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

Hi Terra, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance is ever-evolving. In the beginning, it challenging to separate work from personal time. However, I’ve made a conscious effort to establish designated spaces for different activities, like setting up a dedicated painting studio for my art practice or a space for taking apart frames and cutting my aluminum panels. These spaces help me stay focused on my creative projects without distractions, and I have less pet hair to pick out from my paintings. Additionally, getting outside on the trails has become a vital part of maintaining that balance. I ride an electric unicycle, which is a very relaxing hobby while also providing exercise. I get to see some amazing wildlife and occasionally get a great reference image for my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began working with digital and acrylic art in 2018, and in 2019, I purchased my first set of oil paints. They felt so intimidating that I didn’t actually use them until 2021. Painting women requires a lot of blending, which can be challenging with acrylics due to their quick drying time, so I began layering oil over acrylic. By 2022, I was creating paintings entirely in oils, and it’s been a wonderful experience. I still work with digital art because it allows me to quickly solve creative challenges, and it has greatly influenced my traditional techniques.

One of my favorite compliments is when visitors recognize people they know in my paintings or ask if a piece has texture because of how I use shadows and highlights to give the work a 3D effect. I’ve also experimented with 3D digital sculpting and animation, and I’d love to become more skilled in those areas. I’m excited to see where my artistic journey leads next!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite restaurants in the Denver area include The Palace Arms at the Brown Palace, The Buckhorn Exchange, and The Sushi Den – all with amazing menus! You also can’t go wrong with the local pho and ramen spots. The Denver Art Museum is a must-see, and I highly recommend visiting the Denver Zoo and the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg. If you’re in Castle Rock, try zip-lining at Philip S. Miller Park or explore some of the great hikes through the open space trails!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Dr. Anthony Earl, my go-to photographer! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many talented women—dancers, performers, models, and musicians—that I’ve painted, thanks to him. It truly takes a village to thrive as a professional artist, and the people around you are invaluable. I’ve also collaborated with him for my own photoshoots, and his reference images are always such a joy to work with.

Website: https://terraleoneartist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terra_leone?igsh=NG5zZXF4Y2kxYWsx&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terra.leone.9?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theterraleone?_t=8q3RxtcSv5q&_r=1

Image Credits
Photos credit given to Dr. Anthony Earl, and Terra Leone

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