When you talk to local artist Becky Spradling, a word she continuously uses to describe her work is “authentic.” Painting in oils and mixed media, Spradling creates colorful images of nature and people—two of her favorite subjects. A full-time artist since late 2016, she took a winding path to be where she is today but believes it was all meant to be.
“My journey to becoming a full-time artist was a bumpy one,” she says. “As a kid, crayons were my favorite toys, and I originally intended to major in art in college. But I didn’t know any artists who were making an actual living, so I majored in psychology and worked in the mental health field for my main career. Still, art was always such a piece of me.”
To reconnect with her inner love for art, when her busy career allowed, Spradling began taking art workshops and classes in 2011. By the end of 2016, she was able to pursue art full time.
“I’ve always known that there would be a time in my life in which I could fully explore my passion … that time has come,” she says. “Now I’m able to pursue my art as a vocation and not a hobby; I continue to get better and better and am so grateful to be able to pursue this and see what I can do with it.”
While she no longer works as a counselor, her love of people and their lived experiences—even the supposedly mundane activities—is evident in her work.
“It has been a privilege to know so many people in such an intimate and real way through my counseling practice; it has inspired me to express that human connection in paint,” she explains.
This connection is evident in her “Beautiful People” series, where she shows people in everyday activities that somehow look more poignant when captured in paint.
“A lot of the work in my series is connected, capturing moments that are beautiful, powerful, and authentic in everyday life,” she says. “I love to use my work to capture the essence of people.”
In addition to her figurative work, she also specializes in capturing nature—particularly, botanical scenes from Arizona.
“I am a woman who loves being in nature,” Spradling says. “Arizona is filled with unique plants and with light that grabs my attention and inspires me to paint. Most often, these pieces are portraits of plants, but I sometimes add backgrounds that include abstract images of the surrounding area.”
Spradling was recently awarded a Carmody Foundation Grant. The purpose of the grant was to create art for a November 2024 exhibit and charity art auction. Proceeds from the art auction benefited Valley agencies that work with clients in need, she explains.
“As someone who has worked in behavioral health, I know that a lot of organizations and community agencies have to stretch their dollars to help those in need,” she says. “I’m grateful that the proceeds from my work went to help those who need it most.”
In addition to the grant, Spradling has won multiple prizes for her work and has shown in a gallery. Her work will also appear in an exhibit at Tempe History Museum in March.
Instagram: @BeckySpradlingArt
“A lot of the work in my series is connected, capturing moments that are beautiful, powerful, and authentic in everyday life."—Becky Spradling