Oooh that is so pretty! How did he do that? were my thoughts after seeing the watercolor illustrations in the 1980s comic book series, Moonshadow, painted by Jon. J. Muth.
That began my quest to learn and master this elusive medium.
When done well, watercolors feel fresh and energizing. They can be crisp or soft. Loud or quiet. Each pigment has its own personality and voice. The colors flow and layer to make images that are never the same thing twice!
As I play with my puddles of color, I try to relax and trust it will turn into something interesting-- hoping you'll say, "How did SHE do that?"
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I was born in Providence, RI and raised in southeastern New England. After high school, I moved to Omaha, Nebraska courtesy of the US Air Force. My husband claims I was "issued" to him and we decided to stay in Omaha.
Ebay in the 2000s was where I got my feet wet selling art, and then I joined Etsy when it was brand new. When my kids got a little older, I finished my art degree (the same month my daughter graduated high school) and started freelancing as a children's illustrator which then led me to niche the art I offered on Etsy to nursery wall art. In 2017 Little Splashes of Color was born and I rebranded my Etsy shop.
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As of 2026, I'm leaning back into my fine art portraiture, which I've always done, but sold more word of mouth. I plan for this website to evolve as I lean in this direction. I will continue to offer nursery art here and on Etsy, but I hope to share more original art and custom watercolor portraits of children, adults and pets.
Spoonflower (fabric)
EDUCATION
- 2013 BA magna cum laude, Studio Art and Visual Communication, University of Nebraska at Omaha
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- 2016 Watercolor teacher, Fine Arts on 5th, Malvern, IA
- 2010-2013 Watercolor teacher, Kingslan & Gibilisco Studios, Omaha, NE
- 2005-2006 Year Long Project with 4/5 grade Montessori Class at Montclair Elementary School
PUBLICATIONS
- Alumni Awards Portraits, Longwood University Magazine, 2025
- Alumni Awards Portraits, Longwood University Magazine, 2024
- Alumni Awards Portraits, Longwood University Magazine, 2023
- Illustrator, Boxer & Slide by Susan O. Morelli, 2024
- Illustrator, Bee Sweet by Mave Duke, 2024
- Illustrator, Potty Party by Erin Hamel, 2022
- Illustrator, Tomorrow is One Sleep Away, by Susan O. Morelli, 2017
- Illustrator, The Tale of Noel: The Holiday Horse Angel by Kristen Halverson, 2017
- Illustrator, Counting LaKesha by Susan O. Morelli, 2016
- Illustrator, The Tale of Josephine Rose: A Horse’s Magical Neigh by Kristen Halverson, 2016
- Illustrator, The Mouse and the Lion, Ustyme Books, 2014
- Illustrator, The Tortoise and the Hare, Ustyme Books, 2013
AWARDS/EXHIBITIONS
- 2012 Missouri Watercolor Society International Show, National Churchill Museum, Fulton, MO, Quilted
- 2011 Honorable Mention, Missouri Watercolor Society Members’ Invitational, Button Pusher, Boone County Historical Society, Columbia, MO
- 2010 Association of Nebraska Art Clubs, Inc., Honorable Mention, Daphne
- 2009 First Place, Portraits, Bellevue Artists Association Silver Palette Show, Uninspired
- 2008 First Place, Portraits, Bellevue Artists Association Silver Palette Show, Thirsty
- 2007 Best of Show, 8th Annual Miniature Show, Prairie Winds Art Center, Grand Island, NE, Cydney II
- 2007 Creative Catalyst Productions, Summer Art Show (online), Best Use of Color & Best Composition, Candy Girls
- 2006 First Place, Still Life, Bellevue Artists Association Silver Palette Show, Cider Apples
- 2006 First Place, Portraits, Bellevue Artists Association Silver Palette Show, Carnival Girl
- 2002 J. Doe II, Public Project in Omaha, NE (Kiddoe purchased by Omaha Home for Boys)
AFFILIATIONS
- Associate Member, Women In Watercolor, 2026
- Gallery Eppley, Eppley Airport, Omaha, NE 2016-2025 (closed for airport remodel)
- 2015--2018, Fine Arts on 5th Gallery, Malvern, IA
- 2011--2013, Associate Member of the Missouri Watercolor Society
- 2009--10 President Bellevue Artists Association, Bellevue, NE
PARTIAL CLIENT LIST
- Longwood University, VA
- Musikgarten
- Big Busy B’s, Fremont, NE
- Premier Kites
- Society of Jesuits London
- The University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Ustyme Books
