My name is Aubrey Skopp. I am a portrait artist located in NWA. I dabble in a little bit of everything in my art and day to day life.
I enjoy making portraits in various mediums such as: digital, watercolor, gouache, oil paint, chalk pastel, charcoal, markers, colored pencil and more! I focus on portraits, because it feels more personal as if I am getting to know the person through the process of drawing/painting them. When I see a picture of someone, I am thinking to myself, "What could this person be saying? What are they thinking about in this captured moment in time?" However, I also try to consider what messages I am trying to express and distinguish our different messages so that I do not portray/misinterpret my own message to be the same as the model. That is why when I make art, it feels like a collaboration and connection of expression between artist and the model. My favorite subjects to paint and draw are other artists and musicians. A good portion of my projects and art studies are of my favorite musicians or actors in my favorite shows. I enjoy capturing people when they are expressing themselves authentically. People are communicators by nature. Even if someone is not using their words, an expression or image can say a lot.
I believe that it is important for everyone to have equal access to the tools and platforms they need to communicate and express themselves. Whether that is through art, fashion, music, food, writing, or speaking, I am passionate about encouraging people to express themselves through their chosen platforms.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies with a Psychology minor. Professionally, I have done work in ESL (English as a Second Language) programs in local literacy councils and refugee resettlement. There are so many nonverbal and verbal ways to communicate, and portrait art is one of those ways.
Currently, I am going back to school to study studio art and work part time as a Digital Outreach Coordinator for a local nonprofit, where I also create graphic design content for.