Tonia Houghteling Studios

My name is Tonia Houghteling.  By profession I am a Pediatric Emergency RN, painting is where I get to lose myself.   I have loved sketching and doodling all my life, however, it wasn’t until I was older that I discovered the ability to express my self more effectively using paint in various forms. 

In 2002, a local Austin muralist began teaching me techniques with a brush and paint.  I used what I learned from her to create and paint fun unique spaces for children’s areas for Gateway Community Church and also at Austin Christian Fellowship.  In 2006 I was fortunate enough to be selected to design and paint the children’s area for a new Whole Foods in Sugarland, Texas.

The technique I am now using is textural mixed media.  I was given the privilege of traveling to Belize with the artist, Mae Chavrette, in February of 2016.  She taught me to use photography and other media layered within my paintings.  In the mornings we set off on excursions of caving, zip-lining and kayaking in the ocean, then used our experiences to create art.  Using paint, paper and pictures of places I have been or have emotions tied too, I am now able to create pieces that express visually what I cannot put into words.

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