Spradley’s art wasn’t Mize’s only inspiration. She credited the song “A Beautiful Life” by William Golden for fueling her passion to paint. “I’m kind of a realistic person,” Mize said. “This song is kind of my goal in life. It’s one of the reasons I had a desire to paint because I like to do things for other people. I felt like I could paint and share that God-given talent to maybe bring smiles to somebody along the way. That’s my whole philosophy in how I started painting.” With the support of her husband; her Shetland sheepdog, Blaze; and hound dog, Boonee; Mize began taking Spradley’s classes on Saturday mornings. “The classes were my time to just be quiet and enjoy painting,” Mize said. “My husband has always been very proud and very supportive of my art.” Though she hasn’t painted a realistic portrait of her pets yet, Mize said it’s a project that soon will be added to her agenda. “It’s one of the things I plan on doing next,” Mize said. “Those are my furry babies.” Mize said she’s sold a lot of paintings, but she also enjoys making prints of her artwork and putting them onto cards to give out to the elderly or sick. “I like to give them as little gifts,” Mize said. “It’s just something for me to help spread a little joy.” She explained the meaning behind one of her favorite
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16 Lakeside Living & Logan Martin Homes - February 2014