From Paint
Happy, page 5, ©Cristina Acosta
The life of an artist is rich and rewarding. A moment that may
seem insignificant to most people stays with me for a lifetime.
A casual acquaintance long ago mentioned that he bought a
yellow car because the color seemed "so happy"; at that moment,
I understood that every color has a particular energy, and I
began looking at color much more carefully. In that sense, many
people, known or unknown to me, have contributed to my
artistry. I am thankful to have been born in a country that
attracts citizens from all of the world's cultures. The
resulting tapestry of people has created a variety of rich
visual imagery. I live in a country that believes in public
education, museums and libraries for everyone, and I am a
grateful recipient.
I am thankful to my grandparents for their
gifts, especially to my grandmother, Catalina Maria Ortiz
Acosta and Alice Anne Slupska Wisner. When I think of either of
you, I think of the beauty of life -- the taste of a fruit or
the scent of a flower fresh from the garden, the sound of
classical music on the sea air, and the love of needlework and
painting.
I am grateful that my parents, Sandra Diane
Wisner Acosta and Joaquin Enrique Acosta Jr., enjoyed living in
beautiful places. A childhood spent on the southern California
coast and in the southern Sierra Mountains was a beautiful
gift.
Thank you to my husband's parents, Norman
Barna and LaRay Martyn Barna: Not only did you raise a
marvelous son, but your steadfast support this past decade has
helped me more than you know.
To my many art teachers throughout my life,
especially Edward and Maxine
Runci, Douglas Campbell Smith, Michael Kelly and Frank
Okada: Thank you.
I am thankful to all of my family and
friends, past and present; in one way or another, you have
helped me to become the artist I am.
During the course of writing this book,
many people were directly helpful. Thank you to...
Deanna (Dee) Hansen: Not only did you help
me begin this book, but your life is a wonderful example of
love and generosity.
My sisters, Alisa
Acosta and Teresa Acosta: I am blessed to have you as my
lifelong friends and soul mates.
Katy Graves Yoder, my beautiful friend, for
you support and involvement.
My friend Gary Alvis for not only taking
great pictures, but setting me up to do the same as I wrote the
book.
Kevin Kubota, Loren Irving and Brian Orlov
for you artistic photos.
Suzanne Schlosberg: You
have a generous heart.
Daniel Smith, Inc., for generously
supplying the paints and brushes I used in the book.
My editors at North Light Books:
Rachel Wolf, thank you for believing in this book and getting
me started; and a big, big thank-you to Stefanie Laufersweiler:
Your sensitive editorial style and personal vibrancy have made
this book a pleasure to write.
My art is created from my entire lifetime
of experience. Each image is the
answer to a prayer. As a young child I prayed to God for
visions. Now that I have grown up, I realize that my prayers
have been answered, and for that I am most thankful.
