Michael Oher and artist Lee Nabors

 My journey into the world of art has been, and continues to be, a daily blessing that is encouraged and supported by both family and friends. I recognize that it is God given talent that allows me to successfully pursue this career path. With this in mind, I begin every project with prayer asking for the Lord’s special blessings on my work and on those who will ultimately own the painting or drawing.

 I enjoy working with pastels because they are the closet medium to “pure pigment.” I love the sticks of color and although the few pastel instructors I have studied with frown on this practice, I want to get my hands in it, to feel the medium and physically experience the transition from stick to paper.

 To begin a composition I surround myself with a table full of beautiful colors – pencils and pastels - paper and an easel. Soothing music or the sounds from the television in the background help to establish a creative atmosphere. Once I sit down to work, I lose all track of time. This happens even if I just walk through the room where a painting or drawing is in process. I can pick up a pastel to do just one little thing and suddenly hours may have passed.

 I suppose my favorite things to draw are close-up, still-life compositions of fruits and vegetables though I am currently studying landscapes painting and thoroughly enjoying the adventure.

 I also paint portraits of both people and animals. Painting a portrait has a special comfort to the work – each portrait is so different as I try to capture the subject’s unique qualities and yet the process is always similar. I like to work from old and new photographs. Some of my absolute favorite experiences have been digging through old photos with clients and being able to artistically revive their precious memories and experiences in a pastel portrait. Pastels lend themselves well to portraiture because of the soft, beauty conveyed through this medium.

 All of my work is very personal. Part of me goes into each painting or drawing and I sometimes find it hard to part with my work. Yet I realize that along with the opportunity to do something I love so much, comes the privilege to share my art so that others might find inspiration and motivation in it.   

Current Memberships

Southeastern Pastel Society
Alabama Pastel Society
Portrait Society Of America
Cecilia Beaux Forum
Carnegie Visual Art Center
Bay River Art Guild 


                       
"Silverbells"
Selected for the 2009 SPS Members Exhibition

 "Reflection At The Museum Of Modern Art"
Selected for the 2009 APS Members Competition
Winner of the Heilman Design Award

"Grandmother's Salt Cellars"
Selected for the 2009 APS Members Competition




 "Three Of A Kind"
  Selected for the 2008 SPS International Competition