About the Open Easel

About Me

The Open Easel Studio started out as a daydream—a little dream tucked away in my heart that, little by little, is becoming a beautiful reality.

I’ve always loved the idea of creating a space where people can come as they are, set aside the worries of everyday life, and simply enjoy the freedom of creating something. A place where you don’t have to be an artist, know how to paint, or worry about whether your finished canvas looks like anyone else’s. Because here, art is about the process, not the product.

My heart behind The Open Easel Studio is so much bigger than painting. It’s about bringing people together, sharing laughter, making memories, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s about giving ourselves permission to try something new, to let go of the fear of getting it wrong, and to discover a little piece of creativity we may not have known was within us.

I hope that when you walk through the doors of The Open Easel Studio, you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. I hope you laugh a little louder, worry a little less, and give yourself permission to simply enjoy the moment. And whether you leave with a painting you’re proud of, a new memory with someone you love, or just a lighter heart, I hope you leave knowing that you belong here.

Because to me, The Open Easel Studio has never been just about picking up a paintbrush. It’s about creating connection, finding joy in the little things, and making room in our busy lives for something that feeds the soul.

This little dream is becoming a reality, and I’m so grateful you’re here to be a part of it.

Welcome to The Open Easel Studio. There’s a place for you here.

My Artistic Journey

My love for art began long before The Open Easel Studio was ever a dream. It was in high school art class that I first fell in love with realism and discovered the joy of capturing the details, character, and beauty of the world around me through art. That experience sparked a passion that has continued to grow throughout my life.

In 2008, I graduated from Alfred University with a special degree combining the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, further developing my artistic skills and creative perspective.

Today, that same passion continues to inspire me, whether I’m guiding someone through their very first painting experience or sitting down with a blank canvas to create a meaningful portrait of a beloved pet. Art has always been about more than what I can create with a brush; it’s about the stories we tell, the memories we preserve, and the connections we make along the way.

A Love that Deserves to be Remembered

One of the most personal ways I get to share my love for art is through painting your beloved pets. There is something so special about taking a photograph and turning it into a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that captures the personality, spirit, and love we share with our furry companions.

Whether it’s celebrating a pet who fills your days with joy or honoring the memory of one who has crossed the rainbow bridge, I feel truly honored to create something so meaningful.

Our pets hold such a special place in our hearts, and being able to help preserve those memories on canvas is a privilege I never take for granted. Each portrait is created with care, love, and the hope that it will be treasured for years to come.