I won my first art contest in first grade. I was super shocked, and in my 6 year old brain, it occurred to me that I must be an artist. So If I'm an artist, I should practice. For the next 5 years, I experimented with every art supply I could get my hands on and watched every episode of Bob Ross. Finally, at the age of 12, I received what I considered to be the Holy Grail of all art supplies: The official Bob Ross wet on wet technique oil painting set. I might have painted more happy trees than Bob Ross himself just in the first month. For the next few years, I continued to learn all I could about art. I graduated in 2002 and again in 2006 from the University of Mobile, with degrees in Communication, Counseling and Fine Art. I went on to teach painting in different capacities along the coast and throughout the US.
Eventually I was able to settle in as a full time working artist in Mobile, AL focusing my efforts on mostly Acrylics. Since then, I've drawn inspiration from unexpected color combinations, interesting compositions and the challenge of combining those elements to create modern impressionistic art that is striking and memorable. Most of my personal pieces provide a nod to my colorful, coastal upbringing in South MS, influenced by not just its subjects, but the feel of simply being near the water. Everything about the coast feels brighter, lighter and happier. I want to create art that takes viewers to those sweet, southern, good-for-the-soul places.
My art has evolved through the years, but what drives me has remained the same- a deep desire to create and encourage joy and light. Maybe it's partly the people pleaser in me, but mostly it's from a daily grateful heart that loves Jesus and the light, joy and salvation He brings.
I work from my home studio in Mobile with my husband Steven and our 3 small children Ellyana and twins, Luke and Landry Claire, who all frequently “help” me with my art. There's nothing I love more than being a stay-at-home Mom and Artist and picking cheez it crumbs out of my paintings.
2019 - overall “BEST IN SHOW” award out of 300+ artists, Prestigious Peter Anderson arts festival, Ocean Springs, MS; 2020 - artist feature on the cover of South Mississippi Living Magazine, October issue; artist representation at multiple galleries across the gulf coast from MS to Florida
