During recess I began "practicing" for that dream ahead - to be an artist! At the tender age of six, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior continued to grow in love with the Lord. I began making cards at a young age, and that began to be a creative outlet using calligraphy and small watercolor illustrations. It was my life-long dream to create hope and encouragement for others through my art.
After receiving my BA Commercial Art from Pensacola Christian College, I went on to teach college art classes, work as an illustrator, and as a graphic designer. After college, got married and then had my three amazing daughters. But life took on a much different course than I had dreamed. I began to go through painful decades of fear, abuse, divorce, widowhood, loss and great hardships with great physical and emotional pain.
Through those terribly hard years, the one thing I did was put my trust in God and His great mercy and grace. As I put my trust in Him, He was faithful and oh so loving. He was true to His Word and did eventually bring me beauty for ashes. He allowed me to finally begin to realize my dreams. The time proved to be eternally rewarding through the many jewels the Lord revealed to me on my journey.
It is now time for me to share those treasures with you! I have written and illustrated those years of learning and gathering in my new published book Color My World.
Currently, I have the blessing of working out of my home studio, S. Pettit Gallery. It is a tiny home studio where I paint, draw, write, create and imagine while surrounded by roses, flowers and herbs. It is a peaceful spot that I get to create many commissioned fine art pieces, art work and teach others how to grow in their art. I gather inspiration from the Creator's handiwork in my herb and flower gardens. I also worked in the floral industry as a professional floral designer and grower over the years.
The Lord has given me the gifts of being an artist who uses my pen and brush to paint the colors and images of the Lord's light, love, and hope. As one to encourage as artist and gardener for over almost 50 years, I get to continue daily to grow in the love and grace of my Lord Jesus Christ. Having a cup of tea with guests seeking prayer or a word of encouragement is a great joy in my life. My three lovely grown daughters and grandson are extra special blessings.
I believe the Lord wants us to share our story. Do you have a story you'd like to share with me about your personal walk with the Lord, or how art and beauty influenced you for the better? I'd love to hear it!