Tracy Owen Cullimore, “Artsy Tracy,”  is recognized mainly for her figurative work and  specializes in alla prima portraiture of people and animals.  She has completed hundreds of paintings and readily accepts commissions. Tracy works extensively in oil and water media, and is a Signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, an organization for Excellence in Watercolor. She has won numerous awards at local and state levels, including named special awards, grants, and Best of Show-an award that exceeds first place.

She is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Art History and Business Economics. Upon graduation, she received extensive formal training in Fine Art, Advertising, and Graphic Design through additional post college level study.

Tracy’s unique style is a culmination of many years of practice in life drawing and painting.  She has studied both water media  and oil in masters workshops under several nationally acclaimed artists, including Carolyn Anderson, Quong Ho. Patti Mollica, CW Mundy , and Vladislav Yeliseyev. Tracy is an active member of the Florida Watercolor Society, The American Impressionist Society and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. Tracy proudly gives back to her community through the arts organizations in Lee County..

Tracy works hard to capture personality and life in her subjects, reaching always for that extra uniqueness that stirs a sense of recognition from her viewers. Her style is best described as Abstract Realism or  Impressionistic with notes of Expressionism, the result being emotionally strong paintings, filled with dynamic strokes, a rich value range, and design impact.

Tracy has judged and juried shows, been selected for invitationals and exhibited widely. She enjoys teaching, and is continually raising her own standards through continued education and competition. Her paintings are in private collections throughout the United States, England, Germany and Canada. She has been an active member of Hirdie Girdie Gallery for 5 years.

Artist Statement:
“Painting more than just a likeness, by seeing with my heart-

to the personality behind the face and the spirit of the moment

An unforgettable painting makes its own statement. It beckons from the gallery wall, and calls out even after you’ve gone. When I reach beyond a photographic likeness to deeper intricacies of personality, I create something separate from the scene that inspired me, a unique piece with its own voice and story.