As a self-taught artist, Barb flourished with natural talent and strong observational skills. She depicts her cats in great detail and gives each one a distinct personality. When Barb worked as a teacher’s aide in Rochester, New York, she started painting with a colleague, and she keeps growing every day as an artist, inspired by life’s beauty.

In this striking stained glass panel, Erlinda’s artistic sophistication and technical skills are on full display. She’s captured the feeling of motion and flight while giving her subject individual character and strength. We can imagine the brilliance of this piece as the light flows through it and her heron soars through the air.

Terry inherited a passion for photography from his grandfather, who owned a photo studio, and from his mother, who worked there. While Terry’s career was mainly in retail, he once owned a photography business in Missouri and also provided photo services on a riverboat. When shooting in nature, he says he and his subject are “in our own little world.”

In this striking piece, Jill captures the feel of the American Southwest. She was always interested in art and started doing watercolors in 2008. Jill is largely self-taught and attended a few workshops to cultivate her skills. Her passion and hard work paid off in "Agave," a vivid painting with a 3D effect. Her advice to others with creative aspirations: Enjoy the ride!

The beauty of nature inspires Shirley to create artwork like the lovely oil painting featured here. Her interest in art began by age 12, with her father as her first teacher. Then she was self-taught for years before going to art school. Shirley enjoyed a career in art and also became a dog groomer. She recommends painting as a great way to relieve stress.

To make her jewelry, Mary Ann uses a sophisticated computer painting program, jewelry-grade resin, and boundless creativity. The resulting pieces dance in the light. Her apartment is filled with her photography, hand-printed tiles, paintings, sculpture, and more. She says when she works in pastel, she sees the world “in the language of pastel.”

Myrna brings imagination, skill, and personal passion to her needlepoint creations. Her vibrant colors and embellishments bring beauty and personality to each piece. She’s made more than 100 pieces. Many are wall hangings, and at least 30 are tallit, shawls associated with Jewish prayers. “Everyone in my family has received one,” Myrna says.

After growing up around the world as a self-proclaimed Air Force brat, Madeline settled in the Pacific Northwest. Her creativity flourished at age 50 in the San Juan Islands. She says photography started as a hobby and became her passion. “Everyone has an artistic spark inside them,” Madeleine says. “Part of the journey is finding out what lights that spark.”

The boy in this enchanting scene reminds Loretta of her own grandson. She’s a self-taught artist from the East Bronx, New York, and finds art is a natural way for her to express her feelings. It’s also a good reason to get outdoors. Loretta says she’s at ease while painting and feels happy and fulfilled when she finishes a piece.

When Judy was in her 20s, she started taking pictures with her point-and-shoot camera. Her skill and aesthetic sensitivity are on full display today with this photograph, shot in Yosemite National Park. Nature, people, and light and shadows inspire her work. She says she has a feeling of wonder while making photographs, and joy in seeing the results.

Having lived in Wyoming, California, and Arizona, Joseph reveals a Western aesthetic and an affinity for Native American art. He used gourds, clay, and acrylic paint to create the distinctive work featured here. Joseph is a Navy veteran with a degree in fine arts who worked in the furniture business and interior design world, and continues creating beautiful art.

A helpful neighbor taught Joan how to crochet many years ago, telling her that “if you can read a pattern, you can make anything.” Inspired by that, she’s made all kinds of clothes, scarves, and doll outfits. The piece seen here features the first ruffles she’s made. With a few basic stitches, Joan says, the possibilities are endless.

While Carolee lives in New Mexico, she powerfully expresses her deep love for the ocean, conjuring a sense of serenity and awe that anyone can experience in nature. Her paintings come alive with vibrant color, movement, and incredible light. She captures moments that lift our spirits and take us to a place we long to be.