Welcome

Thank you for visiting my website. I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina where I lived until 1972 when my husband was transferred to Gainesville, Florida. We started a family owned and operated photography business until 1999. Our sons are continuing on with the family business today. My first painting in 1970 was a Norman Rockwell 16 x 20 Paint By Number. I'm probably one of few who actually finished one. Then we moved to Gainesville and became involved with raising a family, church and helping in the photography business.

After my sons married, I became interested in painting again so I took an oil painting class at the community college. I found out two very important things; I needed more lessons and I loved being creative again. Painting was my outlet and fast becoming my passion. I began taking lessons from anyone I could plus watching TV artist on PBS stations. Eventually I became a Certified Bob Ross Instructor in landscapes, florals in 1999 & wildlife in 2000. This opened up a whole new world for me and introduced me to a slew of friends I never had before.

On January 3, 2001, I began taping a weekly 30 minute TV painting show at Cox Cable in Gainesville, Florida. I painted the wet-on-wet technique with oils. On March 1, 2001 the show began airing; It ran 3-6 months hoping to pick up a sponsor but no luck. So I concentrated heavily on teaching and learning as much as I could.

I've taken classes with Brenda Harris, Dorothy Dent, Joyce Ortner, Bill Bayer, Valerie Stewart, Lynne Pittard, Gary Jenkins, Elizabeth Robbins (Pruitt) and so many other local artists.

I have been painting in oils and acrylics for over 28 years. I even traveled to New Zealand several years ago to introduce the wet-on-wet technique. I presently teach private parties and organizational groups. I offer professional services such as Workshops for "Big Brush" artist, & famous TV artists. Go to the “Visiting Artist” page of my website to see upcoming workshops. Also email me at sswilkin@bellsouth.net.