I've seen your art; you shared a bit of it here. You're fantastic. That you still feel the urge to paint is a blessing in itself.

Those big trauma events (let alone the cruelty of a family member turning on you--)sometimes remove all the 'want-to' from you. I have very little interest in my crafts. I have tried but it just seems like that woman is gone.
Pattie has been through some real battles these last few years and I know she was a painter, as well. My paints are mostly seascapes now, but I used to do portraits in both acrylics and oils.

Take heart and you can now create the new un-encumnbered you!