2nd Place Winner — “In Full Color: Women Creating Boldly” Erin Zines
The “In Full Color: Women Creating Boldly” exhibition celebrates international women artists who embrace color not only as a visual element, but as a language of emotion, memory, and storytelling. Among this year’s standout visual voice is second-place winner Erin Zines, a self-taught acrylic artist whose work captures the beauty of everyday experiences through vibrant palettes and heartfelt nostalgia.
Erin believes that art lives at the intersection of life’s many experiences, including family, travel, childhood memories, and fleeting moments of joy. Her award-winning piece, “Highslides”, embodies bold color nostalgia. Inspired by childhood memories and later rediscovered with her own family, the work reflects the innocence and exhilaration of simple moments.
In this interview, Erin shares the story behind her creative path, the inspiration for her winning work, and how she hopes her art invites viewers to rediscover joy in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist—how you first discovered your passion for art and what has shaped your creative path over the years?
Throughout my life I’ve always been drawn to the arts; singing, playing instruments, painting, theater, etc, but didn’t focus a majority of my time on this passion until the pandemic in 2021. My son was only a toddler then, and I spent a lot of my time creating hands-on experiences from which he could grow and learn. Ultimately, this allowed my creative ideas to blossom and led to painting after his bedtime. I found myself constantly thinking about painting and how I could express this on canvas. Through practice and online classes I got better, joined a local art club, and it took off from there. The adventures with my son, travels around the world, and fondness of nostalgia have been major contributors to my work, and I aim to express these cherished moments in a meaningful way that connects with the viewers.
Every great work of art starts with a spark. Can you tell us about the specific inspiration behind your winning entry? Was there a particular moment, emotion, or observation that compelled you to bring this vision to life?
I enjoy painting nostalgic things because it brings back those moments of joy that are buried within us on a typical day. “Highslides” was inspired by my own childhood. As a child we had a smaller version of these slides near our house, and every time we went by I wanted to stop and slide. It was 25 cents a ride, and when we had a quarter I was a happy kid! It was pure excitement climbing so high and knowing I would fly down those slides catching air; like a little rollercoaster effect. Fast forward many years to when we happened upon these slides with my own family in Estes Park, CO, I could not wait to share the pure joy these slides brought me as a child with my own young son. I wanted to capture that innocence in this painting.
This contest celebrates the power and vibrancy of color. How did you decide on your specific color palette for this work, and what mood or message were you hoping those choices would communicate to the viewer?
I tend to work in bright colors most often because it brings me joy. Our lives can’t be happy or positive 100% of the time, so capturing the art of the everyday and reminding people that there are pockets of hope and joy all around us would be the message I want my work to convey.
Looking ahead, what direction do you see your art evolving toward, and are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re particularly excited about?
I want to live life to its fullest, and on my journey I want to capture those moments in my artwork, whether it be reflecting on the past, taking snippets of daily life, or bringing bits and pieces of my travel experiences to my artwork. I hope to spark a sense of connection between my artwork and the viewer. Bright colors will probably always be part of my artistic expression, and I hope to explore with both larger pieces and other mediums. I’m excited about an upcoming exhibit at the Aloft Hotel in Westminster, CO with two other amazing artists. Our show is called Destination Color: Where 3 Creative Paths Meet, and it will run from April - June, 2026.
As an online art contest, your work is being viewed on screens all over the world. How does it feel to share your art in a digital space compared to a physical gallery, and how do you think that accessibility impacts the way people connect with your message?
It is mindblowing to me that people outside of my local bubble are able to view my artwork through this opportunity. I know a website can reach people globally, but an online gallery with other amazing artists allows a connection that might be missed otherwise. This type of gallery is for people who appreciate art and want to view works they might not have otherwise come in contact with, in a more real and authentic experience than a website. It allows smaller artists to be seen and celebrated, and I’m proud to be a part of this community. Because of the accessibility of this exhibit, more people have the opportunity to connect to my message that happiness is found all around us, in both the little things and epic moments.
Anything else you want our audience to know about you?
I’m a mom who has worn many different hats throughout my life, and having the space and encouragement to express myself through painting has been a true gift. I worked on exploring different processes and eventually found both a voice and style of which I am proud. I continue to grow and learn and look forward to the next inspirations that cross my path.
Erin Zines’ work reminds us that art has the power to reconnect us with memories we carry quietly within us, moments of childhood excitement, family connection, and the joy found in everyday life. Through her use of bold, uplifting color and deeply personal storytelling, she transforms nostalgia into a shared emotional experience for the viewer.
As Erin continues to explore new mediums, larger works, and future exhibitions, including her upcoming show Destination Color: Where 3 Creative Paths Meet at the Aloft Hotel in Westminster, Colorado. Her artistic journey reflects a commitment to curiosity, growth, and authenticity.
Her story is also a meaningful reminder that creative paths rarely follow a straight line. Sometimes they begin in the quiet hours of the evening, in the middle of everyday life, and grow into something far larger than imagined.
We congratulate Erin Zines on her second-place recognition in In Full Color: Women Creating Boldly and look forward to seeing where her vibrant creative journey leads next.
