Today we’d like to introduce you to Alauna Mobley.
Hi Alauna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Many people’s first love is usually a family pet, their favorite food, or even a TV show. My first love was art. Since the beginning of my time, I have always been drawing. Every wall in the house has a drawing of it, drawing people and giving it to my friends. Adding it to any type of classwork I have received. I just knew I loved art. Growing up, though, I was told that my passion for art would not be able to keep me financially afloat. So, in high school, I drifted away, trying to find other things that might “help me” in the long run. It wasn’t until years after graduation that I realized my love belonged to nothing else but the subject of art. I started back drawing again and eventually painted my first painting with some friends. I thought it was just a little mushroom sitting in green grass with blue skies in the background; that’s when I knew that I loved painting. Since then, I painted every day. I used my knowledge of always doodling features like eyes, noses, and lips on homework and classwork and applied that to the beautiful portraits that we all see today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a self-taught artist without any art classes is definitely tough. I used to blame myself by wishing I never stopped in high school. “If only I took art classes throughout high school, then maybe I would know ___.” But I eventually told myself that I should not limit myself from the past. I can still learn and develop my skills!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I mainly specialize in portrait paintings of my African-descent people. Through different styles (whether it’s cartoonish or realistic), I love to use vibrant colors to make their skin glow off the canvas. I used to be ashamed that all I loved to do was paint portraits, but I learned to love my style, and I hope others love it, too!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I love working with people! I enjoy live painting in the background of events, painting a portrait of someone if they wish for it. At the moment, I am working with a beautiful and talented director to create a Film Poster for her upcoming short film! I eventually would love to do murals and album covers, host paint classes, and attend many more art shows throughout the state of Florida! The next event that I will be participating in is called “Pancakes & Booze Art Exhibit.” June 7th, 2024! Hope to see you all there!
If you would like to see my progress and support me at local art shows, please follow my Instagram l! That’s @artsy.ajm
Pricing:
- Pancakes & Booze Tickets: $10-20
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Illiana White
