Sallie Knox Hall

Growing up in North Louisiana in the 70’s and 80’s, Sallie Knox grew up playing under the dogwood trees, catching minnows in the bayou and riding bikes on the trails next to the Ouachita River. There, she doodled, drew, and painted under the guidance of wonderful public-school teachers and a private instructor. After graduating with a BFA in art education from TCU, Sallie Knox taught for a short minute, married her husband Ben, lived for a bit in Austin, TX, and eventually moved to the New Orleans area. They happily immersed themselves in local culture, surrounded by art and music. Ever practical and inspired by her grandmother’s long career as a public health nurse, Sallie Knox enrolled in nursing school.

At 37, Sallie Knox received a cancer diagnosis. After treatment, juggling school
and toddlers became untenable, so she reluctantly left the nursing program. As she reevaluated her life’s purpose, she discovered the method of intuitive painting, which soothed her anxiety and aided the healing process. A well of newfound creative inspiration opened up for her and she began to see its unlimited potential. Soon friends began to commission her for paintings. As fate would have it, a piece was featured in the Times Picayune newspaper. This was the catalyst for the next chapter of painting the folk and homes of the South, which she did for over a decade.

In 2015, Sallie Knox and her family relocated to Manitou Springs and she is currently enjoying a new season of life as an empty-nester. Her southern collectors and Colorado clients continue to keep her busy with commissions. She still does the occasional family painting but has also rediscovered oil painting, which she compliments with cold wax and oil crayon. Working with these media, and using various tools to draw into the surface, has led her on countless new artistic journeys. Flowers, leaves, and abstract botanical shapes show up as emblems of life, gratitude, and love. Wild animals have surfaced in recent paintings. She uses a process-driven approach, enjoying the adventure of wandering across the surface and following the brush into positive and negative spaces. She delights in exploring the unknown, creating new shapes and using every palette combination imaginable. Her collectors often comment that the vivid colors and enchanting imagery bring them joy and hope in these trying times. Sallie Knox believes that creativity is a profoundly endless resource and hopes to be eternally delighted by both its process and outcome.