Anyone Can Become an Artist: My Journey from Corporate Career to Painting

My Corporate Background: 40 Years in Supply Chain Management

My career in International Supply Chain Management spanned close to 40 years. This period included working for GE Aerospace, Emerson Electric, and then transitioning into the Private Equity arena, working with turnaround teams to improve operational effectiveness, sales growth, and drive more effective working capital management.

After semi-retirement, I did some consulting helping mid-size companies address their need for improved Sales & Operations integration (S&OP), which ultimately improved their operational effectiveness and drove better working capital utilization.

The Spark: Finding Art in Unexpected Places

This is where my focus shifted to something for me. Having never painted a brush stroke in my life, I decided to take up painting at 65. I will say that during my career that took me to many parts of the world, I was always drawn to art museums. I found them to all be reflective of such creativity, style, and beauty.

I guess my exposure to art subconsciously drove me to an art store one day. Upon arriving, I was greeted by two wonderful talented artists who worked there. My first words were "I would like to paint and I need some help." One hour later I walked out with a $100 box of pastel sticks, paper, and a new sense of direction.

My First Steps: From Pastels to Acrylics

This process continued to evolve and eventually led to watercolors, which I found difficult, and I have developed great respect for my watercolorist friends. Then I was on to oils—the smell bothered me and the dry time did not align with my need to move quickly. Finally, I tried acrylics, which is where this journey has truly started.

Finding My Style: Why I Chose Abstraction

As I sat there with tubes of paint, canvas, and drop cloths to cover the dining room table, I said to myself "what should I paint?" I reflected on my age and realized that if I were to strive to paint like people who have mastered the art, I would be dead well before that was achieved. So, I struck out doing abstraction, which allowed me to feel free and loose.

This approach I still embrace, and have moved to incorporate a further focus on impressionism, where I can rely on my thoughts, memories, and experiences from my travels which I incorporate into my works. I try to stay loose in my painting approach with less defined brush strokes. I try to incorporate a sense of movement and emotion in my atmospheric paintings.

The goal is for the viewer to enter the painting and see some aspect of themselves or memory which evokes hopefully serene and calming feelings.

Advice for Aspiring Artists: You Can Do This Too

It has been my intent to provide you with an understanding of how my art journey has progressed. The reason for this is to share a belief that many people—perhaps you who are reading this—would like to enter the realm of artistic creativity but are hesitant. Trust me when I say almost everyone can express their feelings in painting something. Yes, there are tricks to learn and rules to follow (or not), but at the end of the day it's about your own creativity.

You need to consider who you are painting for. It is my belief that you should paint for yourself and its enjoyment. Be less focused on what others will think, be your own critic, but it's about having fun. If down the road you find that people are interested in your work, great. At the end of the day, you're painting for your own enjoyment.

Do not get frustrated—it's a hobby at first, then it can become a passion later on, if you like. How you traverse through your art journey is up to you. There are many paths you can follow as you continue to paint and develop your comfortable style. Enjoy the journey!

What's Next: Future Blog Topics

This has been an introductory blog, which I hope to follow up with more about my evolution, challenges, and how you can complete your journey. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story and I hope you will stay tuned for more.

Explore My Abstract Art Collection

My journey from corporate career to artist has resulted in a collection of abstract and landscape paintings that reflect the freedom and joy I found in creativity. Featured works from my artist journey:

Featured works from my artist journey:

Orange Flow Large Abstract Original

Rebirth Abstract Original Painting 

Splash of Spring I Abstract Floral Original

 

Future blogs will address:

• Studio on a budget
• Selling your art from my perspective
• Growing your brand (if you move beyond the hobby)
• The art website development journey
• Art offers many paths and these blogs will follow many of them

Your friend and fellow Art Traveler,
Brien Berberich
Brien Berberich Art
www.brienberberichart.com