How Faith and Creativity Shaped Alicia Tubbs’Art

Alicia Tubbs is a Texas-based artist who found her passion for painting and turned it into a full-time career later in life. She shares her journey in this interview—from picking up a watercolor set on her 51st birthday to creating significant art rooted in her faith. Alicia talks about what inspires her, how she brings her ideas to life, and the challenges she faces as an artist. She also explains how she pushes through creative blocks and knows when a painting is finished. Through her words, we learn how art can be a source of joy, connection, and deeper reflection, reminding us to accept creativity at any stage of life.

Alicia Tubbs is a Texas-based fine artist pursuing her craft full-time since 2021. Rooted in her faith in Jesus, she creates art that blends rich textures, vibrant colors, and spiritual themes, aiming to inspire and uplift. Each piece she paints is more than an image—it reflects beauty, truth, and the more profound stories that shape our lives. In addition to her visual art, Alicia weaves short, imaginative stories to pair with her work, drawing viewers deeper into the worlds she creates.

Through her storytelling, she adds layers of meaning and emotion, inviting others to experience her art in a more immersive way. A lifelong learner, Alicia is passionate about art marketing and finding meaningful ways to share her work with a broader audience. She continues to refine her craft, not only in painting but also in the way she connects her art with collectors and admirers. Beyond the canvas and the written word, Alicia cherishes life’s simple joys—especially her husband of 37 years and her amazing family of four married children and seven grandchildren. Through her art and stories, Alicia seeks to bring light, wonder, and faith into the world, one creation at a time.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Art wasn’t always a part of my life in the way it is now—I was raised by loving parents alongside my three older brothers. While creativity ran in my family (both of my grandmothers were incredibly artistic and crafty), I never really took my creativity seriously. That changed on my 51st birthday when I was gifted a simple watercolor set and pad. The moment I put brush to paper, something inside me came alive—it was like a light switch had been flipped on after being dormant for so many years. I couldn’t get enough.

I threw myself into learning all I could, and eventually, I stepped into a full-time art career in 2021. I wouldn’t trade it for the world—being an artist allows me to be myself and share that with others fully. Beyond painting, I also love writing symbolic stories to pair with my artwork, giving people a more profound way to experience my creations. At the heart of everything I do is my faith in Jesus, which fuels my creativity and purpose.

“I never thought I’d be an artist, but when I picked up a brush at 51, everything changed. Now, I paint to bring beauty, faith, and joy into the world.”

Alicia Tubbs

2. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My creative process involves much forethought long before I pick up a brush. I take note of the messages stirring in my heart—sometimes, they are whispers and other times, they beg to be shared and illuminated through a painting. When that happens, I sketch out the idea, refining the composition. If possible, I love to shoot a photo to capture strong reference images that will guide me through the painting process.

When I finally approach the easel, I set the atmosphere—turning on my music and beginning with a playfulness. Preparing the canvas and laying down the underpainting is a time to enjoy looseness, letting intuition guide me. I love working in layers, allowing some of the early textures and colors to peek through the final transparent oil layers, adding depth and life to the piece. I take my time, letting the subject emerge naturally, and I only focus on the minute details at the very end. Once I feel the painting is complete, I varnish it to protect and enhance the colors, ensuring it will last for years. Ultimately, my creative process is intentional and fluid—each piece is a journey of listening, responding, and bringing a vision to life.

3. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

Creative blocks happen to all of us, but I’ve found a few things that help me move through them. One of the biggest game-changers for me is simply getting outside. Going for a walk and immersing myself in nature clears my mind and resets my creativity—it’s often half the battle in overcoming a creative block. Another thing that works for me is setting a timer and pressing through the resistance. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started, so I commit to a short time and let myself work without pressure.

More often than not, once I begin, I find my rhythm again. I’ve also learned the value of having ‘recovery days.’ On these days, I still show up at the easel. Still, instead of working on a serious project, I do something completely carefree—playing with my art supplies, experimenting with colors, or making marks without an end goal. It takes the pressure off and reminds me why I love creating in the first place. Ultimately, I’ve learned that creative blocks aren’t permanent; they’re just part of the process. The key is to keep showing up in some way, big or small, and trust that inspiration will return.

4. How do you know when a piece of art is finished?

Knowing when a piece of art is finished can be a delicate balance, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts. There’s a moment when everything feels harmonious—the colors, textures, and composition all work together, and nothing demands unnecessary attention. It’s not about achieving perfection but about reaching a place of completeness. I step away often during the process, viewing the piece from a distance or even in a mirror to get a fresh perspective.

If something still feels unresolved, I know it needs more work. Another key part of my process is seeking honest critiques from trusted mentors and advisors. Their fresh eyes and insights help me see things I might have overlooked, clarifying whether the piece is finished or getting close to hitting the mark. Eventually, I have to trust the work and let it go. When I can step back, take a deep breath, and feel at peace with what’s on the canvas—especially after receiving feedback—I know it’s ready. I sign, varnish, and release it into the world, allowing it to speak for itself.”

My faith is at the heart of my art, and I hope that when people experience my work, it ignites something deeper within them—a spark of faith, hope, and divine connection.

Alicia Tubbs

5. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

More than anything, I hope my art awakens a sense of childlike wonder in people—that feeling of curiosity, joy, and awe we often lose as we age. I want my work to remind people to slow down, to see beauty in the small things, and to embrace a sense of possibility. My faith is at the heart of my art, and I hope that when people experience my work, it ignites something deeper within them—a spark of faith, hope, and divine connection. I want my paintings to speak to the soul, remind people of who they are, and impart concepts of identity and freedom. Whether through the colors, textures, or the stories woven into each piece, I hope that my art stirs something meaningful in those who encounter it—that it encourages them to dream, believe, and walk in the fullness of who they were created to be.

Alicia’s story proves that following your passion is never too late. Through her art, she hopes to bring others joy, faith, and a sense of wonder. Whether it’s through vibrant colors, textures, or the stories behind each piece, she wants her work to remind people to slow down, dream big, and find beauty in everyday life. To learn more about Alicia, visit the links below.