Fur, Feathers, and Attitude

Lawrence, Kansas

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artwork combines the two things I love most in the world, painting, and animals.

I’ve always felt a deep connection to animals because they give so much more than people do. They never judge or ask me to be something else. They never make me feel like I’m not enough. Not talkative enough, not thin enough, not pretty enough…those things don’t matter when we’re together.

My dog is my ride or die.

She reminds me every day to do the thing even when I’m afraid. She taught me what it truly means to be a team. And when things go wrong, she’s there for me.

She lives in the moment, fully and unapologetically. A quality I can only hope to embody someday.

On days when it feels like the world is trying to tear me down, my dog is a beacon of light that lifts me up and reminds me that I’m already perfect just as I am.

When I got to a point in life where I felt like I needed to do something that mattered, I began fostering for a local rescue. Through that journey, I’ve gotten to meet all kinds of dogs from all kinds of situations. The one thing that holds true - no matter what they have been through, they bounce back.

My work is about more than faithfully recording an animal’s likeness. It’s about the lessons they’ve taught me and the life we live together. The unconditional love, unwavering support and companionship that pushes you to your full potential.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Ashley Corbello, a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, is a Louisiana born, realist painter of animal portraiture. Her works mix a celebration of bright colors, and a resonance of life in the subjects rendered, built upon a genuine foundation of personal joy borne from her love of her own pets, and working with local animal rescuers. Her work is influenced by the works of Philip Burke and Greg Manchess (whom Ashley has mentored under).

From a technical standpoint, each of her works begins with gathering reference, visual and informational, to planning the layout with at times intricate patterns of her own design. All to weave together typography, modern aesthetic design, and color usage, with the main subject to convey their unique personality. She approaches each painting this way, whether it's a new addition to her highly popular "Conversation Series", or a private commission from any of her patrons.

You can find out more about her on AshleyCorbello.com.