In April of 2017, out of the blue, I decided to watch an old Bob Ross episode. Do you remember the soft spoken oil painter who appeared on Public Television in the 70’s and 80’s? He painted happy little trees and when he washed his brush, he “shook the devil out of it” hehe… Well, I was searching for something new to watch and saw that there were many of his shows available on Hulu so I grabbed a snack and hit play. After that, I watched another, then another…
I know that I am among many, many artists who has been truly inspired by Bob Ross and I decided to give painting a try. I purchased a few brushes, acrylic paints, and canvases. I just knew that I was going to create a masterpiece! It didn’t take me long to realize that as inspiring as he was and still is, the difference between the oil paints he used and my acrylics was just too much to make it work. My little trees were just not very happy! I had to move on, but to where or what? I was very determined, so sure that painting was going to be my “thing”.
I read, studied, and practiced with art books while continuing to search for answers online about certain techniques. I turned to YouTube which is full of people who are willing to share every little tip, trick, and lesson they know, including some amazing artists.
I stumbled upon Cinnamon Cooney then soon after fell in love with Master Acrylic Artist, Ginger Cook who also happens to be Cinnamon’s mom. (The spice girls!) There are a few others that I’ve learned from and paint with occasionally but it has been their lessons that have shown me how to mix the colors I need while working with only a few tubes of paint (aka a limited pallette), how to create atmospheric perspective, how to create realistic branches, the importance of using a vanishing point, brush strokes, and so much more.
For fine art, I am currently a member of Ginger’s online academy and continue to grow and learn from her lessons as well as receive personal coaching from her directly. Ginger has a student art board on Pinterest where she will post the very best artwork from her students and I am honored to say that she had posted 6 of my paintings within my first year of painting! It just amazes me to think of all the people she inspires every day.
It is a bit hard to believe but I’ve actually sold nearly all of my paintings so far. Many of the paintings were from tutorials, and many were commissioned and original paintings. This website showcases only my original artwork but I post pictures of all of my artwork mainly on Facebook and some on Instagram so please follow me if you’d like to see more paintings and other projects.
I am happy to talk about commissioned requests and am also happy to answer any questions you may have about my paintings, prices, etc… So please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here or via my Facebook page.
In January 2018, I began instructing for paint parties. These parties can be held anywhere! I am licenced to teach many of Cinnamon Cooney’s designs as well as Social Artworking.
Please feel free to contact me anytime!
Sheri Maines 