Calvin and Hobbs

Calvin and Hobbs oil on cradled wood panel MEET THE ARTIST: Shea Kotilla Art has always been a constant presence in my life, vying for my attention and trying to make its mark. Despite having only a minimal background in art, having taken only one high school art class, I have always felt a deep connection to the medium. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my third child that I finally gave in to the urge and signed up for a night painting class. That first assignment, painting a portrait of a boy, was a turning point for me. It was then that I realized that art was truly in my bones, and I knew that I needed to pursue it further. However, life took over, and I set aside my artistic pursuits for many years. Despite this, the urge to create never truly left me, and I would often find myself daydreaming about picking up a brush and expressing myself through art. Years later, I finally took the leap and joined a community of eight artists in a shared studio. This creative journey has been nothing short of transformative for me. Every day, I continue to learn and grow as an artist through the discussions, courses, and workshops that I take part in. The process of creating, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final brushstroke, is deeply fulfilling, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my happy place in art. Website: kotilladesigns.com Instagram: @shea_kotilla