About Kayla Tomlinson 

I’m an artist based out of Stephenville Texas, known as the cowboy capital of the world. I came to Stephenville to study at Tarleton State University and found the love of my life. I settled in Stephenville and let life happen. My art journey began in 2021 during the pandemic. I soon learned that my hands and mind needed to be “busy”. I picked up an old dollar store set of watercolors and started painting. My art was of course terrible then, but the feeling it gave me was amazing. Every new piece of art was a new opportunity to create something better than the last piece of art. I had my “AHA” moment in life. I found what I truly loved to do and I wanted to get better at doing it. Fast forward to now, I am creating things I never would have imagined I would be able to create, and I am expanding into the world of selling my art. Despite the change, I still feel the same way I did when I sat down to paint 5 years ago. Euphoria!!! I catch myself looking at unfinished art pieces in amazement, wonder, and I feel the desire to sit down and work some more on them. My day job allows me to think up and plan new paintings, and my evenings are filled with precious time spent with my family and quiet painting meditations by my husband’s side.

Past and Influence
I grew up in Clifton Texas, home of the renowned artist, Martin Grelle. I went to school with his children and attended the church he went to. Mr. Grelle was my youth minister, and I learned some of the most important lessons in life from him. As a graduation present, Mr. Grelle gifted me a marble kaleidoscope egg, and it included a message that I have lost, but still remember the gist of what it said. It said something along the lines of, “look through this egg at different times of life. Life will always be different but remember to see the colors and love the changes.” I have embraced that message for the last 20 years. My life is always changing but I choose to embrace every change with enthusiasm and an eagerness to know what comes next.   Martin Grelle’s art was a huge influence to me, but his character and life lessons have been more influential.
I frequented the old college in Clifton Texas now home to the Bosque Arts Center for different things when I was young. The building was used for my tumbling lessons, and plays, and it was always fun to sneak around looking at the art displayed in all the nooks and crannies. I remember seeing the art of Mr. Grelle and other artists and especially was enamored by the sculptures. My father was a well-known wood carver in the 90’s and I have a special place in my heart for sculptures.  My parents collected the art of Otho Stubbs from Turkey Texas, and his art still graces the walls of their home in Meridian Texas. His beautiful paintings in pastel pinks and blues featured cowboys and Indians, and I grew to love Texas’ beauty because of his art. Most of the art I grew up seeing depicted cowboy art and most of my art comes straight from my heart with my country raising and influence. Some day I may delve into other mediums but right now I am enjoying watercolor and its challenges. I can see oil painting and sculpting in my future.

Why buy original art?
I believe that when you buy art made by an artist you are buying a part of the artist. You can see the world in the way the artist sees it. I think that is why I love art produced by children so much. They see the world in simple terms, often colorfully and full of promise and hope. That is why it is such an honor for anyone to display an artist’s work in their home. I don’t create art that I think other people will collect; I simply create what I am feeling. Right now, I am wishful for spring, and therefore my art is full of spring promises.

Future
Who knows where my art will be in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years and so on. I know I will still be painting and enjoying every minute of it. I have a background in education and can see myself teaching workshops to other emerging artists. I also have long term goals that will take me some time to achieve. I will earn my place in the Prix de West at the Cowboy Heritage Museum. It’s just a matter of time and determination.

Memberships
I am a member of the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council in Stephenville Texas. My original art can be seen and purchased at many of their galleries spread out around the community of Stephenville.  I am also a member of the Lake Granbury Art Association and will be submitting art into their many shows. I am proud to give my time and efforts to these organizations to help bring art into our communities.

Commissions
I can paint just about anything you have in mind. From a vacation landscape to a portrait of a person or a pet. You can contact me for information on commission work you would like to have me do. I’m up for any challenges and can offer fair pricing.

Contact Me

ktomlinson10@gmail.com

(254)485-7997