My Resume
I am a Christian who happens to be an artist, photographer and a teacher. I am designed by the Master Artist, and that never ceases to amaze me. I was created to create. I began a career in art in the digital realm of Graphic Arts and animation in 1997, and later returned to Pensacola Christian College (PCC) where I finished my Bachelors and Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art in 2012.
While at PCC, I had the opportunity to teach in different art disciplines such as drawing, painting, photography and graphic design at the collegiate level. Upon moving back to North Carolina, I have co-owned a studio, and I have recently began working in the Cumberland County School System teaching elementary art.
I love teaching as much as I love creating original art. I want to help the next generation to build a strong foundation in art, so that they can be equipped to create the things that they were designed to create.
Awards:
2021 2nd Place Landscapes – Sanford Brush and Palette Show, Sanford, NC
2021 Honorable Mention Monochromatic – Sanford Brush and Palette Show, Sanford, NC
2021 Honorable Mention Portrait – Sanford Brush and Palette Show, Sanford, NC
2021 3rd Place Still Life – Sanford Brush and Palette Show, Sanford, NC
2021 3rd Place Structural – Sanford Brush and Palette Show, Sanford, NC
2021 Honorable Mention Waterscapes – Sanford Brush and Palette Show, Sanford, NC
2019 The Hilary Meehan Plein Air Award Southport Plein Air Award, Southport, NC
2018 Award of Excellence – Arts Council of Carteret County OPA Paintout, Emerald Isle, NC
2018 Pure Indulgence SPA Award – OPA Plein Air Paintout, Emerald Isle, NC
2018 Honorable Mention – Jax Arts Plein Air Paintout, Jacksonville, NC
2017 Honorable Mention – Jax Arts Plein Air Paintout, Jacksonville, NC
2016 Second Place – PWC Public Works, Fayetteville, NC
2016 People’s Choice Award – OPA Plein Air Paintout, Emerald Isle, NC
2014 Best in Show, Honorable Mention & Mayor’s Award – Annual 2D Competition/Exhibit, Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville, NC
2014 Honorable Mention – Cary Town Plein Air Event, Cary, NC
2013 Award of Excellence – Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Show, Annapolis, MD
2013 Honorable Mention – Moore County Fine Art Show, Southern Pines, NC
2012 Honorable Mention – Annual National 2D Competition/Exhibition, Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville, NC
2012 3rd Place – First City Quayside Gallery Competition, Pensacola, FL
2011 Best in Show Commencement Art Contest. Pensacola, FL
STUDIO PAINTINGS: I like to work in the studio on paintings that I would like to spend a little more time on. I may begin the painting from life, but finish the piece via photograph. These paintings can take from 10-30 hours depending upon the subjects.
PLEIN AIRE | STILL LIFE: Since the camera cannot capture the colors and lighting that the eye can, an artist studies the subject for around 2 hours at the time and paints directly from life.
Plein air means “open air” and are paintings completed within 2 hours. If the painting is not complete, the artist can return at the same time on a different day prayerfully with the same weather conditions.
DRAWINGS: Charcoal Drawings are one of my favorite types of drawings. I love the texture and the brush strokes that can be achieved by brushing charcoal powder. There is something nostalgic about black and white images and rendering in charcoal.
Elementary Art Lessons
The Elementary Applied Art Pedagogy class gave a lot of insight on different approaches and structures for teaching art to elementary aged children. There were ideals on developmental stages of children that I had not considered before. Nancy Smith offered a wealth of information and guidance on observations of what the children are thinking and doing at different ages. Whether the phase of just getting a feel for the paint or noticing the beginning phases of observational drawings and implementing details in their work, it was nice obtain more understanding from the class especially this is my first time teaching at the Kindergarten level.
Because I tend to be more goal and project driven, the class assignments were also helpful as well as writing the reflections to take the time to process the materials as well as how I could approach certain projects and introduce certain mediums to young children. For example, maybe allowing time to explore certain mediums before beginning the project. In Elliot Eisner’s chapter on The Role of Art and Play, he mentions how exploring or playing with the mediums allow the children to see what the materials are capable of. (Eisner, n.d) This also gives the students to process the mechanics of the medium as well before applying it to their finished work.
I do see how it is important to allow time to explore the materials, but in addition to the exploration it is important to lay a strong foundation. As educators, I also feel the importance to equip the students with knowledge in the fundamentals of art. There is freedom in learning at a classical level. In the classroom, I often have many students ask how to do something. I teach them the fundamentals, so that when they ask me the how-to’s, I can refer back to the principles that I had already taught them and ask them how they can use that tool to accomplish their goal. It is teaching them to be problem solvers. As artist, we all have our own styles and passions, and as educators we do not have to teach that. We can however teach the fundamentals which equips the artist to express themselves in the style that naturally comes out and create an environment where the student can perform the task. I have seen many students apply a principle to their own work. By showing the students techniques, they have had their “aha” moments and used the technique to create their own art.
Applied Art Education Pedagogy: Secondary Education Lessons
Learn to draw realistically.
Look for lines in photography.
Create sculptures larger than life.
A Project for All Ages
Lines of Motion Van Gogh Style
2nd Grade students explored various types of lines within Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. They used his style to create their own unique background for a pumpkin while studying patterns.
Line Lessons Combined
Lines Powerpoint
EdTPA Planning Commentary
Lines With Movement
Students use “Bob” the shape guy to create a figure in motion. The students render Bob and then use lines to create movement around the character.
Natural Curve – 5th Grade
Students learn to create a natural curve using straight lines. This project helps them to see the straight lines when looking at rounded objects such as faces or fruit. It allows them to use their pencils to identify the edges with their pencil to help them translate what they are drawing more accurately.