She also does graphic design & web design - specializing in websites for small businesses, non-profits, and artists. About Tamlyn Akins, Artist
I've known since before I could sign my name that I would be an artist. When I was only three years of age, my parents (both of whom love art) saw artistic promise in my drawings and encouraged my talent. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, I
mainly drew what was around me - my sisters, horses, and other animals. Visits to my studio by appointment only. My studies at an early age included K-12 public school classrooms and many library books about drawing. In 1980 I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts with High Distinction in Drawing from the California College of Arts and Crafts (currently known as the California College of Art). A few years after graduating I moved to Wisconsin with a desire to dedicate myself fully to making art. Largely due to an academic background in both the fine arts and fine crafts my interests are varied. While in college, I also studied mosaics, printmaking, weaving and creative writing. I’m fascinated with the geometry and patterns of craft art forms. I also enjoy making beaded and paper jewelry; origami ornaments and boxes and wall reliefs; as well as handmade quilts. I find incorporating geometry and patterns into my painting and drawing imagery to be very satisfying. Still, my first love is for the fine arts. My specialties are floral paintings (especially orchids) and what I have termed “nature-scapes” because they don’t fit the traditional mold of landscapes. Many of these nature-scapes are either closeup views of nature or views from unusual vantage points, such as looking up through trees at blue sky beyond. I am probably best known for my ability to create striking images in watercolor and pastel. Currently I am a member of the Wisconsin Visual Artists (previously known as Wisconsin Painters & Sculptors, the oldest artists’ organization in Wisconsin) and the Mount Horeb Area Arts Association. My artwork has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally; honored with awards; and purchased for numerous private, and corporate collections. I am also the coordinator of and an exhibitor in The Spring Art Tour, an annual open studios event in the Mount Horeb area which occurs early in June. This is the only time each year when I open my studio to the public. I find that my greatest inspiration comes through an intimate relationship with nature. When drawing and painting, much time is spent in observation as I work toward a realistic representation that has an ethereal quality and a sense of depth and the Infinite. My work has been described as strongly rendered with a subtle hint of Impressionism. I currently reside in the rolling hills of rural Black Earth, Wisconsin, where from my studio window I can look out over a wetland preserve under wide open skies, seeking new inspiration. More of my work may be viewed at tamlynakins.com, akinscreations.com, and thespringarttour.com.
