I have loved art for as long as I can remember ~ sketching, painting, sewing, creating. All of these things gave a shy, quiet girl a place where she could feel safe and express herself. I was blessed to have attended a high school in Northport, NY where one teacher in particular, Janet Simpson, pushed me to experiment and grow as an artist. I won several awards and prizes for textile design/fiber
arts, and have a degree in Fashion Design from Fashion Institute Of Technology in Manhattan. While studying art history there I found myself inspired by Renaissance art and Impressionism, and dreamed of someday being able to see those amazing places and works of art in person. After spending time working as an assistant designer in New York's Fashion District, I left to become a full time mom to three wonderful kids. About 15 years ago I found myself in a watercolor class in New Jersey, and immediately fell in love with the medium. I loved the challenge of trying to control the paint, water and paper~and the wonderful "happy accidents" that happen along the way. I belonged to the Ocean County Artists Guild, showed several times in NJ, and began painting murals. One of the highlights of that time was a 5 day painting workshop on Block Island with Mel Stabin, which truly challenged me and helped develop my style. Two of my favorite pastimes are gardening and travel ~ and having visited Monet's home and gardens in Giverny, it's easy to see how he found a never ending supply of inspiration there. I enjoy painting subjects I love ~ flowers and beautiful places. Five years ago when I finally looked up at Michaelangelo's Sistine ceiling in the amazing city of Rome, it was as awe-inspiring as I'd hoped. After moving to the beautiful rolling hills of Williamson County, Tennessee in 2006, my life took some sad, unexpected turns, and I found myself unable and unwilling to paint for 5 years. I am just now getting back up to speed, and am so very thankful for rediscovering the blessing of brush and paint! I currently live in Spring Hill, TN, with my husband, kids, 2 cats, and a hedgehog. As a paraprofessional for special needs students during the day, making time to paint again is a huge priority for me now. Painting feeds my soul, and if I'm successful ~ touches yours as well. Please visit my shop on Etsy : www.etsy.com/shop/artbypauline