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 Pixels.com Licensing on December 15th, 2013.