Jamie Perkins

Artist Statement

I am inspired by the beauty of the natural world around me, particularly the farmlands and beaches of Florida. My art originates from photographs I take while on nature walks and road trips visiting family.
I am drawn to dramatic skies and scenes I think will make an interesting composition and have dramatic color or movement. I work directly from my photographs, playing with the colors and composition as needed.

Biography

My first art lesson was at age 9, with artist Minnette Webster, of Valrico Florida. I entered my first Art contest with the East Hillsborough Art Guild at eleven and won both First place for a watercolor painting and Honorable Mention for a pastel drawing. I was hooked on Art! I continued to study with Webster until High school. In High School I studied Architectural Drafting, I thought I would pursue a career in Architecture, but I loved creating art and instead completed my BFA in Fine Art at the University of Tampa. I was awarded 'Best of Show' for a piece I submitted at our graduate art exhibit. I continued to study Art at the masters level with the Academy of Art University and also earned my Masters in Education.

I worked in Architectural Drafting for a few years before becoming a Graphic and Scenic Designer for Busch Gardens in Tampa, and Art of The Party, an event company in Orlando. I started teaching Art with Hillsborough County Schools in 2005 and teaching Summer Camps, Adult Classes and Art Spot with the Tampa Museum of Art in 2010. I continue to teach art with Hillsborough County Public Schools and to pursue my own art career.

Exhibition History (CV)