THE FULL STORY OF
DENISE
I love to create beauty! From my earliest memories growing up in Northeastern Ohio, I would spend much of my time with my friends, in nature, with my pets, or simply creating. Later, I studied Art at the Cleveland Institute of Art, but my love of nature is evident from my time at Ohio State University studying Horticulture. Fast forward 12 years and two kids later, I attended the University of Central Florida focusing on Elementary Education and Exceptional Education. My love of people and animals, (especially the comedic dispositions and temperaments I find in both) is evident in my fun pieces. As an educator, my teaching style infuses the awe of creation, a sense of wonder, technique, self-discovery, and of course, humor into everyday life, as well as my work.
My canvases have ranged from designing "outdoor rooms" for clients of large residential neighborhoods to the pages of children's books to large paintings that adorn living room walls. Couple that with a passion for people, teaching, and a desire to see people walk in what they have been created for, is a mix of innovation and seeing people released into who they have been created to be. Identifying people's strengths and tapping into that resource is a natural progression of learning. Bringing encouragement to others just makes for a successful day.
THE SPLOT
Much of my childhood was spent visiting the library with my siblings and mom. We would pour through books, finding adventures to faraway places, deep friendships, and even beauty within the pages of each story. The Big Orange Splot, by Daniel Pinkwater, was one such story. It tells of a tale of Mr. Plumbean, who lived on "a very neat street where all the houses were the same, until one day...a seagull dropped a can of orange paint."
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This serendipitous moment caused a series of events to happen where creativity was released, goals were set, and dreams happened. Many things in life are amazing. Often, we are too busy and they pass us by. It's time to slow down. And, when life gets messy, it's time to create.
VISION
I have realized through the years that the greatest gift I can give the world is the most authentic version of myself and the dreams the Creator has placed inside of me. So often people are looking for something beyond themselves. When we walk out this freedom in our own lives, it releases others to do the same! The invitation is always there.
Come create beauty with me!
CREATIONS
I create my original works in a variety of media - mainly acrylics and watercolors, but I love exploring new media, especially as an Art teacher! When I pull out my painter's palette, I use Liquitex on primed artist canvases. Once my artwork is complete, I scan or photograph the original and upload it onto my computer. Then, I generate art prints in my studio. They're printed on Fine Art Paper using archival inks guaranteed to last up to 250 years—so the art won't fade, and the paper won't be brittle or yellow.
In addition to creating fine art, and freelancing, I also teach art classes at a local school, serve at my church, and even collaborated on illustrating Micah and the Case of Feilebnu, (by Aaron and Ruby Hedin).
I now live on the Space Coast in sunny Florida, where the surf, sand, and ocean constantly beckon me to find a little R & R. Whether you've come to my site to buy art or hire me for freelance work, my main desire is that you become inspired by my art! Thanks again for visiting, and I look forward to hearing from you!
