Audrey Whiddon
Kingsland, GA
awhidd@tds.net 

My husband,  Jim and I live in the small coastal town of Kingsland, GA, just north of Jacksonville, FL.  He works for the Citizens State Bank and I am “retired” from civil service.   There are three beautiful daughters, two handsome sons-in-law and three precious grandchildren in our family, all of which we are very proud.

   I have been painting off and on for several years and I mainly enjoy oils and acrylics.  I was first inspired to get into this unique and gorgeous art form by my sister, Anne Couey.  She was a beautiful decorative painter for 30 years, but sadly, she died in 1994.   I inherited all her old books, some dating back to the 60’s and other painting supplies.   She would be very proud of how much I have improved over the years.   My regret is that I didn't begin painting sooner so we could have painted more together and shared the joy of decorative art. 

    I have been a Donna Dewberry O.S.C.I. (One Stroke Certified Instructor) since 1997.  I have taught in my home studio for the past 6 years.  I have also taught at the Coastal Area Community College in Brunswick, GA and Camden County GA. 

     I have been a member of the NSDP since 1996 and a member of the Decorative Artists of Jacksonville, Florida Chapter, and currently serve as 2nd Vice President.  I have also taught workshops in acrylics and the Mary Owens’ technique for the Jacksonville Chapter.

     I was first introduced to the Mary Owens’ technique at Extrav.  I was immediately fascinated and couldn’t wait to learn more.  I have attended classes with her in Greenville, SC,  Panama City  and Jacksonville, FL.  I became certified in January 2001.   Each class I take with Mary just gets better and better!!  I am eager to share this medium with my fellow painters and look forward to my teaching and learning experiences in the future.