Alida Meyer I started to paint after we closed our grocery store in 1965.  I found a new world of excitement.  I proceeded to take lessons at the local Adult Ed program at the High School.  Later, I found a Springmaid Watercolor Workshop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Wonderful!!!  Best instructors ever.  I have entered many National Competitions, and found them stimulating in making me stretch and grow. People ask me how long it takes to complete a painting.  Some take an hour, some take two or three days - and then I look at the painting a long time.  Sometimes I go back in to change an area, composition, color or texture before I feel the painting is finished.  I do not confine myself to any one style.  I like to drift from semi-abstract to very abstract.  I have settled into using acrylics thinned down like a watercolor.  I mix the medias.  I layer a lot of color over color.  I also monotype, which is a one-of-a-kind painting, not a print.  I also like to collage - which is using painted papers or found papers and add paint.  I use charcoal dust to create textures.