How long have you been painting?

Basically, since I was old enough to hold a brush.

What mediums do you work in?

Mostly acrylic and oil these days, but I dabble in gouache and watercolor, too. I've also worked with ink, pencil, pastels, photography, and digital art. Off the canvas, I knit, crochet, weave, spin yarn, and occasionally dance.

Are you interested in participating in my (publication, gallery, show, event)?

Maybe! Shoot me a message with the details and we can chat.

Where did you go to art school?

I didn’t! I’m largely self-taught, though that phrase doesn't really cover the many wonderful people who have taught me different techniques over the years. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What’s your day job?

I'm a data analyst for a large pharmacy chain.

What’s your educational background?

I have a BA in English and a Master’s in Health Informatics.

Do you work for free/exposure/experience?

Nope. I occasionally volunteer my time or donate a piece to a charity auction, but otherwise, absolutely not.

Who are your artistic influences?

Van Gogh is my biggest influence, that should be clear! I also studied the Impressionists (Degas and Monet specifically) early on, and that way of seeing the world has stuck with me. Being from Pittsburgh, I can't help but be influenced by Andy Warhol, pop art, and graphic design. Lately, I'm all about "Dopamine Art"—anything that brings me joy.

Do you do political art?

All art is political on some level; it's baked into how you see the world. I create based around my mindset at the time, and sometimes my mind is on politics.

Do you do NSFW art?

Painting nudes is a classic part of portraiture, and I have done it many times. It's not my default, but I have, and I will again in the future.

What advice do you have for new artists?

1. Keep doing it. Practice is the only way to get better. Try to do something creative every single day, even if it's just a doodle on a Post-it.

2. Keep learning. There are endless tutorials and materials out there. If one instructor doesn’t connect with you there are thousands of other creators just waiting to show you their tricks. The most successful artists that I know never stop learning from other artists around them.

3. Chase what you think is cool. If you see something and think, "I wish I could do that," give it a shot. Especially if you're not good at it yet! It can be easy to get caught up in the minutia of art and forget that the purest drive is the desire to make something cool.

4. Don't sweat the dry spells. Everyone gets art block or life stress. Come back when you're ready. In the meantime, try a small, low-pressure activity like a coloring book to keep your hands moving.