How I Finally Became the Artist I Was Meant to Be

by Adele Sciortino

I was born with a gift—though it took me more than 65 years to finally claim it and confidently call myself an Artist. My passion for art began early, but encouragement was something I rarely received. My parents admired what I created, yet in their minds, a “proper” future meant becoming a secretary, getting married, and raising children. Art, to them, was pleasant—but not a path.

Green Military Macaw - 19" x 19" Received Honorable Mention - Art Room Contemporary Online Gallery

But my passion refused to fade. I explored various mediums and gravitated toward anything that demanded patience, discipline, and intricate detail. I began as a watercolor artist and later enrolled in the Fine Arts program at the University of Alabama—a time I deeply cherished. Even with two young children, I continued to create. One of my proudest early accomplishments was a series of watercolors I had printed as lithographs and sold in frame shops. Yet, despite these achievements, my family still viewed my work as a hobby, not a calling. Their lack of belief became a quiet, constant burden.

Photography also became a major part of my artistic life. It trained my eye to see nuance—light, form, texture, and emotion. Over time, photography became one of my most valuable tools, and today I draw inspiration directly from my own photographs. It continues to shape the way I observe the world and translate it onto paper.

Wild Flowers - 16" x 19" - Omo Valley tribal woman

Throughout my journey, I worked with many mediums, winning awards and being published in art magazines. And still, somehow, none of it shifted the perceptions of those closest to me. Eventually, the weight of that disbelief wore me down. I stepped back, began teaching, and continued creating quietly. I didn’t give up, but the flame dimmed—though it never disappeared. I still dreamed of becoming a full-time artist and seeing my work displayed in my own solo exhibition.

Then everything changed. Determined to reclaim the passion that had always lived inside me, I returned to drawing—this time with colored pencils. I had finally found a medium that gave me the detail, richness, and control I had been searching for. Colored pencils allowed me to blend like watercolor while offering precision that thrilled me. Every artistic experience I’d ever had—watercolor, anatomy studies, design, photography—came together and formed the foundation I needed. Nothing was holding me back anymore. For the first time, I broke through the voice in my head—the one shaped by years of seeking family and spousal approval. I stopped waiting for someone else to tell me who I was.

I claimed it. I am an artist.
And I am proud of it.

And then, something extraordinary happened—something I had dreamed of for years. I fulfilled my lifelong goal of having a solo artist exhibit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was a milestone that once felt out of reach, yet there I was, standing in a gallery surrounded by my work. But the most meaningful part wasn’t the exhibit itself—it was that my family and spouse were there. They helped with the setup. They admired the pieces. They spoke highly of my art. After a lifetime of doubt, hesitation, and misunderstanding, they finally saw me.

Just Hanging Around - 19" x 21" - Endangered Species - Borneo Orangutan

Today, I have stepped fully into the life I once only imagined. I now have my own dedicated art website, where I sell original works and offer Giclée Limited Edition prints—sharing my art with collectors near and far. It is a dream realized, built on perseverance, passion, and finally believing in myself.

After decades of struggle, perseverance, and self-discovery, I realized a powerful truth: My art was never meant to be defined by others. It was meant to be honored, lived, and celebrated by me. Claiming the title “Artist” wasn’t about gaining permission—it was about stepping into the gift I was born with and allowing it to shine.

Adele Sciortino:

Adele’s style blends detailed precision with refined artistry. Working in photography and drawing, she focuses on texture, light, and subtle nuances that give each piece depth. She builds her work slowly, letting layers evolve. From fleeting moments to complex studies, she highlights quiet reflections, gentle shadows, and intricate patterns that shape her voice—details that bring her work to life and define her artistic voice.

Website: www.adelesciortino.com