I’m Henry Mikel Feilen. Like all of us, I am a product of my chemistry and experiences. My biology has blessed me with talents and abilities, as well as the trials and tribulations of having epilepsy. Therefore, anything you see of my creation, good or bad, is but a reflection of who I am and where I have been.

I have reached level 70 in the game of life. My journey getting to this point has been hard at times, especially battling epilepsy, but mostly fun.

I have found over the years that the most important exercise a person can do to stay fit as a fiddle is to continually work out their brain and learn something.

For years, I have been drawing and painting with watercolors, but now I have ventured into the world of acrylic pouring. I must say that this is tons of fun.

In my blog, I will discuss my experiences learning a new painting skill. What to expect if you plan on becoming serious about pouring, possibly making it a new business, as I did.

If a person decides to make a hobby out of acrylic pouring, that’s great. The paintings they create can hang in their personal collection or make excellent gifts for family and friends. The major difference is cost.

When an individual elects to pursue a career as a professional painter and engages extensively in creating and promoting their artwork, the associated investment escalates significantly within a short time.

You learn quickly to maximize savings. It is advisable to place bulk orders, as purchasing in larger quantities reduces the price per unit. Additionally, free shipping is usually offered once a specified spending amount is reached.

A painter today must be savvy with internet marketing and video tutorials to help promote themselves more effectively. This is not something that comes easy to an old fart like me. [But, I’m learning!]

Abstract cartooning is something I started doing without any forethought; it just happened naturally. It began shortly after I started having grand mal seizures back in 1970, when I was 15-years-old.

I’m not sure if having epilepsy has anything to do with it, but it sounds good. With each bizarre picture I draw, I am surprised. Normally, I look at it in awe and smile, then I give it some color and watch it come alive.

After a grand mal seizure, the body is beaten up pretty badly. Often, the convulsions can make the person slam their head against the ground or objects violently, leaving them with a concussion.

This is why it can take up to a week or more to recover completely once you’ve had a visit from the monster. I have several drawings relating to different phases of an epileptic’s journey before the beast has its way with them.

There are 3 phases to a grand mal seizure:

1. Aura – brain fog, disoriented from reality
2. Ictal – the seizure
3. Post-ictal – waking up from the seizure

Now that you know everything you need to know about epilepsy, we can move on.

One more thing: If you are around someone having a seizure, do not stick anything in their mouth, do not try to grab them, just keep them protected with coats, pillows, or anything soft.

Once they have stopped seizing, talk to them softly and allow them to wake up completely!

Seizure victims wake up in short snippets and can take up to an hour to fully become conscious enough to walk. Most of the time, an ambulance is unnecessary and can be just another unwanted bill they cannot afford.

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Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor – Oh, My!

Q: Do you know how you can tell if you should be a professional at anything?

A: Because you don’t do whatever it is because you want to, you do it because you have to!

I was a professional dancer my entire adult life. Primarily, I danced, competed in, and taught ballroom dancing. I loved dancing so much that I would dance regardless of whether I was getting paid. I loved it that much. The only thing stopping me today is a tired old body.

I am passionate about being a dancer and an artist, and money has never been the motivation for me to do either. This is when you know you have reached the level of passion to the nth degree.

In my next post, I am going to discuss why I love using Liquitex paints and products for acrylic pouring.

Have fun painting and remember to Pour Me Another!

Peace, Love, and Unconditional Happiness!