Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracie Grace Riesgo.
Tracie Grace, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! I’m Tracie Grace (it’s a double name). My story starts with just that – a love of stories. I love reading and listening to people’s stories. As I read and listen, I feel like I’m there, feeling what they’re feeling. I remember reading The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis one evening, the part where the main characters are passing through the ruined city and the wind was blowing…. all of a sudden, I realized I was blowing on my book to create the sounds of the wind. That was the first time I realized how alive stories were to me. I love connecting with people and learning their stories too. My friends often comment that I like to pull out someone’s life story. It’s the best! Art, to me, is about the stories – the personalities and emotions of the characters in them. I did not grow up in a home with artists. We had a book of Norman Rockwell paintings I flipped through for hours and hours, but I didn’t connect that to myself at the time. I also remember my dad taking us to a Bev Doolittle exhibit out in Oregon. Her work is so intricate and beautiful. I loved all the things she “hid” in her art for you to find. Those were definitely seeds that were planted early and blossomed much later in life.
Later, I enrolled in Mississippi State University. I was the fourth generation in my family to attend there. I started in interior design and discovered I liked the art classes more than the design classes so I switched majors. I’ve been drawing and painting ever since. Watercolor is my favorite medium because it is so versatile. It captures both delicacy and emotion. Today, I paint portraits of people, pets, homes and even cars. Each one is a story preserved in watercolor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Painting itself comes easily to me. The challenge is that there is no set pathway for artists. That problem overwhelmed me for a long time, but now I’ve changed. What I used to see as an obstacle, I now see as a blessing. It means I can and should try anything and everything! Why not?! For example, my business has expanded to include licensing and products. I did my best to learn beforehand, but at some point you just have to dive in. I’ve learned there’s so much exciting potential in these areas and there’s much more I want to learn. We are teaching our children this too. If you don’t try it, you’ll never know if you’ll enjoy it. Go for it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist who loves to bring joy to others in whatever I’m doing. Whether in art or in any creative endeavor. I specialize in highly detailed watercolor paintings that capture the personality and beauty of a person, place or moment. When I’m painting, I’m trying to find the story in my subject. What is beautiful about them? Their home? What makes this pet unique? Life is extraordinary and it’s my goal to find that beauty in whatever is in front of me and draw it out so it can be celebrated. The best part of my job is when a client receives their finished portrait and it connects with them. I love seeing their reaction when they see their story celebrated. That moment brings me the greatest joy!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
There is so much time, effort and hard work that goes into a business that I hesitate to use the word “luck.” But I would whole-heartedly say I have been incredibly blessed by so many people and the connections I’ve made. Whether it is an encouraging word, hosting a solo exhibit for me, or word-of-mouth promotion of my business, my supporters are the best in the world and I appreciate every single one of them! There is a story that just came to mind. My senior year of college, I read an article in a local paper about the building they were in and its fascinating history. I was so intrigued, I did a painting of the building and added these cutouts depicting scenes from its varied history. There was even a ghost story, so I added that too! Later, the owner of the newspaper saw my painting and reached out to feature me and the painting in an article. Their history was so fascinating. It was an amazing experience to share it and become part of their history too. That experience confirmed that storytelling and connection would always be central to my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://traciegrace.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/traciegrace
Image Credits
Photo Credit Rachel Moore
