Rhonda Sims

A Yellow Bumble Bee, Honorable Mention, 25th Annual
ECAG Winter Art Show, February 2010

I'm self taught, and plan to take courses in the future. My love of art and drawing began when I was very young. Most of the early works I did was for the 4-H contest in my school. Many of my teachers would get me to do the bulletin boards for their classrooms.

As I got older I began to do more paintings. I do most of the portraits in oil. I have done works in acrylic.

My first commissioned portrait was in 1992, for a co-worker; the painting was of her in her wedding gown. She still has the portrait. I was commissioned to do a couple of paintings of photos done in the 19th century. Some of the works I do are for not-for-profits; to use in their fund raisers. I've done several portraits of animals for the Elmore County Human Shelters, “Silent Auctions".

I won third prize in the Rockford Arts and Crafts Show in 2004, for the "Chappell Ray Washem," portrait. The "Red Tail Hawk on Power Pole," won Third place, in the Creative Learning Centers Contest, in 2008.

I'm currently testing my talents further by using the watercolors. I have never tried it, but really want to master the skills of using this medium.

I feel my best works are of the human subjects. I enjoy the challenge of capturing the unique expressions that are seen in each new portrait.

 

    
Boy in Bura                                                                                           Clown in Red and Purple

    
Chappel Ray Washem                                                                               Allison and Bradley