We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Colie Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Colie below.
Hi Colie , thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember. Art class was always my favorite subject in school, and my passion began in elementary school when I started taking lessons with a local artist. Those small group sessions taught me foundational skills in drawing and painting, but more importantly, they instilled persistence; learning to push through when art felt challenging or frustrating.
In college I majored in art, which gave me the chance to refine my technical skills. One of the most transformative classes I took was a charcoal figure drawing course, where I learned how to shade and capture shadows in ways that brought depth and realism to my work. After graduating, my focus shifted as I pursued a career in education, teaching 3rd grade and earning a Master’s degree in reading development. During that time, my art took a back seat.
When COVID hit, I found the space to reconnect with painting, and I realized how much I had missed it. It reminded me of how integral art is to my identity. I started painting almost daily and transitioned to teaching elementary school art, which brought more creativity into my professional life. After having my son, I made the decision to pursue painting full-time, and it’s been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced, and continue to face, is time. With a young child, it’s always a balancing act to carve out hours for painting, but I’ve learned to make the most of the time I do have. It’s about working efficiently and staying focused on what inspires me.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Painting has always been my passion, it’s the medium that feels most natural to me and allows me to tell stories through my work. Much of what I create is inspired by personal memories and meaningful connections. I enjoy diving into the research behind my subjects, which often becomes part of the creative process. For example, when working with vintage car magazines for my collages, I love uncovering the history of the cars and the communities they’ve inspired. Similarly, my superhero series came to life after immersing myself in the comics, and my landscapes and country-inspired pieces are deeply tied to songs that remind me of family.
Recently, I’ve been exploring mixed media, which has opened up exciting new possibilities. My husband and I have been experimenting with resin to coat my paintings. It’s a challenging material to work with, but I love the sleek, polished look it adds to a piece. I’m also incorporating materials like diamond dust, gold leaf, and cubic zirconia to add unique textures and a touch of sparkle. Creating art is my way of staying grounded, it brings me peace and has supported me through life’s highs and lows.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how my art has impacted the community. Each year, I donate pieces to auctions supporting causes like children’s foundations and arts education programs. It’s incredibly rewarding to know my work can contribute to making a difference.
My work is deeply personal yet meant to resonate universally. My goal is to create pieces that evoke emotion, tell stories, and connect people. Whether through commissioned works or my personal projects, I strive to bring something special to every piece.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Recently, I made a significant pivot in my artistic style, and I couldn’t be more excited about the new direction my work is taking. Before I became a full-time artist, my time for painting was limited to evenings after long days of teaching. My energy was low, so I gravitated toward smaller canvases and subjects that felt familiar and relaxing, like landscapes and flowers. It was a great way to unwind, and as an avid hiker, I found inspiration in the beautiful scenery of Colorado.
However, when I became pregnant, I wasn’t able to hike as much, and I started feeling less connected to my usual subjects. At the same time, I’d always been drawn to modern, contemporary, and pop art but hadn’t had the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. My first experiment with a mixed media piece, a painting of Iron Man, was a turning point. The process was invigorating, and it sparked many new ideas.
Shifting away from being solely a landscape painter has opened up so many more possibilities for me as an artist. I feel more engaged and inspired in my creative process, and this change has transformed not only how I approach my work but also how I think about art. It’s been a refreshing and rewarding journey, and I’m thrilled to see where this new path takes me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I feel so grateful that I get to be a painter and follow my dreams. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is that I also get to also be a stay at home mom and spend time with my son, Briggs. I feel grateful I can be so present in his childhood and experience many amazing moments with him while also pursuing my passion.
Balancing both roles takes effort, but it’s so worth it. I paint during his nap times, wake up early to create, and lean on the support of my family, who help give me time to work on my art. I feel like I am able to be the best mom for my son while pursuing my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colietaylorart.com
- Instagram: @colietaylorart
Image Credits
Mitch Hechsel