Sonia Reid

Sonia has always been an animal lover and enjoyed the beauty found in nature. Born in Cullman, AL in 1964, raised and educated in Gardendale, AL, she attended Auburn University for 5 years (where she met her husband Chip) and graduated at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC, in 1988 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She worked as an Interior Designer for 8 years before deciding to paint wildlife full time.

Years ago, she went to Africa to fulfill a lifetime dream. She went with 12 others on a 17 day workshop into Tanzania camping in the Serengeti during the migration, and visiting the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Every year, her desire to return to Africa has increased. It became a passion and something she must do. She has been to Africa many times now, and each time she travels to a new location, loving all that Africa has to offer.

“When I return to the studio, as I look at the many images that result from my trips, I again feel the emotions and remember each moment. I strive to capture in my paintings what I went to Africa to do. My mission is to record the story and pass the message along; a message of preservation, protection, and celebration of wildlife. I find that painting and drawing focuses and quiets my mind. I am my best self when I paint- curious

& creative. “