I was very moved by what Ms. Edie Schmoll had to say, in her interview, below. Here is a woman who has experienced pain, great pain, and yet has processed that pain in a way that builds character and displays its artistry in her painting, her writing, and her music.

As years have progressed, I have realized that we don't get any younger and that we need to seize the moment, whatever that moment presents to us, good, bad, or otherwise. Ms. Edie Schmoll has inspired me and now, when I look at her art, not only do I see beauty, but I see a deeper meaning, something that speaks to my heart and soul.

I started painting about four years ago. Following the loss of my husband, I returned to school to brush up on my musical skills (classical piano solos on www.trinityhemet.org : Edie's Page). Following the resumption of a career in performing, teaching and composing, I took a semester of Watercolor and Oil Painting at a community college. I had a painting nominated for National Artwork Award in 2011 by American Mensa. The painting, "Glow" is seen here. I won their National Poetry Award in 2008 for "And Now."

After one semester of Creative Writing, I became Resident Poet and Cover Artist for Inland Empire Mensa's award-winning.

My first painting was a study in two colors of Renoir's "Girl With A Watering Can," which I had seen in the National Gallery years ago while employed at the Pentagon (oil; two colors plus white; time, five hours).

When I was ten years old, I won a drawing contest by Boston Gas Company for a charcoal drawing. The prize was free art lessons on Saturdays. However, as my father had just died and my grandmother had taken the new baby home, it was my job on Saturdays to babysit all day, so there was no reward for me. However, this was a good lesson in handling the disappointments of life. I did not draw again until I started painting as a senior citizen.

I always paint in the afternoons, by sunny windows (this is mostly every day in Southern California). Unless I have a commission (portrait, pet, special order) with a deadline, I just go for it whenever the urge strikes. I have never entered a contest, but my Mensa editor sent in my art and poetry, with surprising results. I also work with pastels, and have done murals.

I leave the selling to FineArtAmerica.com and local publicity garnered from my musical performances in churches, hospitals, clubs, etc.), plus my books on amazon.com.  Please see any link(s) in the "Connecting" section at the bottom of this interview; located adjacent to the relevant link reference(s).

I always paint in the afternoons, by sunny windows (this is mostly every day in Southern California). Unless I have a commission (portrait, pet, special order) with a deadline, I just go for it whenever the urge strikes. I have never entered a contest, but my Mensa editor sent in my art and poetry, with surprising results. I also work with pastels, and have done murals.

I am working on a 4th book's illustrations at present: "Holly, The Christmas Tree Fairy." It is a children's picture book, due out in November. Also, I'm getting ready to publish a collection of "Music Songs" for piano and vocal next year.

In the words of Edie Schmoll, from her website, ""Edie Schmoll is a cover artist, contributing writer, and resident poet for Inland Empire Mensa of California's award-winning publication, 'i.e.' Her painting 'Glow' was nominated in 2011 for American Mensa's National Artwork Award, and she won the National Poetry Award in 2008.""
Connecting with Edie Schmoll :
	Artist Site :	edie-schmoll.pixels.com
	Amazon :	amzn.to/2u3ksZN *
	FB Profile :	facebook.com/edie.schmoll
	Fine Art America :	fineartamerica.com/profiles/edie-schmoll.html