I began Painting with in a really dark place. I was 18 and my mom was diagnose with cancer and after long year she lost the battle for her life. Anyone knows who has lost someone close to them  that nothing can prepare you for the emotion that get layed upon you.  They are so overwhelming if you don't have positive way let them out of you. drugs and alcohol can easily take you to a horrible place.  Painting was my outlet. Its what brought me to peace