My love for nature birthed from my childhood in Arkansas and exploring the outdoors. It was here I had the privilege to teach myself art through drawing wildlife. I laid in the fields, sat in the creeks and hiked through the woods. I grew flowers, swam in the lake, jumped in the leaves and played in the snow. My surroundings were a daily inspiration. Nature was my friend and art was my voice. My family had a simple life which taught me how to appreciate the little things and exercise my imagination often. I didn't watch much television or play video games and there were no cell phones or social media. I grew up playing outside until sunset, building forts and decorating mud pies with flowers. I spent all my free time drawing, writing, reading and taking photos. All the allowance I earned from doing chores would be spent on developing my film or purchasing art supplies. I entered my drawings in the county fair and won ribbons I hung on my bedroom wall. Creating art and sharing it with others made my heart happy. ABOUT THE FOUNDER LEAH TINSLEY
When I was 15 I moved to Tampa. Throughout my teenage years, my twenties and my early thirties I discovered the Greater Tampa Bay area. I learned the thrill of a hockey game, how to survive the interstates of downtown and the beauty of connecting with communities. I experienced a multitude of museums, beaches, festivals and events. I also had the opportunity to travel to many countries and see different cultures. These adventures were different from my childhood in the woods but none the less I grew because of them. I learned how to appreciate other's differences, improve my communication and push myself to grow. Growing up in the woods and then living in the city taught me a lot about balance. And it's this balance that helps me in my art and teaching others. Through nature & some key people in my life, I learned to connect with God and hear his voice. Much of my art is inspired by what he reveals to me and the beauty of his creation. I credit the joy & freedom you see in my art and life to the relationship I have with God. Although I had been drawing since a very young age, I had never really painted anything. It was God who encouraged me to start painting in 2014. It took me around 2 years before I had confidence to share my art. Surprisingly once I started sharing my art, people connected to it and were drawn to the messages within them. The public quickly began to show interest in purchasing my art. This lead me to doing commissions. I did commissions for 6 years while working multiple other jobs to pay the bills. In 2022 I finally decided to take the leap and bring the dream of The Creative Artnest to life! I always knew since childhood that I was called to be a leader, a forerunner , a teacher and an inspiration to many. I knew that owning my own business would allow me the opportunity to have freedom and the flexibility needed to be who I was called to be. Taking this step into the unknown was scary and required a lot of wisdom and hard work, but after only one year of working part-time with my art I was able to leave my corporate job completely and become a full time artist. B
And that is when things began to expand quickly. Within 4 months of becoming a fulltime artist I was completely booked and turning potential customers away. I knew it was time for me to hire other artists to join my team. I always dreamed of creating a company where artists where we would travel together, laugh together and grow together. A team that would feel like a family and that would “PAINT BIG - LOVE BIG” ! Within the first two years we grew from three team members to twelve, and we are still growing. This journey as an artist has given me so many great opportunities. I’ve painted LIVE at events, taught private lessons, creative workshops, painting parties, created art curriculums, participated in art festivals, been featured in galleries, studios and stores. I’ve painted murals, created commissioned pieces for corporations and families, donated art for charities, and have met so many amazing organziations and people . I still have so many goals, dreams and aspirations for whats ahead! I’m currently dreaming of writing a book, creating a YouTube channel , starting a non-profit and one day owning an art studio/art community center. There is a saying that says “The sky is the limit” but to me there are no limits! If you have a dream or calling upon your life, go for it! Learn , Plan and give it everything you have and DON’T GIVE UP! Believe in the value of what you have to give to others and shine your light bright! If you are interested in following my journey you can follow me on the following socia media platforms.
I'm glad you are here! I hope that you will be encouraged by my art and inspired to be a more creative you. We are ALL creative! I look forward to connecting with you.
Some of my favorite things 🙂 worship trees birds chocolate decaf lattes painting in my studio writing in my journal snuggling with hubby traveling the sound of rivers, rain people healing board games chocolate covered fruit spreadsheets (lol, i love organizing)