Meet Obdulia M Hegde

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Obdulia M Hegde. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Obdulia M below.

Hi Obdulia M, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

“Finding my purpose was a gradual journey that began with my passion for art. In high school, I had an inspiring art teacher who nurtured my talent for drawing and sketching. Over the years, I continued to explore various art techniques and experiment with different styles.

The real turning point came when my daughter was young. Like many children, she showed an interest in art, and I found myself painting with her. This sparked something in me – I began offering free art classes to friends’ children, and I realized I had a gift for teaching and inspiring young artists.

It was then that I recognized my true calling: to help future generations by sharing my knowledge and passion for art. This realization led me to open Creative Brush AZ in 2015.

Through my studio, I’ve been able to combine my love for art with my desire to nurture creativity in others, especially children. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to watch young artists grow and develop their skills under my guidance.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

“As an artist and art instructor at Creative Brush of AZ, I’m passionate about creating and sharing art in multiple forms. I offer classes for both children and adults, with my youngest student being just 6 years old. It’s incredibly rewarding to nurture creativity across all ages.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is its diversity. I host painting parties, publish coloring books available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and have recently ventured into divination art with the release of my “The Kipper” oracle card set.
I’m particularly thrilled about my recent collaboration with the publishing company Alas de Cuervo. I had the honor of creating the book cover for their anthology of horror stories, ‘La Noche del Cuervo.’ This project has opened up new opportunities, and I’m excited to share that I did also the illustrations for the book. This experience has allowed me to explore darker, more atmospheric art styles, pushing my creative boundaries.
Looking ahead, I have an author signing event at Barnes & Noble at the end of August 2024. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with readers and art enthusiasts in person.
What makes my brand unique is the blend of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, all infused with influences from my Mexican heritage. This fusion is evident in my classes, coloring books, oracle cards, and now in my book illustration work.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with children and adults , share my knowledge, and pursue my passion professionally. Whether it’s through teaching, creating oracle cards, or illustrating horror stories, I strive to make art accessible and meaningful to everyone.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my artistic journey, I believe several qualities have been particularly impactful. The ability to pay close attention to detail and capture visual subtleties has been crucial in my development as an artist and in teaching others to truly see the world around them. This skill has allowed me to create more nuanced and expressive work, and to guide my students in doing the same.

Equally important has been the combination of passion and curiosity. A deep love for art, coupled with an insatiable desire to learn and experiment with new techniques, i have expirience with acrylic,oils,charcoals,graphite, different mediums, has kept my work evolving and my teaching fresh. This drive has led me to explore various mediums, from traditional painting to creating oracle cards and book illustrations.

Resilience and perseverance have also been vital. The ability to face criticism constructively and persist through challenges has been essential in my growth as an artist and entrepreneur. These qualities have helped me navigate the ups and downs of the creative industry and build a multi-faceted career.

For those early in their artistic journey, I’d offer this advice:

Cultivate your observational skills. Practice really seeing the world around you – the play of light, the nuances of color, the complexity of forms. This attention to detail will profoundly impact your work and help you convey your artistic vision more effectively.

Nurture your passion and curiosity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and mediums. Each experiment, whether successful or not, is a learning opportunity that will enrich your artistic voice and broaden your skill set.

Develop resilience. Art is subjective, and not everyone will appreciate your work. Learn to accept criticism gracefully, extract valuable feedback, and use it to improve. Remember, even ‘failures’ are stepping stones to success if you maintain a growth mindset.

Becoming an artist is a journey of continuous learning and self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and stay committed to improving your craft. Your experiences and perspective are valuable assets – let them shine through in your art.”

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron has been instrumental in my development as a painter and writer. This book offered several impactful insights that have transformed my artistic process and vision.

One of the most valuable concepts I’ve embraced is the practice of ‘Morning Pages.’ As a painter, I often struggled with translating abstract ideas into visual form. Writing three pages each morning has helped me clarify my thoughts, leading to more focused and intentional brushstrokes. It’s remarkable how this simple writing exercise has enhanced my ability to visualize compositions before I even touch a canvas.

The idea of ‘Artist Dates’ has been revolutionary. These solo expeditions have opened my eyes to new color combinations in nature and urban environments. I’ve found myself experimenting with hues I’d previously overlooked, enriching my work with more nuanced and vibrant color schemes.

Cameron’s emphasis on overcoming the ‘inner critic’ has been crucial in my experimentation with new techniques. I’ve learned to silence the voice that once held me back from trying unconventional methods, like my current work with monosilk screen and acrylic on canvas. This newfound freedom has allowed me to blend traditional Mexican motifs with contemporary styles more boldly.

Lastly, the book’s insights on creative recovery helped me reconnect with the pure joy of painting I felt as a child in Mexico. I’ve rediscovered the vibrant energy of folk art that first inspired me, infusing it into my current pieces with a fresh, mature perspective.

‘The Artist’s Way’ continues to influence my work, encouraging me to view each blank canvas as an opportunity for discovery and growth.

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