Started to paint when I was 54 ... and created a whole new career
For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of painting.
But like many women, life had other plans. I had a career before my children were born, and when they arrived, I poured my energy into being a mother, a supporter, a multitasking magician. Then—suddenly but slowly—they grew up. And in the same year both of my kids left for college, I found myself at a crossroads:
Start another career… or start painting.
I chose the canvas.
And it changed my life.
Midlife Is Not Too Late—It’s Just Right
I was 54 years young when I picked up a brush with serious intent. That number might scare some people. It didn’t scare me—it energized me.
There’s something magical about reclaiming a long-held dream. Something bold and beautiful about saying, “This is for me now.”
I wasn’t trying to be the next Picasso. I just wanted to hear my own creative voice—finally. What began as a quiet whisper quickly became a powerful, intuitive roar. The act of painting opened a door inside me I didn’t even realize had been shut.
From First Strokes to Full Career
It didn’t take long before painting went from passion project to profession.
I started creating regularly, attending workshops, showing my work, teaching, and connecting with other women ready to explore their own creative lives. I built a studio practice. I began hosting retreats. I launched classes online and in person. I followed the thread of inspiration wherever it led.
And guess what? It led to a full-time art career.
One I love. One I own. One that feeds my soul.
You can read more about the work I do with intuitive art, movement, poetry, and creative reconnection at elisabethvismans.com.
What If It’s Your Time, Too?
I share this not because I think everyone should become a painter, but because I know everyone has something inside them that’s asking to be seen.
If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to start over, or try something new, or reconnect with a part of yourself that got buried under laundry and responsibility—hear me when I say:
You are not too late. You are right on time.
You get to begin again.
You get to create—just because it’s calling you.
What I’ve Learned Since Starting Over
Creativity is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
Your dreams don’t expire just because decades pass.
Midlife is a powerful moment to come home to yourself.
Art heals. Art reveals. Art transforms.
I started painting at 54 to be precise, and my life has never been the same. I’m not just saying that. I walk the talk, every single day. I combined painting with coaching and developed programs to show others how to live a meaningful life.
To be honest I wanted to be really good at painting, I wanted to be in a museum. Not there yet 😊. The goal was to facilitate retreats. For the past 3 years I have reached that goal. The icing on the cake is the Nourish your Soul retreat.
Want to Start Your Own Creative Journey?
If you’re feeling that nudge to reconnect with your creativity, especially if it’s been buried for years, I invite you to join me.
Come to a retreat, sign up for a class, or just explore what speaks to your soul at elisabethvismans.com.
