. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and coaching Johanna through her artistic development and creative lifestyle for almost 4 years.

I first noticed the hidden gift for drawing within Johanna after seeing her early sketches. There was something that just sparked within me, and I knew that I could help to bring that gift out of her. I was right (I usually am when I feel that spark:) Johanna’s pet portraits have something so special about them; she captures the essence of their soul. Its more than realism, its a deep inner beauty. That’s something that an artist has to achieve through her own self-development journey. Johanna is experiencing a wonderful career and has a great future with pet portraiture. She has already won several awards and is receiving regular commissions.

This interview is my way of celebrating Johanna’s rise from a beginner to a professional selling artist. I hope you enjoy this read as much as I have creating it for you.

 

Interview with Johanna Thebige by Cindy Wider

 

 

Q: Please introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from

A:  My name is  Johanna Thebige. My husband and I are full time RV Travelers. We sold our home in upstate NY USA in 2017. We’ve been on the road for almost 7 years now. Currently we are in North East, MO USA. In a small rural  town called Kahoka.

 

 

Q: How did you get started with art and drawing as an adult?

A: As a child I always loved to draw. I took every class I could in school as well as trying many self teaching books over the years. All were met with the same thing. Failing to learn to draw the way my heart wanted to. After High School I married, had children , and  began my career as an Entrepreneur becoming a dog groomer. Which meant I did not draw at all for almost 20 years. During that time My kids grew up and I divorced and remarried. When my current husband and I decided to hit the road and see the country I found myself with a lot more free time. Which brought back that deep desire to learn to draw again. That led to an internet search for drawing classes I could do online. At that time I found DrawPj.  With a lot of encouragement from my husband I decided to go for it and try your Complete OnlineDrawing course.

 

 

Q: What were your greatest fears before you started the course?

A:My Greatest fear with starting the course was yet again failing at learning to draw as I had so many times.

Artist: Johanna Thebige Title: African Daisy and Juicy Apple from the Complete Online Drawing Course

 

 

Q: What were your expectations, dreams or goals when you first began your course?

A: My goal when I first began the Complete Online Drawing course was to learn to draw well, especially in realism. I didn’t  really expect to be able to sell my art. I was just hoping to finally be able to reach the level of skill I always hoped for, but failed to achieve previously.

 

Q:What do you think of your progress now, when you look at the pre-instruction drawing you created way back then?

A: I’m amazed at my progress since the pre-instruction drawing. I never thought I’d reach the point I’m at now. Having your guidance with each and every step of the way was what helped me finally understand how to draw. Looking back at early drawings, I see so much change in myself and how I draw.

 

 

 

 

Q: What was it like studying with mentored support?

A: Having you as my mentor and art life coach is amazing! You truly love what you do, and have a great gift for teaching others how to draw. You’re always there when I need you for support, and you also know just when to step back to encourage me, allow me to reach the next level in my art journey. When you push me out of my comfort zone just at the right time, I continue to grow even more.

I Highly recommend having you as a mentor and coach! You’ve helped me open a door that I thought would never ever open. It’s worth way more than what it costs, both financially and the time and effort I’ve put in. Cindy, you’ve helped me to finally “see” with my artist eye and to really understand how to draw. I see the world very differently now. I can’t thank you enough. It truly is a life-changing experience.

 

 

Q: What kind of drawings are you doing right now?

A: Pet portraits are my main focus. Although I do enjoy drawing portraits and nature.

 

Artist: Johanna Thebige Title: A variety of original artworks created in the mentored 3 level.

 

Q: Do you have any favourite drawings that you’ve created while studying with me at DrawPj?

A: It’s so hard to say which drawing I’d choose as a favourite. I’d have to say the long haired dog. Which also got me second place at our local fair.

 

 

 

Q: Have you won any awards, or held exhibitions, sold your art since you studied at DrawPj?

A: Yes! I have won a few ribbons at our local county fair for my artwork. As well as received several commissions for pet portraits. I never dreamed I’d be able to sell my art.

 

 

Q: What are your favourite art materials and why?

A: Colored pencil is my preferred medium. I chose colored pencil mainly because it is easy to store and not messy to work with. I also like the slowness of the medium itself. The many layers involved watching a piece slowly take shape.

 

Q: Do you have any words of helpful advice for beginner artists?

A: As a new artist my best advice would be to go after your dream. Don’t stop trying!

 

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I plan to continue taking commissions as we travel. The great thing is that photos (most of the time) are received by e-mail so being in one place isn’t needed. I will continue to draw regularly to further develop my skills.

 

Contact Johanna For more information here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossCountryArtStudio

Email: crosscountryartstudio@gmail.com