Ann Vinson
I'm Ann Vinson, a professional artist, who owns two businesses, Ladybug Beads and Cornerstone Murals, here in Southern Illinois. I began with the proverbial art kit given to me at age 10. I started creating with graphite pencils, switching to pen & ink, on to colored pencil. Years later I discovered acrylic paints, oils, and mixed media. The progressions were only natural jumping from one medium to another. Artist change constantly and challenges of mediums go hand in hand. I've worked in most mediums and would be hard pressed to pick just one however, my main theme seems to be wildlife.
In high school I continued drawing and competed on the college level, even taking an award and cash from the School of Technical Careers at SIU-C . In college studying the masters and drawing from live models was a great opportunity to learn human anatomy. Painting became second nature to me. Currently working in oils, acrylics, polymer clays and lampwork bead making keeps me busy. My motto... practice may not make perfect but it does help you to develop your own style.
In 1986 I graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Journalism/Advertising and my Associate Degree is in Art. Jumping ahead several years later and I was designing T-shirts for a major company in Urbana-Champaign (actually two), designing for the U of I sororities and fraternities, 52 of them at the time. Trying to design T-shirts by hand (computers, ha!) and using an out of date method. Returning to Southern Illinois I worked in the advertising business as a sales person, photographer, and feature reporter. In the late 90's I discovered jewelry and worked for a local Hobby store in several departments including the art department. I still teach classes at Hobby-Lobby and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
By the year 2000 I was heavily into painting on large canvases and walls. To this day I still draw or paint every day. Opportunities started opening up at homes, churches, and local businesses. The first mural I painted was 10' x 14' and I did for a church in Carterville, Illinois. Word has spread and my second mural was in Ava, Illinois. The second mural I ever painted was 12' x 22' and very detailed. I've been hooked painting murals ever since. In 2001 I created a business called "Cornerstone Murals". I picked this name because Jesus Christ is the foundation on which I build. Considering my B.S. is in Journalism and specializing in visual communications, I produce all my own marketing materials and advertising. Painting murals for churches, homes, and businesses, keeps me extremely busy.
Today (2007), I create and sell artwork from coast to coast. My latest endeavor is painting a "Superman" Mural for the City of Metropolis, Illinois. Myself and five other artist (Lady Van Tiger and the Southern Illinois Group), will be painting a series of murals for Metropolis. the murals will be finished in October of 2007. I also create paintings for and donate jewelry to help out several causes, The Women's Centre, Alzheimer's Association, The Poshard Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, individuals and churches. My artwork is in several galleries including Boundless Gallery (virtual online gallery), Vision's Gallery, and Art Lovers Trading Company. I belong to several guilds, such as LEAA (Little Egypt Artist Association), and on-line art communities (Wet Canvas). Art is my passion and I thank God I have the opportunity to share it with you.
