It all started with those boxes of crayons, before ever starting school. I was raised in Palmyra, Pa. my first 18 years. Soon, in my young adult years, spent 5 years in the Cincinnati area, where I won my first art show; that was the confidence I really needed. A few months later, I sold a drawing, reinforcing that this was my direction. Later, I spent 14 years in Florida, which was a neat experience. As much as I love the everglades and it's wonderful wildlife; I missed the mountains, woodlands and the more distinct change of seasons. So, I re-located back to Pa. in 1990.
I moved to Oregon, 15 months ago, and I am in love with this state. Every state has something to offer. Pa is charming, but Oregon is spectacular! At this point in my life, it is just what I needed.
Since I started selling my art in 1975, my art has taken many directions. My lean has mostly been toward cats, big cats, vintage ladies, and lately, BIRDS. I have such a strong love for wild birds. In my earlier works, I did mostly pastels. Soon, I gravitated to painting with acrylics on textiles, a lot of wearable art. Lately, I am painting on canvas board, which seems better for making reproductions, as in prints and cards. I also enjoy painting on wood, especially birdhouses. And even more recently, I have developed a PASSION for bird photography. Birds bring me so much joy, even simply observing them.
Much more lately in the past year or so, I have gotten back to model and fashion photography . ...developing an almost vintage gypsy pin-up look, which has been incredibly fun. It is hard to find willing ladies next door, so often I have used the artist/photographer as model. It is also fun to take an average looking female in the winter of her life and giving her a very glamorous and flirty look. It is not about perfection, but about attitude and self-acceptance at all ages.
My hope is . . . that my art and photography will be uplifting and inspiring to others. That which is from the heart, is priceless. My college studies were in psychology and I have worked a lot with children; we inspire each other. Most recently, I have retired from the system. So now, I am a full-time free-lance artist, photographer and model, which is actually part-time . ..with a lot of soul-gardening.
One more thing: this Vicki Watson and VLee Watson are one and the same person. To keep it simple, my 'art name' is V.Lee.
VLee Watson joined Fine Art America on December 15th, 2013.
