Corinne Humphrey left her 25-year career as a Delta international flight attendant to pursue her passion: art. Inspired by her rescue dog from Furburbia, Rudy, she took a creative flight, picked up a brush and started painting. A year later her first book, The Tao of Rudy, was published. The book features inspirational and motivational paintings of Rudy and Humphrey. She says, “I would love to have a “do-over” and pursue art and writing in school instead of waiting until I was an adult.”
Thanks to Rudy, she’s painting now; but rescuing a shelter dog wasn’t always easy. Rudy struggled to overcome his fear of other dogs and humans caused by neglect and mistreatment. As Rudy acclimated to his new life, Humphrey realized that she could teach him many tricks, but the things he taught her were much more valuable, such as “Don’t be afraid to leave the path.” This insight inspired her most-popular painting.
Each of her paintings features an inspirational message. These messages and vivid paintings appeal to both children and adults.
The Tao of Rudy won several awards, and two more books featuring Humphrey and Rudy followed: Shoot for the Moon: Lessons on Life From a Dog Named Rudy (another award-winner), and Wake Up to Love: Lessons on Friendship From A Dog Named Rudy.
Rudy keeps Humphey on task. She says, “When I procrastinate, lying on the couch watching senseless reruns, Rudy, my dog and muse; will come into the room and nudge me, then walk into the studio and sit by the easel. If I don’t follow him, he will come back and poke me again until I get to work.”
Humphrey paints with acrylics using a modern style. Her paintings are inspired by Canadian artist, Shelia Norgate, who paints only beaks and muzzles. Norgate told Humprey to let the wild woman inside out. Humphrey’s work is also, of course, inspired by life with Rudy.
Humphrey loved art as a child, and took several classes through grades K-12, but her parents were worried she couldn’t make a living as an artist. They encouraged her to find another career. She turned her back on her art dream and received a degree in sociology. Although Humphrey enjoyed her years as a flight attendant, she decided to use her career to visit France for two painting classes, and then reignited her childhood dream of painting. “If you feel passionate about something just do it,” she says.
Using Rudy’s brave attitude to never fear leaving the path, she took a leave of absence from her airline job in hopes of making a living as an artist. Humphrey enrolled in an advanced painting class in Park City. She had just adopted Rudy, and she started bringing his “lessons” to life via painting
After she had completed several paintings, she gathered them up and brought them to the Children’s Writing and Illustrator conference at Brigham Young University. She received a lot of encouragement from fellow artists, and met the publisher for her 1st book at the conference, Sage Press. She loves working as an artist. “I enjoy my very flexible schedule and the pure joy of doing something that I love!”
Shortly after the conference she was given a show at the Kimball Art Center, in Park City, Utah; where critics called her work “bold” and “whimsical”. Besides selling books, she offers originals and limited edition prints on-line, and at the Park Silly Market in the summer. One of Humphrey’s bestsellers is Focus inspired by Rudy’s ability to zero in on what is important.
In addition to painting, Humphrey’ resumed flying to gather research for her newest project: Roaming With Rudy, kids’-only travel guides that are filled with illustrations, photos, activity pages, fun facts and more. She just released Roaming With Rudy, Paris! and was recently at NYC at the Book Expo America promoting her books. Humphrey is well on her way to achieving her pie-in-the-sky goal of publishing a travel series and would love to follow it up with board games and other products.
For others wanting to make money with a dream job she says, “Inspiration comes from weird unexpected places–overheard conversations, a headline or even taking a different route to work–be awake to people who cross your path and start noticing all those serendipitous moments that will help you achieve your goals, then focus, show up and follow up!”
When not painting and traveling, Humphrey creatively monetizes her passion with lectures about art and writing at schools and conferences. She also teaches art classes, such as “Pet Painting” for adults and kids and ArtsKids after-school painting classes and networks through Park City Art.
What’s your dream job? Please comment, like and share …
Happiness Hack: How to Find Your Burning Desire
3 Keys To Making It As An Artist Without Starving
Ask the Art Professor: How Can I Become a Professional Artist?
Want to use this article on your website or in your publication? We’re happy to share, just include the exact text below.
This article is courtesy of WorkWizards.com. Make money and save time with micro jobs, plus ignite social good. Join our movement: workwizards.com.
Shellee Godfrey
Shellee Godfrey creates happiness for her clients as a Systems Analyst and writes comedy screenplays based on her smart and sassy 80’s diva background.