The focal point of my life has always revolved around art; paints, markers, crayons, pencils, and paper are things I've almost always had in my hands. I know that my parents didn't exactly enjoy the mess of color I'd leave on the walls or the pages of scribbles covering the floor during my childhood. But it's safe to say that I have always had a fascination with art, and the importance that comes with it. Even now, looking at clouds, a person, the way the light hits an object, I immediately think of how a painting could be made. I think these ideas are a main reason that I’ve always gravitated towards paints over other art mediums. I enjoy oil painting, watercolor, and most of all, acrylic paint. Being able to layer colors quickly with little drying time makes it that much easier to bring a painting to life. I’m always planning new paintings or trying to capture real life as how vibrant I picture it. Living at the edge of such a small town and being out in nature has influenced my love for painting and color. I’ve always enjoyed small town life, it’s all I’ve ever known, and it has influenced my artwork in an important way. I’ve always liked hearing stories from my parents and grandparents and looking at old photos and making art from them. Both family and community have become big elements of inspiration for my art. Currently I’ve done a few murals in my town, one on the water well and one on my church's food bank. It’s so exciting to see color being brought to plain walls and it brings them to life. I’ve also done a lot of still-lifes, most commonly of my grandparents' house in its natural element. I feel that showing real life situations and moments in paintings, without dressing them up, touches people more emotionally than aesthetically pleasing scenes. Art has always been my passion, I’ve never easily clicked with anything else; it’s what I know and will forever love to do. I want to be able to move others with the color and feelings I try to portray with my artwork. I love painting because anyone can do it, even with cheap paint you can make masterpieces. It’s not limited to certain people, painting is for everyone and can be done anywhere, on canvas, paper, walls, 3-D items, etc. I’ll always be thankful for having the passion to paint; as It's given me something to try for and to accomplish even during difficult times.