My artistic journey began as a little girl while in the first grade. My teacher recognized my ability and took it upon herself to send a drawing to a local city art gallery/school. I was awarded a one year scholarship and attended classes every weekend. I continued studying art through the classes offered in my public schools through the 12th grade. As happens, when I graduated and became an "adult", life responsibilities took over and my art just became an occasionally  indulged side hobby. Last year I stumbled across a group on social media and I just couldn't believe the quality of work that could be achieved with colored pencils! Having not seriously created any art in the last 20+ years, I bought some colored pencils and my first piece, "Zia the goat" was born. I am very excited about what the future may hold for my work.

Artistic Approach

My main goal in creating a piece is to convey the animals soul and character beyond the surface of the paper. Within each drawing resides a little piece of my heart as I connect with each animal to tell its story with every mark.

@aprilrepotskiart

Where are you from? Did you grow up in a creative environment?

I am from Portage, Michigan but currently reside in Lunenburg, VT. I did not grow up in a creative environment but managed to foster that for myself by spending hours in my room drawing.

Who or what has compelled and/or encouraged you to create your art?

I have always been very self-driven to create. It is an escape for my over-talkative mind.

What is the key topic or issue that your work addresses?

The key topic my work revolves around is animals and showing their emotions.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?

My biggest source of inspiration is my drive to interpret the emotional lives of animals.

If you weren’t creating art, what would you be doing?

I cannot even picture that reality.