Darla started professionally painting in 2005. It began when she got together with artist Teri Thomas. Darla asked if she could visit the studio sometime to observe her painting. Darla attempted to paint like another artist Teri had a book about. After a few months, Darla finished a landscape she was happy with and realized the barn painting would be a perfect gift for her Grandma (who happened to love pictures of old barns). When Darla informed her Grandpa she would be sending it to her Grandma, she learned that her Grandma was very ill and would most likely be in Hospice soon. At his suggestion, Darla e-mailed a copy of the picture to her Uncle, who printed it out and it hung over her Grandma's hospital bed the two weeks before she passed away.
Just before the memorial, Darla learned for the first time that her
Grandma had always wanted to paint but didn't know where to begin. The turning point came after coming home in July 2005. Darla decided to focus her time and energy on becoming a professional artist. Her mother Lori had painted a few paintings, but did not have the time, finances or support needed to become a full time artist. Lori passed away in 1988 when she was 46 years old.
Darla is very proud of her son who is a Marine, stationed in CA. His room
was remodeled into an office after he enlisted, and is the studio where she
paints. Here he is with his 2005 Christmas present from his mom.
As a result of what Darla has learned becoming a self taught artist, she and Teri started a
painting group with a few other artists at Woodhaven Community Church. This group now meets the second Sunday night of each month at the Rebekah lodge in Old Town Sherwood, It is sponsored by Odge Podge Gallery and open to all artists. For more information contact Darla Boljat Darla says, "I love painting the beauty in nature. Painting has helped me clearly see the wonderful landscapes God created on earth." Darla's goal is to create an atmosphere to help other artists young and old. "If God has given them a gift to create art, I would like to give them an opportunity to practice it. This once a month social is in a non-threatening environment and is the perfect setting for lots of practice and there is support from other artists. I really enjoy the social aspect of it as well I have made new friends with a common interest of creating art. You can find more info about this group by emailing Darla.