We had the good fortune of connecting with Audrey Smiddy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Personally I can’t imagine my life without art! I started experimenting and creating with watercolors from a young age but my real interest in art didn’t take off until high school when I started rearranging my bedroom into a little studio. I’d find myself doodling and daydreaming about what I could turn my art into and if I could start up a small business out of it! I’ve had a lot of different jobs throughout the years and no matter what, I’ve always come back to a job where my artistic ability could be used! In January of 2022 I finally took the leap and started creating and posting consistently of social media and I haven’t looked back!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a watercolor artist! I like to think I’m set apart due to the fact that all of my art is hand done, no electronics necessary! I just start with a pencil and end with the paint! Honestly, I’m super proud of how far I’ve come! I was always nervous about putting my art out consistently but took the leap and just did it! It was definitely a challenge for me but I decided to take the leap before I was ready and I wouldn’t have it any other way! The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to not compare my work to others because in the end I’m working towards my own personal goals so its just me against me! I have so many fun ideas up in my head and can’t wait to share them! The Groovy Co is a fun, colorful and adventurous small business obsessed with painting the pictures of the great outdoors, animals and more!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first start off by grabbing a coffee from Dutch Bros and then head up the mountain toward Gold Camp Road or Old Stage Road! I take most of my product photos up on those roads and the views from both are incredible with plenty of great areas to set up a hammock and a picnic! As for outdoor activities, Memorial Park has great sand volleyball in the summer and Garden of The Gods has the perfect hiking trails for everyone! For the food… Lucky Dumpling, Phantom Canyon Brewing Company and Poor Richards Restaurant are all downtown and are all favorite spots of mine! Great service, fantastic food and they all have a great environment!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have the most incredible family! My parents and siblings are always behind me giving me new ideas, words of advise and helping me out on the business side of things! My grandma is a artist, so growing up I was always in attendants for her art classes! I will forever be grateful for all of the things I’ve leaned and will continue to learn from her! “Thanks grandma!” To all of my friends- You know who you are! Thank you for the constant love and support!

Instagram: The.Groovy.Co

Other: Etsy: The Groovy Co

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.