A little about me(The Artist) and my first painting!

I am a self taught artist. I like the fact that I have never had anyone(a teacher) telling me that art has to follow certain rules. I have heard it said many times that it is hard for a artist to make abstract art because it is hard for them to get past hat they have learned about art. I love abstract art. I feel it is pure imagination put on paper, wood,or canvas. There is no limit to your imagination, because there are no rules. When I am creating something I don't have to stop and ask myself"am I doing it right?' There are no preformed expectations blocking what comes out of my head.
I am now working on my first Acrylic Abstract painting on canvas. I was scared at first to buy the canvas because they cost so much, it was like saying to myself It has to be a masterpiece because of what I invested in it. Lucky for me I am very, very pleased wwith how it is coming along. I took a leap and bought a couple of canvases. I had to. I had the main focal point of the painting rolling around in my head for a week. I even dreamed about it. I knew that if I diden't get it out soon I would go crazy.
Usaully when I create art it is spontanious. i don't think too much about what I am going to create before hand. I just let the images flow directly from the moment. Most of the time I don't even try to imagine what the final work will be. This works for me because it keeps me interested in what i am creating, and with every new shape and color I put down I feel a joy and serenity within me.
I started abstract art with watercolor paper, and art markers when I was about 15. I diden't know at the time that I was creating abstract art. I had a hard time in my teenage years, and when I was feeling depressed, or scared, or lonely, I would get out my paper and markers and draw shapes, and lines, and then I would pick the colors that spoke to me, for each shape, and when I was done I would look at the finished piece and I would see things in the shapes that were not intended to be there. Kinda like looking lying on your back looking up at the clouds and seeing things that the shape of the clouds make. I am going to look for my old art and post it here so that everyone can see what I am talking about.
To end this post I would like to say thank you to everyone here, without you, this group would not be possible, and I would have that much less inspiration and other artists to talk to. also if you are looking for a really good book, to help you grow as a artist and a person, I recommend Julie Cameron's book, "The Artist's Way". there is a second book in her series also that I really like, But "The Artist's Way" really helped me become the artist I am today.
Here is a pic of my first paintong on canvas.I was scared, but I really enjoyed seeing the colors and shapes take form.

 

Let me know what you think. Have a great day everyone!