Painting was a very small part of my life just a few years ago. I was feeling a lack of creativity in my job as a Design Consultant at a furniture store, so decided to get back into my old hobby of painting during my off hours. I quickly realized I wanted to do something with the several paintings I was accumulating, and thought some people might even be interested in purchasing them.

That's when Dirksen Dabbles was born. I wasn't planning on putting much effort or time into it, but it soon became addictive. I would spend hours of my day planning my paintings, actually painting them, thinking of new ways to market my work, writing a blog about art and creativity, and trying to professionalize my small hobby.

Dirksen Dabbles has become a large part of my personal identity, especially now that I am not working outside the home. With the birth of my first child in January 2012, I started my life as the stay at home spouse, and Dirksen Dabbles is my sole professional focus.

My paintings are all completed with acrylic paint on canvas. They are unique because I do not use paint brushes, but instead apply the paint with a palette knife. This leads to simple designs with an extreme focus on texture. I am always finding new ways to express my creativity through this medium and love depth it adds to my life.