Judy Sorrels

Mixed Media

I want my art to add some joy and beauty to the world.

My motto is: “An idea can turn from dust to magic, depending upon the talent that rubs up against it.” anonymous

I learned a long time ago that “talent” is really a whole boatload of practice, constant learning, and never giving up. I am currently focusing on my children’s books, and layered mixed media, with work inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, and the mystery of nature. Both allow for an element of experimentation and serendipity. In my layered mixed media pieces, I use bright, playful colors, and a variety of patterns, all of which I design myself, digitally, as well as realistic painting. printing, stamping, mark making, pour painting, direct painting, and the use of vintage sheet music and alcohol inks, all merged in an intuitive process. It is impossible to completely plan each piece – I must react to what each one needs. All are incorporated into my children’s book illustration. Layered mixed media techniques generate pieces that are unique and impossible to reproduce again, except through prints. They satisfy my craving for variety.

It is refreshing to move from realism, to abstraction, and back again. Being an Art Teacher for 20 years, I developed the ability to work in a variety of styles and mediums. Floral, animal and nautical themes reoccur in my body of work.   

My original paintings inspire designs and patterns used on greeting cards, mugs, journals, and tote bags. Pet and wildlife portraits are also something I enjoy doing. I have written and illustrated two children’s books: When Dragons Fly South for the Winter and When Dragons Get Ready for Bedtime, and I am completing the illustrations for the third in the series, When Dragons Go Out Trick-or-Treating. I have designed and created coloring books for each as well as When Dragons Start Writing Their Letters, a coloring/workbook.

I have participated in; The BI Winter Tour – 2017 & 2019, Gig Harbor Festival – 2017, Tacoma Holiday Gift Show, the Indianola Holiday Art Fair for the past 3 years, and other smaller art show venues on the Kitsap Peninsula.

• BFA Fine Art, University of Utah 
• Master’s in Education, Lesley University
• National Board Certification, Early Adolescent/Young Adult Art Education
• Art Teacher for 20 years for the CK School District, retired
• Prior work experience in freelance illustration and Graphic Design for Pan Am, Vitro, & Advertising
• Currently doing graphics/social media work for Eastern Wind Glass, Bremerton