I was born and raised in the Saint Louis area and I’m currently wrapping up my final semester at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, (in pursuit of a social media marketing certificate). Prior to this, I spent a few years at Missouri State University (Springfield MO), studying and receiving a graphic design degree.

My display is based on the theme of digital art and vector based drawings (shapes made on Adobe Illustrator that make pictures look like a cartoon). I unintentionally became a pro at using the pen tool on this particular software, and prefer using a regular computer mouse to a drawing tablet. This all started when I created a vectorized portrait of my mom once for a class and then everyone wanted one of themselves and their dogs. It’s become a sort of freelance gig. When I got sick of drawing dogs, I moved on to landscapes/architecture: the Alaskan northern lights scene, the windmill and building structure that were based on photos taken in Amsterdam. In addition, I vectorized a selfie I took on my trip to Amsterdam as well. I love vector art for how tangible it seems, like it’s about to step out of the page and come to life.

The only one that isn’t vector based is the Taylor Swift “Speak Now” album cover recreation. I wanted to teach myself how to draw human forms in a more “realistic” way, but I’ve been told she looks more like a disney character here. In addition, I also have an abstract painting I made using real pastels and then scanning it into Adobe Photoshop and adding some effects. I call it, “Heatwave” because it reminds me of those ethereal looking fake puddles you see on hot days.

My hobbies aside from art include: aspiring novelist, long distance runner, and I play a little guitar and sing. In relation to UMSL, I’m wrapping up my last few weeks as a weekly radio DJ at the radio booth, an Arts and Entertainment editor for their Newspaper, “The Current”, and a member of their acapella group, “Vocal Point”.  I’m also a paid singer at a church in Kirkwood, and a member of the “Saint Louis Women’s Chorale” hosted at Maryville University.

Thank you for looking at my display,

Lauren Johns

I am so excited to have my artwork displayed at Espresso Yourself Coffee & Café and hope that you are able to stop in and look at it. I discovered this coffee shop this summer while I was visiting various coffee shops in South City to practice self-love and self-care. I love the concept of the coffee shop and have enjoyed creating artwork to be displayed. I hope that you’re able to come check out my canvas boards and coloring sheets. You’ll find lots of bright colors that are perfect for the Spring and Summer.

Sensitivity to object interaction is at the core of her artistic practice. Focusing on the interplay of
light, color, and object relationship, her works are a celebration of introspection and discovery in
the often overlooked of everyday life.

@colour_me_chloe

Emily spends lots of time making things and continues to go back to art and creating as a comfort. Observing nature and its creatures – seeing the language of a universe that is alive – is a constant inspiration.

She also creates a series of watercolor maps as tribute to the wonderful public lands (and plants and animals they support) explored in her 20-year career as an ecologist and seed conservationist. Revisiting the beauty of these places with watercolor and calligraphy promotes reverence and noticing, allowing others to be inspired, to enjoy, and to take action for the preservation of natural places and the life around them.

Emily grew up in Jackson County in southern Illinois and makes it her current home base while frequently traveling about.

Follow her process on Instagram @emilydrewyates

View more work and drop her a note at www.emilydrewyates.com

Like many people, back in the day, my first name is “Mary”. However, there were already so many Marys in our family that I went by my middle name.

I have always been able to draw. In elementary school, teachers would encourage me by asking me to design school flyers and bulletin boards, which, was just the beginning!

Although I have always been somewhat of an artist, it wasn’t always my occupation. My first job was a swim instructor/lifeguard. I was also a Sunday morning cook for our parish priests. I’ve done other work as a retail salesperson, receptionist, bookkeeper, payroll clerk, and city clerk as well as airline ground crew member and desk agent.

At different times in my life I worked as a commercial artist. I became a certified Bob Ross oil painting instructor, (k-8) art teacher and a teachers’ assistant. Observing children in school, I became a special needs advocate. Now at age 65, I think I finally know what I want to be when I grow-up… a watercolorist.

My art portfolio is very broad. Over the years, employers or people have asked me to create things that I had no idea at first how to accomplish. From 55-gallon drums painted and used as barstools, to painting a logo on the canvas of a covered wagon, to oil paintings for themed suites in a hotel, to a 386’ mural in a middle school cafeteria as well as many commercial art pieces such as menus, table tents, signs, brochures, etc. I enjoy all kinds of art and crafting but my favorite medium is watercolor.

Due to a health issue in 2006, I had to stop working and painting. For over 15 years I wasn’t able to do too much. In 2021, with a medication change, I began to “live” again… which also meant drawing and painting!

I began painting for enjoyment. I paint watercolors from photos, usually taken by family or friends. I paint because I like the subject not because someone asked me to do it. I either paint the picture as I see it or simply use it as a starting point.

I have been painting watercolors for over 30 years and still consider myself to be a student. Especially with my 15-year absence, there are new products and materials that make learning very fun! Generally, watercolor is a very loose and somewhat transparent medium, however, my personal style is more controlled. Try as I might to “let it flow”… I always end up back in control! At this time in my life I have just come to accept that this is my personal style.

Even though my work is representational, I’m more interested in how colors interact with each other in a space.  My intent is to create a mood from the subject.

I am influenced by many artists, such as Bonnard, Matisse, and Paul Klee.