is in the journey itself. Through the struggles we learn what path we want to be on & what to do differently. Art & music speak to people differently, but I hope to share beauty, color, & a positive perspective with my work. If people’s hearts are touched, their loads lightened, & smiles bubble up, then I have succeeded! What are the areas you would like to take a visitor in Cheatham County? I would most definitely suggest a morning of kayaking on the Harpeth River, specifically The Narrows of the Harpeth because the 3 hour loop makes it easy to put
I raised my two sons, now finally returning to the arts & discovering my love of color. My life partner, Dwayne Becknell, has been incredibly instrumental in my success as an artist, as he never doubted my abilities & continually & lovingly pushed me out of my comfort zone, always having my back, whilst wearing out his own setting up my shows. I thank my sons, Logan & Vance, for giving me honest, immediate feedback on each project, providing new perspectives, for modeling their hands for me many times, & for learning to cook for themselves when I was busy painting. Who knew that a few hours spent recovering from surgery, learning to paint with my sweet friend, Julie Tucker, would turn the key & get the engine started? And that an afternoon with Luci Dickinson, being encouraged to draw in color for the first time, would get me going down a path I would later fully embrace & actively pursue? A huge shoutout to these wonderful women! I must thank all of my friends & neighbors who have supported & encouraged me, buying my artwork, coming out to my shows, commissioning drawings & cheering me on. Brenda Boyd, you have been essential in organizing my website, designing my business cards, & prompting me to post progress when I have immersed myself in a project. There are so many more beautiful souls who have encouraged me along the way & inspired me to continue. I am utterly grateful to all of you!
stress to my already very busy life. Instead, I decided to set up my easel in the kitchen & work on canvas as life allowed. What to paint? My husband
in & take out. We’d smell the sweetness of the Mimosa trees as we float the current, watch the blue herons take off to look for fish, see the turtles sunning themselves, hear the hawks overhead, escape the bustle of everyday life, feel the sunshine & wind on our skin, & connect with each other & the nature around us. After coming home to clean up, we’d head to the Fillin’ Station, our local bar & grill, for a hard cider or beer & the best burgers in middle Tennessee. We would relax on the outdoor patio & hear amazing, talented friends & neighbors, who also happen to be professional musicians, create magic with their voices & instruments. I am deeply grateful
suggested I choose a theme. I love children, nature, music, our planet ,
people….What do I want to convey? Joy, life, color! What message do I want to communicate? We all have our struggles, but I did not want to dwell on dark issues. I wanted my art to celebrate life, uplift others, & inspire many! Most of my neighbors are skilled & talented musicians who were willing to let me study their hands & instruments. Music adds depth & color to life, & movement to music was really my first “language”, being a dancer. Everything aligned beautifully with my outlook on life & it was just a natural fit to begin painting a music series. I just kept creating when I could. Once I had developed a recognizable style & I had several paintings, I participated in a few local events. From these experiences, & from talking with other artists willing to share their advice, I was encouraged & learned that everyone’s journey is unique. We never really arrive at any final destination labeled “Success.” The beauty
to my loving, generous parents, John & Sandy Peterson, for their dedication & support in my pursuit & passion of the performing arts in my youth, fostering my love of music & movement. I am eternally thankful for the gift they provided in allowing me to work towards a degree in Studio Art & for their patience throughout the decades while
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