Judy Snyder

Judy Snyder attributes much of her creativity to her southern roots. “I was born in Nashville, Tennessee,” she says. “I loved running in the fields with my twin sisters.” Judy’s love for the outdoors and passion for listening to music ignited her creativity. “My imagination would run free,” she says. “This inspired me to paint nature.” Much like her subject matter, Judy’s artistic comprehension is one hundred percent organic. “I haven’t had any formal instruction,” she says. “Through years of practice and God given talent, I have been able to create my own style.” Utilizing the Impasto method, Judy paints in multiple layers to create depth. “Paint brush and palette knife strokes remain visible,” she says. “I also incorporate mixed media like seaglass, shells, sand, caulk, glitter, and color shifting paint that changes depending on lighting.” Judy has drawn inspiration from both celebrity artists and personal acquaintances. “Bob Ross always inspired me,” she says. “I was mesmerized by the detail in his nature paintings.” Closer to home, Judy has her own support system. “My best friend and agent, Mrs. Pat Dusseau has encouraged me to be less confined in my artistry, and to start painting more Florida wildlife,” she says. “Nature has a way of bringing color and life together. I emphasize this through my own interpretation in my paintings.” Judy incorporates her expressive style and polished technique to give her pieces a tactile, emotional presence, often inspired by her dreams, nature, and her Christian faith. “My beach scenes, florals, and vibrant abstracts reflect the beauty and movement of life on Florida’s coast,” she says. Judy’s St. Augustine timeline began after years of global travel. “My husband, Dave and I, along with our children were missionaries to Mexico, The Philippines, and China for fifteen years,” she says. Having met in California in the 1970s, Judy and Dave have led a fulfilling life together, sharing their faith, humanity, and profound love for the arts. While living in St. Louis, Judy had a yearning to paint mermaids, coastal scenes, and aquatic birds. She believes it was a spiritual calling. “I felt my soul was being summoned by God to be a part of St. Augustine’s active art community.” Once settled, Judy immersed herself in the creative scene. “Eric Wenstrom invited me to display my art during special events at Music Matters,” she says. “Shayla Nelson played many of these events and we became well acquainted.” Over the next two years, Judy made special connections with High Tide Gallery owners, Sherri and Kerry Nelson, who would come out to support their daughter and the arts community. “My friend, Cheryl Fox, who was also a part owner of the gallery at the time, suggested that I submit some of my work,” she says. “My paintings were juried and I was accepted into the High Tide family.” Today, Judy shows no signs of slowing down. “I am always eager to improve my skills and learn new methods,” she says. “I look forward to exploring new mediums and I appreciate the gift of artistry that God has bestowed upon me.” Now a full time artist exhibiting regularly at High Tide Gallery, Judy says, “Creativity is a gift meant to be shared.”