Second Acts: From broker to brushes

When her real estate income vanished overnight, she realized she could make money from her art. Last year, she live-painted at 45 weddings.

Editor’s note: Are you curious about people who have taken bold steps to redefine their lives? This week, we’re introducing you to inspiring journeys of individuals who have embraced change, pivoted careers, and pursued new passions — even later in life.

Gina Strumpf was a top real estate broker. But when the market crashed in 2008, she saw an opportunity to pursue a career in art. 

Gina Strumpf officially left real estate in 2010 to become a full-time artist. A majority of her business comes from weddings and painting the scene live. (Photo courtesy of Gina Strumpf) 

by Lindsey Banks

In 2004, Charlotte native Gina Strumpf sold her biggest listing as a licensed broker with Allen Tate Realtors: a $3 million home in south Charlotte. 

On that same day, she also sold a painting: a 16- by 20-inch oil painting of an Italian landscape for $300. It was her first time selling a piece of her work. 

“My manager came to me and said, ‘Gina, you’re not going to quit real estate and do art,’ and I laughed,” she said. “I'd be like if I went out and played a great game of golf and then said, ‘Oh yeah, I'm gonna go pro.’ That's absolutely ridiculous. But that seed was planted.” 

Then, in 2008, the Great Recession hit and Charlotte’s real estate market crashed. Strumpf said 99% of her income vanished overnight.

“Most people were just struggling and trying to cut back and do whatever they could to hang in there,” she said, “A little voice in the back of my head kept saying, ‘Just paint. Just paint.’” 

Now, Strumpf, 68, travels to weddings across the country, capturing first kisses at the altar or first dances at the reception, and freezing that moment in time with her oil paints.