Art has been a part of my life since I was a child. Along with dance I took drawing lessons throughout grade school while a student of the School of Creative and Performing Arts in San Diego. I advanced my studies in Illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco through their online program, finally receiving my BA in Painting and Printmaking from San Diego State University. I also have a background in photography which began during the years I worked as a graphic designer, but now is an invaluable resource for acquiring references for my illustration work. My artwork is largely influenced by nature, dreams, fantasy and my travels around the world. I work in a variety of traditional media as well as digital but have a preference towards ink and water based paints. I love the intricate detail and precision achieved with fine ink line, yet truly enjoy the messiness and unpredictability of paint...put the two together and the magic happens.

www.erikathorpe.com