My journey into art is a story of discovery, resilience, and connection. For much of my life, I believed that creativity was something you are born with—you either have it or you don't. I thought I lacked that innate gift and accepted it as part of who I was. It wasn't until my forties, during a family vacation to Hilton Head, that I accidentally stumbled upon a passion that would redefine my life. Sitting on the beach, mesmerized by colors blending and mingling on watercolor paper, I felt an awakening—a spark that grew into a flame.

Though I entered the art world later than most, my creative instincts have always been present, manifesting through diverse endeavors like copywriting, graphic design, photography, and interior decorating. These experiences laid a foundation of technical skills and an understanding of visual storytelling, which now serve as the toolkit for my artistic expression.

Life's profound challenges, including the loss of dear friends, brought me back to my art after an intense period of grief and introspection. Art became my refuge—a means to find peace, to honor memory, and to heal. My work is a tribute to resilience and the transformative power of creative expression, inspired by travels and the beauty I encounter in people and places.

Since fully embracing my artistic curiosity, I have won numerous awards in juried exhibitions, including a Best of Show for “California Poppies.” My paintings have been collected by patrons across the U.S. and I am proud to be affiliated with Objet D’Art in Cashiers, NC.

For me, art is an extension of self—a positive reflection amidst life's chaos. It’s a way to share hope, light, and beauty, reminding us that even in difficult times, there is always something worth celebrating. Through color, technique, and storytelling, my goal is to inspire others to find their voice and see the world through a lens of possibility and grace.

If you have any questions about my art, my process, commissions, private lessons, or anything at all, please feel free to reach out at cikeenan@verizon.net.

xo, Cynthia

Tampa, FL + Sapphire, NC