Dreama Tolle Perry | Garden and Still Life flower painter

American painter Dreama Tolle Perry is a self-taught artist who finds her inspiration in color and sunshine. She is a prolific painter and an inspirational teacher. Dreama lives in Paris, KY with her husband Ron, dog Maggie and world famous cat, Eddie. Dreama paint scenes of France and Italy, flowers and cats.

Artist Statement:

Well, let's start first with the name. Dreama. Yeah, it is my real name. My Kentucky grandmother gifted me with it and it has served me well.

Secondly, I simply enjoy what I do. I get excited over color, beauty in unexpected places, and the joy of connecting with another through my art. I have been painting for over 20 years, first in watercolor and then later in oils. I am mostly self-taught, as in no formal education, but I have had many teachers along the way via great workshops, museums, galleries, art books, DVD's, and life. I grew up in a rural area in Kentucky and didn't see my first real art collection until I was in my 30's--and it rocked my world! 

The three living artists that have impacted my work the most would be: Wolf Kahn for his exuberant love of color, Kevin Macpherson for thinking in terms of shapes and design, and Hedi Moran for skillful brushwork. 

Favorite deceased artists would include Sorolla (simple shapes, designs, and use of color), Van Gogh (undulating brushwork that makes the painting feel alive), Sargent (economy of brush strokes and values), Fechin (design) and I could go on, but you get the picture.

For many years as I painted, I questioned whether I was a "real" artist, not knowing where I fit in to the scheme of things. Well, I now know, I was meant to paint--it's my thing, it's what I do. No matter if anyone ever saw anything I did, I would still paint. I love the process of painting. It's like getting in the car with a sense of adventure, heading out for the day into the unknown. For every painting has its own deal, its own set of questions that beg to be answered. I am comfortable with the fact that I will never know it all. What would be the fun in that? I am by nature curious, so painting fits me to a T. 

I also am passionate about teaching and writing, which I am finding, all fits together perfectly with painting. I hope I have answered some of your questions about how, what, and why I do what I do. It's a bit awkward to write about oneself, but I know I am always interested to know more about the person behind the paintings--so if I haven't covered it here and you think I should have--ask away! And keep in touch - sign up for my email newsletter - so you won't miss a thing!

*Memberships include the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, and the SVAA of CA.