Art is a family tradition that dates way back.  It seemed like everyone in my family, including my mother, Juanita Watkins Moore, was an artist.   Growing up I thought it was natural for everyone to have easels sitting in their homes.  My very artistic uncle recently texted me that, through ancestry research, my aunt found that artists in my family date back to 1619 when Otto Marseus van Schrieck of Amsterdam was born.  His paintings and biography can be found on the Internet today and, while I am not a complete fan of his subject matter (I could do without the snakes and lizards), I do admire his fine skill as an artist.  He also taught painting and had many students.

With so much artistic influence within my family, especially watching my mother paint when I was a child, it only made since that I would become an artist too.  So years ago, I developed a self-directed art education, studying books and taking classes, workshops and advanced ateliers with artists that were strong in areas where I wanted to improve.   Eventually, I would develop my own style, but as it should be with all artists, my style is evolving.  I am always studying, experimenting and hopefully improving my skills as an artist.  I am now an award-winning artist, a teacher and workshop instructor specializing in landscapes, cityscapes and portraiture.  I teach several watercolor painting classes a week and conduct occasional workshops on portraiture and landscapes.  I love being able to share my passion of creating art with others. 

Painting a variety of subjects keeps me inspired, but in all of my work capturing emotion and atmosphere is key.  Without a story, mood or emotion--then what is a painting? Being an avid plein air painter, I belong to Brushes with Nature, a KWS Plein Air group.  Painting on site, from life, has enabled me to add atmospheric elements to all of my paintings, including my studio portraits.

A late bloomer to art shows and exhibits, I was thrilled to have my very first entry into the American Watercolor Society's International Exhibit accepted into their show in New York.  I have also been accepted into the Southern Watercolor Society's annual exhibition.  I am a juried member of the Kentucky Arts Council's Kentucky Crafted program and the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftmen. I also enjoy membership in the Kentucky Watercolor Society,  the Portrait Society of America, the National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society and other professional groups.

I live in Louisville, KY with my husband (Marty), daughter (Sara) and her service dog (Colby), who actually prefers people to wait on him.  It's a good life.  I paint daily in my home studio and it doesn't get any better than that!

For workshop and class information, please visit my website or contact me.  You can sign up for my art newsletter with my latest paintings, classes and art tips videos for those interested in the mechanics of creating art here.   Friend me on Facebook or "like" my Facebook page at Judy Mudd - Art and Inspirations.  Like to Tweet?  Catch my painting tweets on Twitter here!  

Thanks for visiting my Daily Paintworks gallery!  Questions?   Email me any time!