We’re so excited to be back this week with another artist spotlight! Shelly Deriso is a fine artist based out of Atlanta, Georgia. After retiring from the stressful mindset of corporate America, she rekindled her childhood passion for art.

What’s your creative specialty?

Abstract art using acrylics, pastels, pencils, and charcoal.

How did you start?

I was always artistic as a child but took a traditional business route in college.  I “retired” from corporate America 14 years ago and started taking painting classes again.  I began selling my work in outdoor arts festivals and various artist markets.  I signed on with The Gregg Irby Gallery in Atlanta, GA before COVID and never looked back.  

How do you gain/gather inspiration? What do you do to get recharged? 

I am mostly an intuitive painter but I get palette inspiration from photos of nature and beautiful interiors.  I find that keeping up with my meditation and kundalini yoga practices keep me charged and connected with my creative self.  (And throwing some Stevie Nicks on never hurts either )

What’s your favorite thing about creating? 

My favorite thing about creating is sitting back and looking at a finished painting.  It’s such a sense of accomplishment, especially when I’ve struggled to get a piece “just right”.

What advice would you give your younger creative self? 

Paint more!  Painting sporadically does not work for me.  The magic starts to flow when I paint everyday.  I used to get really frustrated when I wasn’t producing anything- now I know- as long as I put the time in the work will come. 

Check out Shelly’s work on herwebsite andInstagram and tell her thanks for sharing her answers with us!

Stay tuned for more artist spotlights in the coming weeks! Be sure to sign up for our texts so you don’t miss an opportunity to learn about some awesome artists who inspire us! Text AEBLOG to 855-850-2937.