Subtle’s Story

About Me

Thank you for visiting; it’s wonderful to have you here. I am Hannah, the artist behind Subtle Value Art.

Though I have loved creating art my entire life, my background is not actually in art, but in engineering. For most of my career, I have been a nuclear/electrical test engineer who, up to this point, has mostly used art as a method of surviving when times are tough. There is something soothing about losing oneself in the creation process, so that has always been my method of getting through this life, especially when life seems at its most insurmountable. I enjoy all kinds of art including drawing, painting, cross stitch, crochet, clay, and anything that involves producing something beautiful and/or useful with my own two hands. However, my absolute favorite art form is painting portraits with watercolor.

I am a military brat who has lived all over the United States with my favorite location being Alaska. I went to college for Nuclear Engineering now several years ago at Texas A&M University with a plan to design nuclear reactors for space travel. However, I found that I was ill-suited for the research world, and thus moved away from academia. I left my home and crazy family, who are very dear to me, in order to pursue a career in Newport News, VA as a field test engineer. This role fit me much better as I prefer hands-on work on the deckplate (or at the easel) rather than being at a desk and attending meetings. I met the love of my life, and we adopted a curious kitten and an obnoxiously cute corgi. I was pretty good at what I did and took pride in my work, but I longed for my paint brushes and the calmness and sense of accomplishment that comes with the act of creating. For that reason, I took all the courage I could muster, quit my job, and put my passion to work as an artist. Please be patient with me as I work out the kinks of this art business. My intent is to serve you the best that I can in the best way that I know how.

I know that right now all that’s visible is an option for commissions and a link to my portfolio of archived paintings. This is because I am currently taking an intensive art program (Mastery Program from the Milan Art Institute) and am building up the inventory I’ll need to launch my shop. In the next few months, my intent is to gradually add items to my schedule. Included in that will be launching an online shop with original art, prints, cross stitch designs, sentiment cards, coloring books and more; attending local art shows/fairs/festivals; posting monthly blogs; and posting content more regularly on my YouTube channel. I want this to be sustainable, so I am attacking this process gradually.

Right now, the theme of my paintings are mostly watercolor portraits requested for a variety of reasons (such as memorials and weddings) and therapeutic art inspired by neurographica. Though I am still working out my brand and my voice with the help of the Mastery Program, I expect my themes and subject matter to shift to include or meld with engineering, sciences, nature, family, therapy, portraits, and peaceful havens or hideaways. I intend for my work to be a soothing presence to those who wish it whether you’re looking for a memorial legacy painting, a card to send to your loved ones, a therapeutic coloring book, or an original piece that gives you hope for the days to come. I want to create something that speaks to your soul.

Thank you again for visiting, and I hope that you can find something that speaks to you.

So, why did I choose “Subtle Value Art” as the name for my art business?

Just in case you’re curious.

My first reason is the nature of my favorite medium - watercolor. There are obviously various ways that watercolor can be used to create masterpieces, but my favorite method is utilizing its subtle nature to meticulously add one layer at a time. I build my paintings by adding the slightest amount of paint little by little, layer by layer. The difference is hardly noticeable until you eventually realize there’s something detailed with rich, vibrant color on the paper. I’ve found this is especially true for skin tones, which is why watercolor portraits are one of my favorite subjects.

My second reason is because I feel that phrase “subtle value” describes me as a person. I am not the flashy or outgoing type that stands out in a crowd. I have always been at my best when I’m the second in command, quietly listening, taking in information, and utilizing that information to work in the background. I am the technical backup to the outgoing one, the speaker, the charismatic leader, the face of the team. We are often told that being the leader is one of the most important traits that you can have to succeed in life. I am not saying that leadership is not valuable, as it most definitely is. However, it is something that’s already widely celebrated. I developed the name “subtle value” to pay homage to those that are more introverted, subtle, and quieter in nature. We also have profound value.