BIO

I picked up my first pastel in 2013, fell in love with the medium and have been painting ever since. I had no formal training in the arts in my formative years because  my artistic endeavors were discouraged by my working class family. The desire to create, which was always there, was pushed aside until well into my adult years. However, most of my traditional jobs I chose required some sort of creativity.

 

After retiring from the corporate world in 2008, I started my own business working with animals. This gave me more time to explore what was truly important to me. I have been able to pair my love of animals and nature with my love of pastel paints, enabling me to have an array of  subject matter to paint, from the many photos I take on my nature hikes during the day.  

 

I live with my husband in North Orange County Ca in a picturesque hillside village that inspires many of my paintings. The beaches are also within our reach, where I can breathe in inspiration for my ocean and beach scenes. When I find a subject that I love, the painting seems to paint itself. 

 

Sometimes I experiment with oil paint , watercolors and mixed media. In addition, I have recently illustrated a children's book titled: A Big Change For Daisy  and am available for other children's book illustrations. I'm also available for pet portraits and other commissioned paintings. 

 

Cynthia Baker -Gusman