by Kristen Andersen | Apr 19 | @theartstudiony

Meet student artist, Robin Price

Robin Price is one of The Art Studio NY’s first online students. Originally from New York, Robin moved down to Virginia with her husband over 20 years ago. Despite the 400 miles between NYC and Robin, she was able to take her first art class online with us at The Art Studio NY!

Once the Stay-At-Home orders were enacted, Robin found herself (like many of us) with a whole lot of time and not a lot to do. Robin was always interested in being able to paint, and she soon found herself on our website, signing up for an online watercolor class with our art studio. 

The pandemic has been incredibly hard on us all. However, Robin’s experience is a bit different than the average pandemic story. Shortly after the lockdown started, Robin went to the doctor for her routine mammogram screening. The doctors found a lump near her breast and everyone’s initial thought was breast cancer.

After more tests, it was discovered that the lump was not from breast cancer, but from stage 4 ovarian cancer. 

Robin remembers clearly the day she was informed of her diagnosis. “I’m sorry, what?” she repeated, in shock. It had to have been a mistake. She’s a woman in good health, exercises regularly, eats well– how could she have stage 4 carcinoma?

At first Robin’s weekly online art class was a way to break up the monotony of the long pandemic days. Once she began her treatment, however, Robin was determined to create more than ever. Her diagnosis is always on her mind and art is a distraction– a way to quiet the worrisome thoughts even if for a moment. Her art practice leaves her with a sense of accomplishment, it makes her feel good at a time when nothing else could. 

Before art class begins, Robin feels a sense of “anticipation and excitement”.  After all, it is always important to have something to look forward to. Robin’s virtual drawing class instilled within her a sense of community.  The Art Studio NY’s smaller class sizes create an atmosphere of camaraderie and familiarity amongst the instructors and students. After class, Robin is left with a feeling of satisfaction and a creative spark that stays with her throughout the week. 

The more she practices, the better she gets. Seeing how quickly her artistic skills improve makes her want to practice even more! Robin’s therapeutic art practice usually consists of finding a photo online and trying to recreate it with watercolor. After months of practice, she finds herself learning to handle paint better– with more delicacy and intent. 

“The more I paint, the more I want to keep doing it!” 

Here is Robin showing us how strong she is after finishing chemo.

Robin loves painting florals, Japanese florals, and landscapes. 

Robin likes to incorporate the color teal into her artwork as it is the color of the ovarian cancer ribbon. 

The Art Studio NY team thanks you, Robin, for supporting us throughout those uncertain months. We are so happy to hear that art is able to keep you anchored during a tumultuous time in your life. We couldn’t be more grateful that you are still here with us! Here’s to kicking cancer’s butt; the world needs you here to create more of those elegant watercolor flowers you love so much. We look forward to seeing many, many more artworks from you!

If you’d like to learn more about ovarian cancer and show your support for those affected by it, please visit @nocc_national (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition) on Instagram.

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Sign up for a LIVE online art class today! We have classes for adults, teens, and kids. The Art Studio NY’s nurturing style of teaching is perfect for beginners. Engage with some of New York’s top rated artists and mingle with students who share a similar passion for art.