We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Corral and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks in life is an important way to learn and grow as an individual. We tend to think of risks as extreme, like sky diving or riding motorcycles. But even trying new food can be just as exciting for some, and it can open your eyes to new possibilities. Once, many years ago, I was laid off. At that time, I was without a college degree, and I felt that my options were limited. I took a big step and started a new career path. Even though I started at the bottom, I quickly excelled and became one of the best. The truth was I didn’t love what I was doing. I returned to school to complete my education, not knowing that upon completion, in December 2019, the world would be flipped on its head only a few months later. This decision turned out to be what drove me into the art career that I decided to pursue today. Like my decision and the possibilities ahead, I think my art is bold, bright, and happy!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my artistic career not too long ago, in the summer 2019. I taught myself art to combat stress when I returned to university to complete my undergraduate degree. I soon realized I loved watercolors and wanted to learn to master the medium in all its transparent glory. Being self-taught was difficult at the start, but I soon saw improvements. In 2020, I hosted my first virtual painting class. In March 2021, I will release my first Skillshare course, “Bold Mixed Media Watercolor Veggies for Beginners.” I started a YouTube channel demonstrating my process as I talk about motivation and other inspirational topics. My focus is to help encourage anyone who wants to level-up their passion for creating. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, but not a lot of videos that help beginning watercolor artists understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel, or good art after lots of bad art.  I love using color and making sure my subjects portray a story.  My most recent endeavor has been to create a Facebook group to invite artists using any medium. The group name is “Create Every Day.” We encourage all artists, beginners or advanced, to share their progress and questions and have fun in a judgment-free zone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The only time I visited the Dallas Arboretum was when the Chihuly exhibit was there. I will never forget that experience. I would love to revisit the Arboretum and focus on the gardens. I also enjoy being a tourist and visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards. The food is excellent at any restaurant and it’s fun to walk around. If I have an adult beverage, I like it strong, quick, and fun. A favorite spot is the Shot Cellar in Fort Worth. You can spin the wheel on the wall if you’re feeling indecisive or let the bartender surprise you. They have over 200 different shots on their menu.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My ability to focus on art as a career is thanks to my husband, Sergio Corral. His belief in developing my art skills has allowed me to practice daily.  My immediate family, especially my sisters, Sara and Melissa, are my top fans on social media. They share my posts and have helped me attain business connections to help me have a successful start. My best friend, Shaharoh Chism, a singer and songwriter, encourages my passion for pursuing art by having weekly chat sessions. Before I relocated to the Fort Worth Area in the spring of 2020, I was a Conroe Art League member. Fellow members became mentors and encouraged me to pursue art without reservations. Their support and successes as professional artists motivated me to pursue my vision to make art a career.

Website: https://stephaniecorralart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecorralart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniecorralart
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GGtmoF6KXbx6_63O_s2lA

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