Around the Studio
I do actually have a studio but I don’t spend much time there. I grab a canvas or some wood planks, get a basket or bucket and walk around the room picking random paint colors. I put on a “paint” shirt to wear (I have a closet of clothes I’ve ruined with paint), and I drag it all into the living room. This is usually where I work on all of my projects. I like being in the center of activity, all three pets running around, the kitten, Nilsson always causes trouble. He chews on my paintbrush while I’m painting, knocks over my brush washing water, or walks right over the painting. Maybe you’ll be lucky and find a tiny cat print on your painting. I usually paint over them but I’ve been known to miss one from time to time. The rock and roll is playing very loudly and Nag Champa incense is drifting into the air. This is my creative space, I can see birds and squirrels through the window, and this is where I paint.
Step Into the Gallery
Let’s grab some paint and do something fun
Charcoal
These People Taught Me How To Hear The World
Before there was paint, canvas and jewelry there was music. There were friends, songs, concerts, family, laughter, dancing, rain and singing
My big brother Tommy taught me how to listen to music when I was 11. One of the biggest gifts of my life. When he turned 16 he would come pick me up in his VW Beetle and we would drive around Athens listening to music. He showed me how to listen for the little gems in songs that most people don’t hear. Like a tiny handclap, an oddly but wonderfully placed drum beat or a subtle harmony that’s almost hidden behind a guitar riff. I still listen and dissect songs down to every nuance of sound.
My big brother
Greg Kaegen- Trusting my instincts
Greg has been a best friend since 1987. He is a wildly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is a compassionate friend who has always encouraged me to be myself, and to honor my creative side. He patiently answers all of my crazy musical questions about about song parts, music theory and why the 7th note harmony hits me right in the gut every time. Through countless conversations about music he has taught me to listen to my own instincts. That lesson has found its way into every painting I create.
Greg Kising – Always honesty
A best friend for decades, He is my loudest cheerleader that has always given me faith, patience and trust in my brush strokes. He believes in me and makes sure that I believe in myself. He pushes me to be my best self and has taught me the importance and ease of real honesty. He is also a bit of a music fan, he has around 6000 vinyl records in his collection. I have always considered myself to have a good ear and be a bit of a musical dictionary, Kisling is an encyclopedia.
Carrie Karas-My soul sister – since 1990. She has spent her entire career in the entertainment/music industry and has given me countless opportunities to experience concerts, music festivals and unforgettable moments from the inside out. But that’s not why she’s here. Carrie knows me inside and out. When I first moved to Atlanta I was afraid to sleep alone, I would call Carrie in the middle of the night and she would drive to my apartment, get in the bed, give me a hug and say “it’s ok, go to sleep”. She has always encouraged me to trust myself even when I couldn’t. Every artist needs someone who believes in them on the days when they don’t believe in themselves. Carrie has been that person for me for more than 3 decades.
Freddie Mercury-An absolute powerhouse, musical genius that has taught me to trust myself with strength and conviction. He taught me to sing in Japanese, he has made me cry crocodile tears and laugh until my stomach hurts. He chooses to let his voice crack sometimes which gives me courage to leave in a brush stroke and not paint over to fix every mistake. Those mistakes are real and they show the you that this painting you see was made by a human.
Harry Nillson – Just go for it
Harry showed me that disorder is okay. That following the traditional rules of balance and proportion is optional and that climbing out on a shaky limb is often where you get the best view. Art doesn’t have to stay in one lane, if something feels too playful, too strange or unexpected I don’t pull back anymore. I lean into it with everything I’ve got.
My Booth At Cillie’s
Buzz Around Town
Tara’s paintings and artwork have the desired quality of connecting with the viewer. Many of her paintings tell a story in vibrant, bright colors illustrating a mood; most often happiness. Tara (1 Dove) is very dedicated to her craft and loves what she does. I’m thrilled that her new website makes her artwork easily accessible to browse or purchase! – Jaye C.
Tara brings forth her unique vision in the grand tradition of folk art. The world is her canvas, oftentimes finding beauty in otherwise ordinary objects… Tables, chairs, even (my favorite) guitars have been graced by Tara’s brush. No two pieces are alike, and rove freely from the crude to the sublime. And always alive with the loving spirit of this singular artist. – Greg K.
I was treasure hunting in Athens, GA when I came across a painting called “War Horse” that stopped me in my tracks. I inquired about the artist, and the shopkeeper said she was Tara Tanner, a local best-kept secret in the art world. So, I bought that painting and now I have a few others of hers adorning my walls! This art speaks to me! – Kari K.
“Tara, this website is wonderful. I know I told you that I hung your beautiful painting above my window by my bed and all I do is stare out that window and write songs. So I look at it all the time. It brings me so much joy! I really love it, muchas gracias! – Conner T.
Tara Tanner (1 Dove) is a very talented artist. I think her style of painting is unique. I love her arrangement of colors. I have several of her paintings in my home. When I look at them I smile and feel happy. They brighten my day. Tara also painted my mailbox and it’s beautiful! – Pamela F.
One Dove Art 