Sonia Reid

I have always been an animal lover and enjoyed the beauty found in nature. Born in Cullman, Al. in 1964, raised and educated in Gardendale, AL, I sttended Auburn University for 5 years and graduated at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC in 1988 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I worked as an Interior Designer for 8 years before deciding to paint wildlife full-time.

Years ago, I went to Africa to fulfill a once in a lifetime dream. I went with 12 other artists on a 17-day workshop into Tanzania, camping in the Serengeti during the great migration and visiting the famous Ngorongoro Crater. My soul caught on fire and Africa is now my passion. Every year , my desire to return to Africa has increased. It has become an absorbing passion and something I must do. I have been to Africa many times now, and each time I leave before I am ready, loving ALL that Africa has to offer.

When I return to the studio, as I look at the many slides that result from my trips, I again feel the emotions and remember each moment. I strive to capture in my painings what I went to Africa to do. My mission is to record the story and pass the message along; a message of preservation, protection, and celebration of wildlife. Creating this art has become my energy, my inspiration, my passion since 1996. Since painting wildlife full-time, I have exhibited at many shows, including the prestigious Birds in Art in Wassau, WI and Pac Rim Show in Seattle , WA winning awards along the way. My happiest moments are when the paintings connect with others who share the passion and understand the story.

Oil and graphite are the mediums I choose to portray the soul of Africa. I am also an avid photographer and collect books on Africa and its wildlife. I met my husband, Chip , during college and have 2 children, Dylan and Samantha .