We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Dinkel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what makes you happy? Why?
Drawing, painting, sketching, traveling, reading, spending time with my love ones makes me happy. When you reach a certain point in your life, you start to appreciate what you have and enjoy it. 7 years ago I got lucky and met the love of my life and moved to sunny California from Russia. It was exciting and challenging at a time. I was in my 40s. I didn’t know English well. I didn’t know what I was going to do here. But I always had the support and encouragement from my family and friends. It helps me keep going and doing things that I enjoy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love fashion and used to do fashion Illustrations, but this year I decided to dedicate my time to explore pastel media and grow as a pastel artist. I joined the pastel societies of Southern California and Nevada, taking classes and workshops. Since the lockdown it became challenging and now I’m taking online mentoring classes and workshops via Zoom. I love to draw people, so I started to do FaceTime Drawing Sessions with my friends, who are posing for me. I’m also challenging myself to draw what I’m not used to, like a wild animals, still life, flowers and landscape. I’m also exploring different technics, taking different approaches to grow as an artist and discovering what can be my signature style. I like to draw what inspires me. I’m planning to participate in future pastel art shows and competitions. But I’m not turning away from my passion and love for fashion. I know I’ll be back at some point and create something interesting and exciting that I have in mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I live in Little Italy. When one of my artist friends visit me, I show them around my neighborhood. Walk on India Street, get a cup of coffee and cookies at the Parakeet cafe. My favorite signature drink there is the turmeric latte. Sitting outside at the Piazza familia and sketching people. Then we make a stop at the Blick Art Materials store and check what new art materials they got there. Then we walk down to the Waterfront Park, check out the new Portside Pier area and have an ice cream there. Walk along the Embarcadero. Take a ferry to Coronado Island and have a lunch. Then visit the famous Hotel Del and enjoy the rest of the day on the beach. Come back to Little Italy at sunset and have dinner outdoors at the one of the restaurants. It’s going to be fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My main supporter is my husband. I give him all the credit for me growing and improving as an artist. No secret that being an artist is an investment and sometimes it gets really pricey. I’m taking classes, workshops from well known artists, getting all the materials and equipment I need. It helps me be able to learn and grow. You have to work every day to archive your goal and support is really important. And I’m really thankful to have this support.

Website: annadinkel.com
Instagram: @annadinkelart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annadinkelart

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