Early years in the art-minded town of Sarasota, Florida and an art scholarship to Stetson University influenced Patsy Kelley Reading to return from years of commercial art to become an acrylic wildlife artist in 1991. The same year she established “Reading Gourds” featuring her hand painted gourd artworks.

The Erwin, Tennessee artist presently uses canvas, Arches paper, eggs and gourds as the ground for her artwork. Studying under the Tennessee artist, Urban Bird, led Patsy into watercolor to portray her birds and wildflowers. It was his same influence that persuaded her to add oils to her media and to branch into pet portraits and portraits.

Since 1998, Patsy has been a member of Watauga Valley Art League. Presently she is V.P. for Exhibits. Other memberships include the TN Watercolor Society, Arts Depot, Lee & Lois Herndon Ornithological Society and American Gourd Society.

Patsy’s awards include the Award of Merit at the judged Summer Art show at Sycamore Shoals Park in 2003, Judge’s Notable 2011 and People’s Choice 2012, Two Honorary Awards at 2005 & Award of Merit 2008 was awarded in the annual Newell-Hendershot Watermedia Exhibition, The 2007 “Mother Hen” award from WVAL was special since awarded by her peers. Also prized for the same reason was the 2008 Bristal YWCA Tribute to Women in Art. All of these endeavors have truly placed Patsy joyfully in the middle of  “Art Among the Gourds”.