Today we’d like to introduce you to Deenalin Crook.
Hi Deenalin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began painting at a young age after watching my grandfather, an oil painter from Norway, spend countless hours painting beside the sea. Throughout childhood and early teenage years, I drew and painted often but didn’t pursue much of it until my late 20s. In 2021, I decided to start a social media page to highlight my works and it was from there that enough family, friends, and strangers encouraged me to begin selling my work. I was an elementary teacher at the time, looking to change careers. Teaching by day, and painting at night, eventually lead to me going full time with my dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Certainly not. Exhilarating, 100% ! Running a small business requires a constant need to learn, grow, manage time efficiently, market, find the right clients, and ultimately spend a significant amount of time perfecting my craft. I would not be where I am today in this wonderful artistic adventure except for the gentle leading of God and encouragement of my family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Growing up in a military family allowed me to spend so much time by the ocean and beautiful waterways. I paint in oils and watercolor and love to capture the light and shadows of treasured places, whether from my own travels or in customizing a painting for a customer. I honestly never expected my art to take me the places it has! There are so many projects that have caused me to step back and thank God for giving me such opportunities. I’ve customized holiday cards for a large investment firm, designed for my local government in the tourist industry, and traveled overseas to paint tropical islands for international business. I am so thankful for each of these opportunities, but what makes me the most proud is the fact that a portion of my art helps support orphans around the world. A dear friend from college started an organization called Children’s Refuge and it has been the greatest joy to have my business partner with them. Knowing that each painting eventually brings not only beauty to a home or office space, but also a child’s next meal, education, and bright future is rewarding.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Take time to slow down and listen to God. He is the Original Creator and has much better design ideas than I ever could!
Pricing:
- My art prices vary significantly.
- Archival Art Prints start at $25
- Custom pet portraits start at $75
- Original Oils range from $120-$4,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deenalinart.com
- Instagram: @deenalinart
- Facebook: Deenalin Art and Design
