Sometimes it takes awhile to find your bliss. I grew up surrounded by objects of beauty and curiosity in rural horse-country Maryland. My parents had an antique shop that overflowed into our home - undoubtedly the source that I keep going back to for inspiration.
I was in the studio often growing up, but as life would have it, found myself pursuing a career as a teacher, not an artist. I am now quite happy to channel my creativity into my paintings.
I found a brush in my hand again after my move to the Charleston area several years ago. My mentor is Joyce Hall, a master painter that has shaped the careers of many Southern artists. We have a shared love of the new and unusual and the beauty of the horse. My art is eclectic and has no solitary theme...one day I may be working on a surreal monochromatic painting and the next I am knee deep in equine anatomy - happy doing both! I continue to learn and see the world with the eyes of an artist.
Many of my work is equestrian themed and much of it has fox hunting front and center. Growing up I remember watching the hunt - often in my back yard. The pageantry always stuck with me. After my move to Southern Pines, NC I contacted The Moore County Hounds to express interest in walking out with them to catch some resource photos. That morning walk led to morning riding lessons which led to fox hunting and becoming a member of The Moore County Hounds.. I'm a quiet and rather slow hilltopper which suits me fine; it's difficult to focus while being surrounded by the beauty of the hunt. I believe it's added a new dimension to my equestrian work; it's certainly added a whole new dimension to my life, I hope you can see and feel it as well.
I love the process of painting from that first idea to the early sketch and then on to the canvas. Watching my work unfold lifts my spirit. I am in awe of the possibility that lies within a tube of paint. When someone loves my work enough to bring it into their home I am truly humbled. My work has inspired, brought people together and healed. It is a gift to be a part of.
I do occasional commission work. Please contact me directly.
My medium is oil. I use only the highest grade Gamblin oil paints for their rich hues. I paint on canvas, linen and burlap, depending on my mood.
You can see my work in person at the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, 160 East Bay Street Charleston, SC
Follow me on Facebook to see what's currently on the easel...link on the page
Follow my link to Instagram for current works (vgrebeart)