Art by
Tonya Hopson
Originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, I started sketching around the age of 12 inspired by the abundance of nature on our farm. I took art classes in junior and senior high school and then attended college on scholarship for Nursing. Upon completing school, I joined the Marine Corps and active duty brought me to the Tidewater area ~ where I have resided for over 25 years. After completing my service with the Marine Corps, I got married, started a family while working full time. Painting and drawing had to wait until after my son graduated and went to college.
Taking several local art classes revived my passion and creativity for Art. Invaluable instruction was provided by instructors at (MOCA) The Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach and at Titustown Visual Arts Center in Norfolk.
My art retail location is at the Artists Gallery in Virginia Beach, VA. I am a member and previous Secretary of the Chesapeake Bay Art Association. I’m involved with the following local art organizations: Chesapeake Bay Watercolorists, the Tidewater Art Alliance, and the Suffolk Art League. Because I love to paint ~ watercolor and acrylic are what I primarily work with. My goal is to capture a mood or emotional response from the viewer. Art has always come naturally to me so to have this opportunity to share my passion with others is a dream come true!