I have always had an appreciation for art and wanted to paint, but being a stay-at-home mom of three children, my days were filled with their activities and volunteer work. I was self-taught until 1990s when I began studying with Len Slesick. From Len I learned to use pastels and oils, and I love both of them to this day.
From two of my favorite artist that I have studied with, Maryland Yankee and Guido Frick; I have learn that your best subjects are in nature, and your best studio is outdoors. How can we improve on what God has provided? Other than Len Slesick, Maryland Yanke and Guido Frick, I have studied with the late Ben Konis, Ann Templeton, Mike Mahon, Ramon Kelly, Rich Nichols, Cindy Roofe, and Chuck Olson.
Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. The Santa portraits are each original and some of them are portraits of certain people in which I add the typical Santa features - beard, mustache, rosy cheeks and nose.
In 2004 I opened one of the galleries in Sunset Center. People from all over the country are talking about what Ann Crouch has done at Sunset Center by turning it into Sunset Galleries. Panhandle Art Center (PAC) and the Amarillo Art Institute (a nonprofit art school) I love being a part of it all.
Because I wasn’t an art student in college, and had trouble finding the availability of art lessons for many years, I was excited when Amarillo Art Institute opened and began giving lessons and workshops. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Amarillo Art Institute.
After marrying my husband Greg, we moved to his hometown, Canyon, Texas where we have lived for 35 years. We have three grown children; Melissa, Abby, and Brian. It is a great place to live and much inspiration can be derived from the beautiful sunsets out my front door or the short drive to Palo Duro Canyon.
You will always find me at my gallery on the first Friday of every month at the First Friday Art Walk from 5 – 9 PM. Throughout Sunset Center you will find food, entertainment, and every type of art you can imagine. It is a good time to experience some amazing art and visit with the more than 50 artists.
