“Fake it till you make it, because at some point, you will make it.”

Meet Nadia 

I’m Nadia Lassman a 48-year-old, Toronto-based, international impressionist painter, specializing in acrylic and oil. My favourite scenes to paint are water landscapes, particularly lily ponds, beach scenes, and travel destinations. Before making the shift to painting I was practicing law and have a Masters of Environmental Studies.

What would you say has been the biggest shift in your life since turning 40?

After receiving positive feedback and encouragement from friends and family, I launched my art career and website in 2013 and began to share my work publicly in shows and galleries thereafter. Since then, my career has grown exponentially and I haven’t looked back. 

When do you feel you are most powerful?

I feel most powerful when I am at one of my art events meeting new people, discussing my work, art, and life in general. I love interacting with people and feel energized by the connection. Also going to the gym on a regular basis makes me feel like superwoman and gives me the energy I need to accomplish the great number of tasks required in my day. 

What are the top three most important things to you right now?

Spending time with my family is so very important to me. I am very mindful that time is so precious and it is important to be present and appreciate my time with them as much as I can, knowing that we will not all be together forever. Health clearly is important so eating right and exercising are high on the list. And finally taking time to have fun, to stop and smell the roses. 

How do you make sure your actions are aligned with what’s most important to you?

I said I wanted to have fun, and painting is so much fun for me. To spend my days doing what I love is super easy and keeps me happy. It keeps my creative juices flowing, great for my mind and spirit. And because my schedule is flexible and my own, I can balance family life with my painting career and still manage to go for a walk on a sunny day or to the gym if the mood strikes.

What seeds are you planting today for the future?

I am a big believer in saying yes to all opportunities that come my way and seeing where each path may lead. So, every time I do anything creatively, whether it is an art show, a bespoke painting, or a magazine article, I feel like it is planting seeds which will lead to the next chapter as my work becomes more and more known.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in redesigning midlife?

Take time to know what it is you truly love to do. Then you won’t feel disappointed investing so much time in it, because it does take effort. And of course you will feel nervous as you embark on your new journey, but keep saying yes to the opportunities that come your way and just “fake it ’til you make it”, because, at some point, you will make it.

How can people connect with you and your work?

I am a happy person and my paintings reflect the happiness I feel and the joy I have in nature and traveling which is often the subject matter of my paintings. If someone has their own photo of their favourite vacation memory, I can create a painting for them that is even more meaningful to them. Get in touch with me through my website, nadialassmanart.com or email me at nadialassman@gmail.com. I’m also on Instagram, Facebook. and Twitter.