Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Huff.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up as a native Texan, I lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area all my life. From a young age, I could be found creating various works of art with whatever art supplies I could get my hands on. As a child, I was very shy, and it took many years for me to come out of my shell and grow into the woman I am today. However, in the process, I learned that I could express myself through art—as it was a way to communicate without using words. I have become experienced in numerous medium in the visual arts, whether it be pencil, charcoal, pastels, oil, acrylic, watercolor, and more.
I was homeschooled from the first grade all the way through high school, I was always so thankful to my parents for supporting and encouraging me to pursue the fine arts. Throughout my life, I took many art classes, but did not discover my love for realism until I took a portrait drawing class at the age of 13. In 2024, I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Studio Art and a minor in Entrepreneurship at Dallas Baptist University. During my time there, I grew immensely in my God-given talents in the visual arts, as I refined them daily in the studio. I could not have done it without my faithful professors. They taught me so many life skills and disciplines that have shaped and molded me into both a better artist and person.
Since 2020, I have been doing freelance commission work for various clients in the DFW area. It is my desire that my art would provide meaning and joy to all those who view it. I specialize in a classical style of art that is both realistic and elegant. It is my hope that this brings a little bit of the Lord’s light back into the world and benefits society one person at a time. In addition to commission work, I recently launched a brand new website that allows me to offer prints, originals, and greeting cards of my work as well, which is something I am very excited about.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I am thankful for everything that has happened in my journey, there have definitely been some challenges along the way. As stated previously, I grew up very timid and shy. It was a struggle to find my voice in a world that is so overly saturated with everyone trying to be louder than the other. Which is why I am so thankful for the fine arts and what they mean to me. The covid-19 pandemic was also a huge obstacle. It occurred when I was attending my freshman year at Dallas Baptist University. Having to take art classes that are supposed to be hands-on online or socially distanced from professors was a difficulty in itself, not to mention lacking adequate instruction and guidance. However, I trusted God would see me through and I continued to persevere. In addition to that, covid made everything in the art world more challenging. With lack of funds, many clients and everyday individuals could not afford the luxury of purchasing fine art, causing my commissions to dwindle.
The other obstacle I am currently facing is just navigating the art world after graduation. I recently got married to my amazing husband Wesley, and he has been a huge support to me as I pursue this career. Getting your name out there into the world and making ends meet as an artist can be challenging, but it is something we have accepted together and are willing to face. I strongly feel called to be an artist, and it is not a passion that I will give up on just if things are hard at first.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional Studio Artist, specializing in oil painting and watercolor. I dabble in other art mediums as well, such as charcoal, pencil, pastels, acrylic, and ink. It is my desire to create elegant works of art that provide joy and meaning to the viewer, all while capturing their specific vision in a commission.
A typical day in my studio is spent in the morning working on my laptop. This would be when I edit photos of my work for printing, updating my website, responding to clients, etc. The afternoons are spent painting, content creating, and working on current projects. I am currently working on an oil painting commission of a labrador hunting dog sitting in a field during golden hour.
As stated above, my desire is that my art would provide meaning to my clients. I specialize in a classical style of art that is both realistic and elegant. I feel in today’s world, a lot of emphasis is put on modern art and its abstract concepts. It is my hope to bring an appreciation back to classical art, to be the Michelangelo or the John Singer Sargent of my generation.
I am truly most proud of where I am now in looking back at how far I have come. Thinking back to the shy little girl who loved to color, to now pursuing the creation of art full time, makes me so happy and thankful that I never gave up on my dreams and passion.
Over the past years, I have received many recognitions through Dallas Baptist University’s Art & Design Honors Competition. Some of which include:
Fruit of the Gods: Charcoal, Honorable Mention, (Drawing 2021)
Home Away from Home: Charcoal, 2nd Place, (Drawing 2022).
Reflections of Childhood: Oil, 2nd Place, (Painting 2023).
Excelsior!: Graphite, 1st Place, (Illustration 2023).
Sugar: Oil, Honorable Mention, (Painting, 2024).
1958 Corvette: Acrylic, 3rd Place, (Illustration, 2024).
Victory Emmanuel II Monument in Rome, Italy: Watercolor, Best in Show, (2024)
Additionally, I belong to Kappa Pi, an International Art Honors Society that recognizes artists of all different styles from all over the world.
What’s next?
My work will be available at the Ingleside Christmas Market in Dallas on November 16th at The Sparkman Estates Clubhouse. I would love for you to stop by my booth so I can meet you!
Beyond that, the future is a little unclear, right now I am content making art and growing my business all while settling into this new season of marriage for Wesley and I. However, I do have big dreams. I hope to soon apply for some art residencies at various National Parks in the US, and also look into some residencies in Europe as well. It is also a goal of mine to at some point have my work in a galley, whether it be a small local one, or one that is internationally known. The opportunities are endless for an artist, and I am so excited to pursue them!
Pricing:
- Prints – range from $30-$300 (depending on size)
- Originals/Commissions – range from $300-$3500+ (depending on medium & size)
- Greeting Card sets – $15
- Atop the Hills of Ancient Corinth, Oil Painting, $3,000
- Victor Emmannuel II Monument, Watercolor Painting, $2,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyhuffart.design/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhuffart.design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyhuffart.design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygcooke/
Image Credits
Coby Sherrod Ashley Huff
