I paint light first, shadows last — because the light was always there underneath. My work turns survival into something you can see.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Emotionally-driven figurative paintings of women — layered, sensual, strong, alive. I work in a technique I call Lumière Inversée: light first, shadows last. I lay down highlights in metallic gold, bronze, and pearl, then press shadows on top with my fingers until the figure emerges from the light underneath. The women I paint carry shadows but are not consumed by it. They hold light, even when it’s hidden. Every figure is a piece of me — and of every woman finding her way back to herself.
Where do you find inspiration?From real life — from what people survive and rarely talk about. I lived through Hurricane Katrina seven months pregnant with two babies under three. I lived through years of domestic violence. I was diagnosed with lupus the same year I got free. I paint with chronic pain in hands that don’t always cooperate. So I find inspiration in contrast: light against darkness, softness against strength, beauty beside brokenness. When someone sees themselves in my work — that is the whole point.
What would you do with $25,000?Expand work that already does more than decorate walls. A meaningful portion goes to Gulf Coast Kids House and FavorHouse of NW Florida — two organizations that supported me and my children when we needed them most. I already donate 10% of every sale. The rest funds professional photography, fine-art printing, materials, and reach. I paint through autoimmune disease and chronic pain. Every finished piece is already a victory. This prize lets that victory reach thousands more survivors.
Vote for Ashley Karno to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
