Hi, I’m Ali
I know that artists find their creative voice at all different stages in life. I knew from the very beginning that this is what I was created to do.
As a child, all I really needed were crayons and markers to make me happy. I received my first commission from my 6th grade teacher. He asked me to draw a portrait of his daughter and grandchild. He paid me $20 and I was thrilled. I took every art class my high school offered. I went on to study fine art in college and at the same time, I founded my mural painting business Positive Space. I spent the next decade a creating custom painting on walls, ceilings, and floors.
About 10 years ago I dove into teaching painting.
I was invited to teach at several conventions in different cities around the US. As a result, artists started asking to come to my studio to study with me. I actually began offering a few online classes before it became the norm in 2020. The pandemic forced me to cancel my in-person workshops and really expand my online platform. It was a silver lining during a hard couple of years. Teaching online has allowed me to connect with thousands of artists all over the world who would never have the ability to actually visit my studio.
At the beginning of 2022 I launched my membership group Fresh Paint.
This is where I’m now teaching new lessons every week to my community of creatives. I love that the group has transformed into so much more than a place to follow painting tutorials. Our members support and encourage one another, share their tips, struggles, and grow together. Nothing gets me more excited than to check in with the group and see students posting their paintings that they are so proud of. I get messages all the time about how these classes have helped them find a new passion or get back to doing something they love. It’s really a gift to be able to have this impact.
Besides being an artist and teacher, I’m also a mom and a wife!
Life is very full in this season of carpools, play practice, basketball games, homework, laundry, house renovations, snacks, hide and go seek, campfires, and muddy boots, but that is just fine with me!