Meet Glenda Grant

We were lucky to catch up with Glenda Grant recently and have shared our conversation below.

Glenda, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

From the start, it wasn’t easy, I dove into art with zero formal training and found myself constantly comparing my work to seasoned artists. That self doubt was a real challenge, and for a long time, I felt like my pieces were never quite enough.

Yet, over time, I discovered a simple truth: letting go of perfection and embracing the process unlocks joy and intuition. True practice taught me that art thrives when I trust my instincts, allowing spontaneity to guide each brushstroke. This shift from perfectionism to playfulness was transformative.

To stay inspired, I make heartfelt connections with nature, whether it’s walking through a park, breathing in fresh air, or admiring plants and animals around me. When stepping outside isn’t possible, I turn to vibrant online photo reference communities and artist showcases for reference images.

Seeing others’ work reminds me that art is subjective, and there’s an audience out there who will truly connect with what I create.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My art journey began unexpectedly when I moved to California during the pandemic. One day, I was curious about my husband’s paint tools, which he used several times, when he took some art classes years before. One day, I just painted. And something clicked. Painting felt like breathing!

From there, I built up my skills through YouTube, library books, and eventually online classes like Acrylic University and Milan Art workshops. Layer by layer, I improved my understanding of color theory, composition, and value, realizing that consistent practice truly unlocks potential.

Now, I have my studio in my house in Pittsburgh, which is my playground of mixed media: acrylics, oils, inks, pastels, stencils, molding paste, even bubble-wrap textures. My recent work blends acrylic textures with final oil glazes, adding rich vibrancy and depth.

I find my greatest joy in creating piece after piece that speaks hope, nature’s beauty, and resilience, whether it’s a gentle floral, a wild animal, or a symbolic scene rooted in faith.

I’m especially proud of being accepted by the Pittsburgh Society of Artists and showing my work in the Manos Gallery this coming July. It’s a real honor and an affirmation that this journey, started on a whim, is blossoming.

I hope my art brings you the same inspiration it brings me!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Learn Continuously

My artist journey skyrocketed when I jumped into online tutorials, art classes, and books, even starting from scratch without any formal training! The secret? Always be curious. Learn from the pros, experiment with new techniques, and find what resonates with YOU. This is how you carve out your unique creative voice.

2. Observe Intentionally
Take time to step back and really see your work. Celebrate what’s working, and kindly spot what could be better. Observation combined with intuition creates powerful growth. Remember: Behind every masterpiece are “imperfect” brushstrokes. Look, reflect, refine.

3. Practice From the Heart
Consistency is key, but so is authenticity. Paint regularly, explore what excites you, and don’t get bogged down in perfection. When you let your heart lead, your art becomes an honest reflection of YOU.
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Your Path Forward:
– Take a free tutorial today.
– Study one piece of art you admire.
– Create something just because you want to, not because it has to be perfect.

Let curiosity, reflection, and passion guide you. Every stroke, no matter how small, brings you closer to growth.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the last 12 months, I’ve seen a beautiful shift in my artistic courage and creative flow. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone—literally—by working more on larger canvases, allowing my brush/palette knife to roam freely across expansive spaces that once felt too daunting. This bold move opened a new chapter in my art journey.

At the same time, I’ve let go of tight planning and embraced intuition. Now, I allow moments of wonder, whether from nature walks, internet finds, or random sparks of inspiration, to guide my process. Painting this way feels like an honest conversation between my heart and the canvas, and it has brought deeper meaning and emotion into every piece.

I’m incredibly thankful for this growth. It’s taught me that trust in the process and bravery on scale create a richer, more authentic voice.
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If you’re curious to see these new, larger, and more intuitive works come to life, they’re all available on my website.
Every piece carries a story, and I’d be honored to share it with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glendagrantart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glendagrantartist
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/glendagrantart
• Other: https://linktr.ee/glendagrantart