Tara Milliken is a completely self-taught artist who has been painting and drawing since she was around 11 years old. She paints in oils, acrylics, watercolor, and pastel. She enjoys painting exotic birds, landscapes and flowers and lately has been delving into the abstract side of her art. She also enjoys photographing the exotic birds around Lakeland, and teaches art classes at the J Rowan Gallery and her home studio.
She was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but after being in the Marine Corps for 8 years she ended up in Orlando, Florida and lived there for 10 years. She moved to Lakeland a couple of years ago, and began painting seriously again, and plans to spend the rest of her days painting there.
She has entered several shows and juried competitions in the area and has won some awards. She is preparing to branch out into different area exhibitions and shows. She recently became president of the Lakeland Art Guild, and is also a member of Ridge Art Association, Bartow Art Guild, Brandon League of Fine Arts, The Florida Watercolor Society, and Arts on the Park. Her work is currently on display and The Frame Shoppe, Framing Master and J Rowan Gallery.
You may see more of her art at www.taramilliken.com as well as www.lakelandartguild.org . She also teaches children's art classes.
Favorite Quote: A tulip doesn't strive to impress anyone. It doesn't struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn't have to. It is different. And there's room in the garden for every flower. Marianne Williamson
Tara Milliken