A LITTLE ABOUT ME

My artistic background is less of a professional one, and more of a personal one. I grew up in Kentucky, where I shared my love of art with my dad, Scott Troutman, who was a painter, printmaker, and creative director. He always encouraged me to stop and really take the time to look at things closely - to truly see, understand, and appreciate life. Following his passing, I started painting as a therapeutic way to remember him, and to carry on his legacy as an artist.

I find inspiration from the quiet everyday moments, spending time in nature, the master painters, and, strangely, my grief. I’ve found that life is riddled with pain, loss, insecurity, and injustice, but there is still always beauty to be found. Painting has helped me to look for it in times when I haven’t been able to see it so easily.

Art has been a tangible form of hope and comfort for thousands of years. As the late great Maya Angelou said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It is my hope that, through my life and art, I can make people feel better.