Welcome to my happy art.

I have no art training, don't know 'the rules', and haven't been drawing or painting my whole life. I do know I'm not alone in spending a lifetime dreaming of being an artist while feeling like an inferior outsider with imposter syndrome. Thanks to my incredible family and friends, I’ve learned if you want to do art, you can and you should. Creating is a basic human need, a mental health miracle-worker, and no matter which real-life or imaginary critics are in your head discouraging you with the usual anti-artist rhetoric, none of it is true. Your art IS good. You CAN make money through your art. Being creative is a vital part of EVERY job. And comparison is the thief of joy. Just make your art.

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​I've always been creative but had my nose against what I called the 'real art' window. There’s no such thing, and if you stop listening to your inner critics, you’ll find it’s really an open door. Just walk in. The 'art world' is a made-up place, a reflection of our nightmares. We build it up into an unconquerable, impenetrable fortress and then believe has all the answers, is worth joining, and will legitimize us. There might be people and places like that, but they’re few and far between. Instead, surround yourself with those who are painfully supportive, enthusiastic, and genuine in their offers of help, their enjoyment of your art, and their belief that you ARE an artist. Listen to them while they shout your mental critics down. If you're going to give any outside voice power over the needs of your soul, let them be those who cheer for you loudest and listen carefully.

 

​I picked up a paintbrush at 40 and fell in love with how painting made me feel. Since then, I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my art mentors, having studied with Fine Artist Dianna Fritzler, Ceramic Artist Lori Twardowski-Raper, Fine Artist Mary Lynn Baird, Fine Artist Cedar Keshet, and Stained-Glass Artist Roni Schwinn.

 

When a smile appears on the faces of those looking at my work, I’ve done my job. I just make happy art to bring myself and others joy, love, and light.

 

Outside of painting, I love spending time with my husband, family, friends, and three rescue dogs. I also enjoy scuba diving and travel. As a proud member of the Grand Valley Creative Alliance Board of Directors, I aspire to be a cheerleader for other creatives who feel as I once did. Because I love dogs so much and because of the homeless pet crisis, I donate 10% of the profits from the sale of my work to local shelters and animal welfare projects. You can find my work in groovy Fruita, Colorado at the incredible Canvas 35 Gallery inside the Farm Building.

 

I proudly serve on the Grand Valley Creative Alliance Board of Directors, and aspire to be a cheerleader for other creatives who feel as I once did. My network got me here and I love making connections. Sign up for my newsletter (always happy, never spammy) or reach out and let's be art friends! 

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Thank you for visiting!

Leigh