Q: You grew up on Amelia Island, Florida. Did the area influence the way you produce art, your color schemes, or subject matters?

A: Yes, growing up surrounded by water and sand definitely influenced my earlier works. My work continues to change and evolve. I love that I can do that!

  
Q: How did you transition from painting as a child to selling work as a professional artist? 
A: At first, I painted just to paint, and didn't take my love of art serious until I had my girls. I remember the first painting I sold and what that feeling was like, which is indescribable. Knowing my work made someone happy enough to purchase it and hang it in their home, also sooth's my soul. 
  
Q: Where and when do you typically paint? 
A: I have always painted in my bedroom. I feel like having a studio would change my creativity. I’ve produced so many works of art in that room. I would never want to change that. I typically paint when the girls are at school and once they’e home, I put the brush down. 
  
Q: Your work includes an equal amount of representational and abstract works. When you walk into your studio, how do you choose to paint an abstract over a representational work?   
A: My mind is working before I even get my canvas set up. If I paint in the morning, I am already thinking what and how I should paint. So, by the time I get set up, I feel confident I will create a successful painting. 
  
Q: What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about painting? 
A: The most challenging thing about painting would be to not disappoint a client or the people that love my work. The most rewarding  thing, I would have to say, is the whole process - from beginning to end while I paint. My painting's don't always go as planned, it's the process which is so rewarding. 
  
Q: Right now you’re using a very pastel palette with lots of pinks and greens. What draws you to those colors in particular? 
A: Growing up at the beach definitely reflects in my color pallet. My grandmother had a Lilly Pullitzer shop in Ponte Vedra, FL, so I was always surrounded by pink and green.

 

Q: Who are some of your favorite artists? Are you inspired by any Atlanta artists? 
A: Matisse was the first artist I remember loving. My mom took me to NYC to see his exhibit. Monet was one of my favorite's as well! I paint so differently now from when I did a few years ago.  

 

Q: How has being a mother influenced your painting? 
A: I feel like my paintings are very positive and cheery! My girls are my whole world and they actually love to watch me paint. I will sometimes let them paint on my canvases and then I will paint over them later. Many of my paintings are layered, meaning I paint over old paintings to create a new painting. Some of the colors you see may be from an old painting I painted over. This is a new process for me and I love it! 

 

Q: What is your favorite thing about being part of Atlanta Artist Collective? 
A: Being a mom is a full time job and the AAC makes the whole process easy. It's nice to be a part of a small group of artists!