Artist’s Statement/Biography


Teresa Farley was born and raised in Neola, IA. As a young child she loved to draw and was encouraged by her family. By the age of eight, she was taking drawing classes from local artist, Penny Christianson. She began oil painting at age 10. Throughout school her paintings were shown frequently. In 1989, her work was selected to hang in the U. S. Capitol Building for the year. After graduating, she continued her education at Iowa State University where she received her degree in Drawing/Painting/Printmaking.

Deciding she wanted to learn more about the business of illustration and missing the school environment, she enrolled at the Savannah College of Art & Design where she received a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in 1996. During this time, Teresa ventured off into the world of computers and graphic design. While still living in Savannah, she is currently employed as a graphic designer on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Realizing that art is her passion, she continues to paint, favoring portraits of people and animals. She uses a variety of materials, but works mostly in oils and pastels. Teresa’s portraits show an empathy towards the subject. They are photo-realistically detailed, yet sensitive. She strives to capture the essence of the personalities being represented.

Teresa’s works have been shown at the Photoworks Gallery and the Pinnacle Gallery in Savannah, GA. She was recently a featured artist in LIA (Life Imitating Art) Magazine.