Flamingo Fam by Rhonda Sassano in Kannapolis

Loving watercolor the best, I am nevertheless constantly inspired by creativity in almost any form, even just flowers along the sidewalk can make me stop and take a photo for later. I genuinely love to create works that speak to others about love, kindness, and especially God’s love towards us. I often choose to use watercolors because that’s what I’m most familiar with, but I also sketch, sew, draw on the sidewalk, spray paint shelves, color, crochet, make lists (did you know making a list is actually an act of CREATIVITY?!?!) I also love to help others figure out what exactly they want, and how to accomplish it. So watercolor is my first love, but really, my very first love is playing piano. But that’s another story. I also find joy in using craft paint, glitter, tiny brushes, not flimsy ones, though, with bristles that are too pliable. I once painted a detailed mural with a two inch angled Wooster paint brush with natural bristles. Nothing wimpy about THAT brush! I also love to create texture in sketches and in paintings. Sometimes the observer doesn’t see the texture or the 3D effect coming, because it’s a watercolor, after all, and their amazement is just… so fulfilling! I’ve been commissioned a few times, for particular works, and I’ve painted some logos, too, post-design process. Some of my favorite works are hanging in my church. I did a version of the forgiven man, being held by Jesus, still holding the hammer and a nail. I still look in wonder at how all the wrinkles in his shirt turned out so….realistic. I’ve painted on rocks, big and tiny, everything from balloons to ladybugs. My newest interest is painting simple items on canvas sneakers, and teaching others how to do it, too. That is a huge joy for me, to have opportunity to instruct others and watch their delight at their own success! I guess I didn’t give you any history about myself, did I. I’m 52 (now) on the outside, but in my heart, I am still a young, adventurous 32! I’ve been sketching since I was 6, and started exchanging watercolor lessons for piano lessons from a friend in NJ in 2000. I fell in love with that medium the first time I dripped color onto wet paper and wondered where it would go… 22 years later, I don’t have a huge portfolio, but I have 3 grown kids, a husband whom I ADORE, and lots of friends, places lived, travels taken, and family experiences from which to draw on now that life is a bit slower. Not too much slower, but just a bit, I’m not a grandma yet, but that is next on my list! And I imagine I’ll find time to paint and sew and crochet and sketch and garden and craft with a little one in my arms or at my feet, because I love to be creative, and I love helping others discover their own creativity. That’s how the Father made each one of us, in His image, and He is definitely creative! Just look at you!