
I am mostly a self-taught artist and began painting later in life, in the middle of the Covid pandemic. I am a teacher and found myself at home with time on my hands, so I pursued a hobby that became my passion. I love painting abstracts with movement, texture, and vibrant colors, and I paint instinctively with acrylics and various mediums, using lots of layers to convey depth and fluidity. My collections are inspired by different periods and emotions I have experienced throughout my life. When I was a young woman, my husband passed away at the age of 32. We had a nine-month-old son and a seven-year-old daughter. I was devastated, but blessed with so many people who reached out to help us. I came to learn that my life was not the life I thought I would have, but it could still be a good life. I knew my husband would have wanted me to bring up our children with lots of love and laughter, and I think I accomplished that. Life brings joy and sorrow to us all, and I like to showcase that in my paintings. My Inspirational Collection is inspired by a verse read at my late husband's funeral that has brought me comfort and courage over the years. After selling many of my cross paintings, I found that others find inspiration in the verse as well.
I did find love again, and that brought wonderful people into my life and a precious daughter. I am so grateful to have her, even though the marriage ended in divorce. It feels scary to be so open here about my life, but I have learned that life, with its twists and turns, beautiful, scary, and ugly parts, makes us who we are, and I bring all of that into my art. I decided to be honest here because there is something beautiful about laying ourselves bare, just like the beauty of a blank canvas. There is so much potential, so many possibilities, and so much color that can be used to create a beautiful life. One of my recent paintings is titled, "Live out Loud," and I want that to be my motto in my art and my life!
I paint in a cozy home studio, which is filled with natural light. When I am not painting, I enjoy cooking for my children, knitting, walking, and curling up with a good book. Beyond art, I work full-time as an educator working with middle school students, and I look forward to the day I can retire and paint full-time.
Art may be purchased in person at The Artful Abode in Lebanon, Tennessee, and in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at M & J Home.
Commissions are available on a limited basis. Please email for more information. Thank you!
Find me on Instagram - @crystal.cozart.lepping.art
Email - clepping@yahoo.com for information or to purchase an available piece.