Meet Florida Artist Jodi Watkins | The Story Behind Jodi Watkins Art

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.

If you had asked me in high school what I wanted to be when I grew up, artist would have been high on the list. I loved painting and creating, and I even applied to art school. I imagined a future filled with creativity and art.

Art found its way back into my life in 2020, and it has changed me in ways I never expected.

But, as it often does, life had other plans.

Between building a career, graduate school, travel, and the many responsibilities that come with adulthood, art slowly took a back seat. Eventually, years passed without much painting at all. Over time, I began to question whether I had the talent I once believed I had. Instead, I focused my energy on building what became a fulfilling corporate career.

Then came 2020.

Like so many people, my world suddenly changed. After completing graduate school while working full time and maintaining a demanding travel schedule, I unexpectedly found myself with something I hadn't had in years: time.

For the first time in a long time, I decided to invest that time in myself rather than my career.

I enrolled in art classes with an incredibly talented local artist, and that decision changed everything.

Not only did she help me develop technical skills, but she also gave me something even more valuable—confidence. She encouraged me to share my work publicly, supported me through moments of self-doubt, and continues to be one of my biggest cheerleaders today.

Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that imposter syndrome in the art world is very real.

Even after six years of studying, practicing, taking workshops, and continually working to improve my craft, I still get nervous every time I share a new painting. Hitting "post" on social media can still feel vulnerable. But I've also learned that growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones.

Today, I find myself balancing two worlds: a full-time corporate career and the exciting, sometimes messy, always rewarding journey of building an art business.

This creative journey is something I'm pursuing not because I have to, but because I can't imagine not creating.

Painting brings me peace, challenges me, teaches me patience, and reminds me to slow down and notice the beauty around me—whether that's found in the changing colors of the sky, the rhythm of the ocean, or the unexpected joy of a brushstroke that works exactly as I'd hoped.

Through this blog, I hope to share not only my finished paintings, but also the stories behind them, glimpses into my creative process, lessons I've learned along the way, and the realities of balancing art with everyday life.

Whether you're a fellow creative, an art lover, or someone simply curious about the journey, I'm grateful you're here.

I hope you'll come along for the journey.

Warmly,

Jodi

A Corporate Career, a Creative Heart, and the Journey Back to Art