Wendy

I grew up in the suburbs in Southern Maryland outside of Washington D.C.. Creativity was always around me as both of my grandmothers were artist in their own right and my mother, although not an artist per se, was always able to pull out her mad skills when needed. All of them, including our nation's capital, gave me very strong creative roots. Outside of family D.C. gave me the perfect platform to explore other artistic influences. The plethora of galleries at my door became like second homes at times. At 16 I even had the honor of winning a Scholastic Art contest and had my work displayed at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. As a young adult, I spent a lot a time traveling across our beautiful country, as well as abroad in Europe and Northern Africa exploring life and art before settling in sunny Florida. I really love the Daytona Beach area and am happy to call it home for over 20 years now. In that time I've created original paintings, bulbs, prints, painted furniture, CD cover art, ceramic ware, murals and illustrated the children’s storybook, Princess Rain and the Dragon. I love to help people find the artist within and for the past 10 years, I’ve coordinated the Central Florida Girl Scout Art Gala, which is now held during Art in the Park, inside The Casements historical museum. In 2012 I had the honor of painting a time capsule commemorating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts which is on display at The Casements. When I’m not painting, I’m spending time with my husband, four daughters and our many critters.

Anna

Hi! My name is Anna. I have had a passion for art and creativity for as long as I can remember. I grew up on a farm with chickens, pigs, horses, and lots of other animals. My parents were confused when I told them I wanted to take art lessons, but they agreed and from then on, my love for art quickly grew. My goal in life is to one day work for Pixar as an animator. Until then I will continue drawing and painting for the simple joy of it.

Ariana

Hi, I’m Ariana (Ari) for short. Originally from Maryland, I have always been an art enthusiast! From bottle cap crafts to sewing my own clothes I have loved the world of art. I studied Theatre at Towson University and although I went on to take up a career in business, I never stopped doing what I love, ART!!! Painting has always been a love of mine but I really got into it when I saw something in a fancy Home Decor store that I couldn’t afford. Rather than empty my pockets I decided to make an exact replica. Things took off from there. I started creating personalized pieces for my friends and family each with my own twist. Painting on all mediums, glass, canvass, and wood I found myself wanting more. When I discovered Painting With a Twist I found the place where I belonged. I am surrounded by amazing artists with their own unique talents. Together our goal is to inspire others to peruse their passion. If you haven’t signed up yet try a class! Can’t wait to see you there.

Nick

Nick’s the name and art is my game! I’ve been playing around with art since I could hold a pencil. My artistic ability has been nurtured by my family, my friends, and my teachers for which I’m very grateful. Florida born but I’ve been up and down the eastern seaboard, traveling from state to state making a few friends and learning new insights along the way. Many artists have influenced my life and I try to learn more every time I create. Going to exhibits and being able to immerse myself in the world of someone else’s art brings a whole new definition to the work I make each time. There’s much more in life than money and fame so to do something you truly love is what I strive for. Art is one of those very things, though I wouldn’t mind the boost that having either money or fame would provide. If there is a current goal in my art now, its to bring out the creativity and genuine thought of everyone it touches.

C.J.

Hi! My name is CJ. I have been passionate about art since I was little. I grew up doodling on my math notes and having the most fun in my creative classes such as art and music. I started in art lessons when I was 6, painting and sculpting to my heart's content. When I had to decide what I wanted to major in for college, it was a no brainer - ART! Though my main focus is digital art and design, I love painting and drawing. My goal in life is to help create 3D printed prosthetics for animals.

Amara

Hey there, I’m Amara and I am a mixed-media, visionary artist. I studied environmental science at the University of South Florida and have a passion for animals, nature, and creating. I have loved art ever since I was a lil kiddo. No matter where or when, I knew drawing was always there for me. What started out as doodling on my homework, quickly turned into an infatuation with the ability and desire to create original work. Art has taught me that using my imagination has no rules or limits and it has been a huge outlet for self-expression. I have been painting regularly for about five years and it brings me so much joy and freedom. I also love spending time with my dog, dancing, going to the beach, and making and selling my polymer clay jewelry. I look forward to creating together, I can’t wait to paint with you!

Kellie

Kellie is living life full circle. After a long and gratifying career as a counselor, she has returned to the dreams of her youth…a life at the beach, surrounded by art, grounded in nature. Ever a gypsy, an optimist, and a seeker, she is most inspired by the energy of life itself, evidenced in everyday people doing remarkable things. Art has always been a powerful source of inspiration for her, and Kellie is honored to be back in the studio helping people unleash their own creative impulses - allowing remarkable things to unfold. Kellie’s wish for her students? Come for the joy, the fun, the friendship. Leave having opened a new room in your soul. “I make art to show my soul that I am listening.” – Stephanie Bascone

T.J.

I’m T.J. and my adult professional career has taken me down several roads, but none as rewarding and inspiring as this one. When I was brought to Painting With a Twist for the first time, I didn't want to do it. I sat in the parking lot trying to find an excuse to "not try" again. With the help of my bestie, Ashley, I threw caution to the wind and jumped in to the deep end of the pool. Two hours later, at the age of 49, I had created what I was astonished to admit was a pretty darn good painting. Now as a studio owner I've become a little more "carefree" and "daring" in that I've begun to paint and even teach classes. I feel confident in saying that I'm not even in the same zip code as the real artists that work with me, but I do ok. Instructing lends itself to what I do feel I've always been good at.....people. I love to help people find and do what they thought they couldn't. The staff will tell you, I'm full of quotes. (They'll probably tell you I'm full of something else too) One of my favorite quotes is by Henry Ford. He said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, either way, you're right." He was right then and still is today. I love what he said because it reminds us that the only thing standing between what we do and what we can do is simply our willingness to make the attempt. I hope we have the chance to meet and I look forward to welcoming you all to our little slice of heaven. Maybe I'll wind up teaching one of the classes you attend. You've been warned. ;-)