About Lydia
Free-hands with charcoal and graphite powder to bring out the realism and softness of children and women natural beauty.
I was born in Manchester, Georgia which is a small town with a population of around four thousand. I was raised by loving parents who are also devout Christians. Having 11 sisters and 2 brothers you could say that I come from a rather large family. It was around the age of 4 when my parents found me quietly drawing on a wall in our home. Luckily for me that instead of becoming upset they instantly realized I had a gift. From then on I was encouraged to continue my drawings—but on paper instead.
A few years later I was sitting in church near another member. As I peeked over her shoulder I could see that she was working on a drawing. I was intrigued because up until that point I had never seen another person draw. Due to my interest, she took me under her wings, and under her instruction I was able to begin learning the foundations of art. By middle school I was frequenting the library in search of books that held bold and vivid pictures. I would return home with them and spend hours replicating the pictures I saw inside. My passion for becoming an artist was undeniable and grew the more I learned, observed, and created my own works of art.
After completing high school I attended Lagrange College in Lagrange, Ga. While majoring in graphic design I was able to learn the history of art. The program also allowed me to build on customary techniques by learning to create works of art by way of 2-D design, life drawings (charcoal drawings), water color, acrylic, oil painting, pottery, and adobe photo shop illustrator, etc. Most importantly I learned to explore the simplicities and complexities of expressions created in my own style of artwork. Upon graduation I was able to walk away with a portfolio that represented who I was as an artist. I want others to know that art isn’t just a picture on the wall. It’s everywhere and it has the ability to change someone’s life. It sure changed mines.
I currently live in Columbus, Georgia where I am a free-lance artist. While I enjoy painting just about anything I have a passion for creating portraits. Please click on the “Art” tab for examples. In creating portraits my goal is to infuse them with a sense of who the person is—the light of who they are. My firm belief is that you can read a picture as well as any book. If you are interested in hiring me to create an original piece of artwork please click on the “Contact” tab. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you!