Bring On The Art

I started Bring On The Art® at first to publish my own coloring books. As I sold them, I was astonished at how many people kept saying about themselves “I like coloring books because I can’t draw/paint/create, but I love art.” This fired me up. I believe that everyone is an artist, and everyone has their own creative voice that just needs time to be nurtured and discovered. Now, Bring On The Art® has evolved into not just digital and physical publishing, but online and in-person painting and art classes.At first teaching would happen by accident at my work. I used to be a Creative Director in advertising, and my specialty was digital painting, compositing, and creating new art. I found myself coaching designers on techniques I enjoyed using, then they took what I gave them as a starting point to create something all their own. Seeing their “Aha!” moment was what did it for me, and I realized that my style of teaching was guiding them and supporting them as they found their own way, with some tips along the way. It was a deeply fulfilling to see that spark of independence into creative exploration.I have been teaching art in classrooms, rec-centers, or online on-and-off for several years now. However this is the first time I have had a regular location. I am now at the Camarillo Art Center in Camarillo, California. I am so honored they opened up their space for me to host Watercolor Wednesdays 3 Wednesdays a month. I want to make #WatercolorWednesdays a thing, whether you follow my YouTube channel, paint with me in person or do your own thing on your own time. It’s the middle of the week, and stress is high. Watercolor Wednesday is designed as a midweek reset for your nervous system, to get in touch with your emotions through color and have a creative outlet in the middle of a busy schedule. You are allowed to put aside time for yourself and your spirit. It’s a low stakes class with templates you can trace if you like, or dive into a coloring page. You can follow along with the class or take the two hours and make your very own, customized mess. There are no mistakes. Materials are provided.I graduated from Otis College Of Art And Design in Communication Arts in 2004 with a double major in Illustration and Graphic Design. I began working in advertising during the day, while doing my illustration, painting, and sculpture evenings and weekends. I became a creative director, leading visual campaigns for the Entertainment industry for Disney, Warner brothers, Universal and Dreamworks to name a few, while doing gallery shows for my art. Then after almost 20 years, I quit my advertising career. I wanted to focus on my family, my art, and my well-being. I had worked too much, too hard, for too long, and it was taking a toll on my body and mind. I began focusing on art for mindfulness not just for myself, but for my child who I began to Homeschool. Bring On The Art® became more than just art and guidance I created for others, but a desire to encourage creative expression for well-being for all spectrum of minds.My personal art has won several awards over the years, I have been published in physical books and online magazines for my paintings as well as my sculptures. I’ve had solo shows in California, been a featured artist at the Sacramento Museum, and been in group shows from Los Angeles to London. And if you want 2 hours of respite, a nervous system reset and to reconnect with your emotions and creativity, come check out a #WatercolorWednesday at the Camarillo Art Center