YOUR ARTISTS IN SAN ANTONIO (CONT'D)

I’m Kayleena Smith, a 21-year-old abstract artist in San Antonio. My favorite medium is acrylic paint, which I use to create colorful paintings with intricate detail. My biggest inspiration in life and in art is my mother who taught me about painting from a young age and influenced me to explore creative outlets as a way to express myself. After losing my mother at 18, I leaned into painting to handle the weight of her loss, but despite this, I try to project the vibrancy and beauty of nature and life through my art. 

I discovered art many years ago in the galleries of Santa Fe, New Mexico. I fell in love with the bold Expressionist work by artists such as John Nieto. After years of emulating these artists, I’m now ready to tell my own tale, starting with my Texan heritage, a rock-n-roll counterculture sensibility, and an evolving social awareness. I hope to communicate visually what doesn’t easily communicate verbally. As Georgia O’Keefe said, "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way... things I had no words for.”

Debrajean Bowen was born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies where she studied Fine Art, Art History, and Advertising Design at The Art Institute. Debrajean relocated to Europe as a burgeoning Design Major. She interned in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and eventually, moved to San Antonio, making it her home for the past 21 years. She studied IT and Business, focusing on front end web design, development, and architecture. She works primarily with watercolors, charcoal, and acrylics. Her paintings depict the mysterious yet honest life experiences expressed through dynamic cultural representation and the translation of these through bold color and form.

Jeffrey Neel McDaniel is a Signature Artist in the Artists For Conservation Group. He believes art enriches and improves our lives. His work is inspired by the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country, West Texas, and the Texas Coast, especially San Antonio and its surroundings: the Laguna Madre, the Chisos Mountains, and the Frio River.  "I focus on subjects that promote optimism, inspiration, awe, positivity, and hope. I also paint to carry a message of peace, harmony, and serenity as themes of my paintings." When not engaging in creative activities, he works as a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in trauma and crisis counseling.

Alia Coats was raised in the Rio Grande Valley and spent many days of her youth at the Gladys Porter Zoo where her mother has worked for many years. It was there her passion began. She moved to San Antonio in 2012 in pursuit of a Psychology degree and a professional career; however, the universe had other plans. After marriage and the birth of her two sons, Lars and Cillian, she has found the space in her life to prioritize family while also pursuing her deep-rooted passion for wildlife and the conservation of vulnerable species as a self-taught artist. 

Jacob Dunn, a native of San Antonio, has recently returned to the city. Exposed to art since his childhood, he has re-entered the studio to make art. Having studied architecture, the foundation of his work begins there. Music is a major influence in Dunn’s work as well as current events. He works primarily in acrylic with abstract expressions. He enjoys collaborating creatively and sharing commentary regarding his work.