The best thing about my work is that I’m doing what I love! I am living the dream! Because my art is done solely on wood I build each frame first before I paint them. This is my favorite part because I’m bonding with the wood and the painting starts to appear before I ever apply the color.

My idea of perfect happiness is when I’m delivering a commissioned piece and my client sees it for the first time and there is a moment of connection between the art, the client and myself.

My greatest fear is that I won’t accomplish my full dream before I die. I work very hard every day and look for opportunities to keep moving forward everywhere I go.

The trait that I most deplore in myself is that I’m so sensitive to what people think of my art. I can’t help but let peoples’ opinions discourage me and affect my self-worth.

My greatest extravagance is a Rolling Stones concert!! I love Mick Jagger and have been to three of his shows, and will continue to go whenever he comes to Dallas. I also love to go over the top for birthdays. Anybody’s birthday! I believe it is the most special day to celebrate for my loved ones.

On what occasion would I lie? I have lied on many occasions so I can stay home and paint rather than going out or meeting friends or family for parties or events.

The influence of role models in my life? I would have to mention two – music, and the artist Christopher Martin. I listen to Lindsey Sterling when I paint and I am heavily influenced by the art and success of Christopher Martin.

The thing I dislike most in my work is that I do not know how much money I will earn or have earned at any given time. I could sell four paintings in two weeks, but then not sell another for four weeks.

When and where have I been the happiest in my work? Right NOW! I have worked so hard in the past two and a half years on shows and painting live and donating (a lot of donating) that I feel like I’m finally getting out there and my name is finally branded. My work is finally in two locations in Dallas and I could not be happier.

If I could, I would change the fact that I’m always late. It seems like the harder I try to be on time the later I am.

My greatest achievement in my work is learning to make the 8’ x 4’ frames. I feel the most accomplished when I’m finishing a very large piece.

My most inspirational location in my city is Dragon Street. It’s where all the art galleries are, including the Christopher Martin Gallery!

My favorite place to eat is Nova in Oak Cliff near the Bishop Arts District. My favorite place to drink is on a patio. I love Mattito’s on Oak Lawn & Cedar Springs, and I also love to drink by a pool. Any pool!

My greatest fans are Ray Bloomfield; Jennifer Marcano. They have come to almost every show I have ever done and they take the best photos which they share with my for my website and other publicity purposes.

My greatest sponsor is, of course, my wife Terri Bush. Without her I would not have had the opportunity to live my dream. My partner in crime is actually a group. Kristy Holman is my marketing representative and website designer/manager. Tiffany Harger is my best friend and understands my quirky ways. Dave Miller is my right hand man and my art installer.

In the future I would love to work with Christopher Martin!!!

The biggest projects in the near future that I have to work on are painting live at the Dallas CAN Academy for their career day, painting live at an open house at the Plano Park Salons (where I am currently exhibiting multiple works), and creating a donation piece for the Human Rights Campaign “Fairway to Equality” charity golf tournament and auction.

I can be reached at 214-245- 2998, or by email at ARTbyCDY@gmail.com. You can also send a message via my website at ARTbyCDY.com, or via Facebook messenger under Christina D. Yielding.