Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanisha Marshall.
Hi Tanisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Tanisha, an artist based in Dallas, Texas, originally from Illinois. For a big part of my life, I tried to please everyone else. A few years ago, God walked me into a season of healing and self-love, and I realized I had been creating art for other people’s approval instead of from my own heart.
These days, I am committed to making art that feels true to me. I started with jewelry, moved into abstract acrylic painting, then found out I was allergic to acrylic. That unexpected detour led me to urban sketching and mixed media, and now I spend most of my time working in watercolor, gouache, and other supplies. Right now I am finding so much joy in creating abstract art, sketching my everyday life and sharing the stories behind those moments.
Before I ever fully stepped into calling myself an artist, I spent many years exploring creativity through tech, websites, and different small business adventures. All of those experiences shaped how I see creativity, purpose, and what it means to build a life that feels honest and meaningful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. After spending over three years learning how to create abstracts with acrylic, I discovered that I was allergic to acrylic paint and anything else that contains acrylic. It has been a difficult transition.
I’ve spent the last year learning how to use watercolor, and it hasn’t been easy. Even after a year, I still feel somewhat behind, but I know I’ll figure it out.
While I still plan to pursue abstract art, I know it will look different than it did with acrylic. I’m now focusing even more on sketching, which could include buildings, doors, or everyday items right in front of me.
Even though the change has been difficult, it’s teaching me to embrace shifts in direction and make the best of a not-so-good situation. I’m not giving up. I’m learning to adapt.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was known for my abstract art, but now I’m transitioning to sketching and abstracts with watercolor. Watercolor and acrylic paint are different. While the concept of making art is similar, how you use each medium has its own learning curve.
I’m most proud of not giving up when I realized I could no longer use acrylic. I’m grateful that I pushed through and am working toward a new direction.
I believe what sets me apart is that even though I felt like I was starting my art journey over, I didn’t quit. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I keep moving forward. I’m proud of my resilience.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how Dallas continues to evolve, nothing stays the same here. There is either a new business or apartment being built. So many fun activities to enjoy. I’m not a fan of the traffic, the roads are crowded on the weekends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaytia.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kaytia.co
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaytiastudio
