Rising Stars: Meet Meghan Sours of Apex

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Sours

Hi Meghan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am both an art teacher and a representational portrait artist rooted in the realist tradition. I have always loved to draw. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my grandmother, who was an artist, sketch beautiful, anatomically accurate horses from memory alone. I remember knowing exactly how I wanted my drawings to look, and getting so frustrated that they weren’t realistic like hers. But I refused to take art classes and even remember declaring, “I’m already an artist!” As a child, I think I saw taking classes as a weakness; classes were for people who didn’t know how to draw.

Now, as an adult, I approach my craft with much more humility. I feel like the more I learn, the less I know. I graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 2008, but craved to know more. I devoured art books and created master copies of what I saw. I scoured the internet, and learned about ateliers, a classical form of art training predominantly based on 19th century French art academies. I took workshops from a few ateliers over the years, before moving to Utah to apprentice under master artist William Whitaker. I am currently an artist in residence at the East Oaks Studio in Cary.

My art journey definitely encouraged my teaching style. I have worked with all ages, from children to grandparents and believe everyone who has the desire to draw is already an artist. Art is far more than self expression. It’s problem-solving and empathy and connection. It’s learning to observe and see what no one else sees: the way the light turns across a form to create volume or the unexpected color variety in shadows. My husband, brother and I created 60 Minute Art, a series of online drawing tutorials for those who know they are artists and don’t feel like they need art classes, like I did. Our family’s goal with our platform is to plunge right into each project and, like our namesake, to create a masterpiece in under an hour.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The year 2020 was a big struggle for me as it was for many. I’m quite content to be alone in my work 99% of the time, but that year of extreme isolation reminded me that I still need community. It was an awakening year that I’m incredibly grateful for as the pain pulled me out of my complacency. I was reminded of my goals, to push my artistic capabilities and make each day rich with living and experiences.

I knew I wasn’t the only one hurting. I wanted to disconnect from the barrage of despair on social media and the news and get out to reconnect with people. So, my husband and I did what seemed like the logical solution: to take a hiatus from the weight of the world and ride our bicycles 4,000 miles across America with our five year-old daughter. It was physically one of the most arduous experiences I’ve yet had. It wasn’t just the physical strain either, of averaging 70 miles a day while carrying all of our food, gear and tent; it was learning to communicate with my husband and adapt on the busy roads, through the headwinds, hills and storms. It was developing mental fortitude when I had no other choice but to keep pedaling, to not feel guilty for putting my daughter through experiences which often felt dangerous. There were a lot of tears and a lot of prayers but by the grace of God we made it from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific. We reconnected with people again, too, and were shown tremendous kindness. Many were curious and perplexed about our journey. Being on bicycles, we had no car doors to shut. People came up and just wanted to talk, sharing their own incredible stories with us of love, adventure and loss.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work primarily in drawing and oil painting using an indirect method. My focus centers on creating contemplative and intimate portrayals, particularly of women and children. I use a meticulous approach, paying close attention to the interplay of light and form. With each portrait, my ultimate aim is to uplift the human spirit, capturing not just the physical likeness but also the subtle emotions, the inner story. There’s a pull between what we choose to show others and what we’d prefer to keep hidden. In my work, while spending hours to months on a portrait, I want to gently expose that vulnerability, to catch a glimpse of the soul for others to see.

Art and adventure cycling may not seem related, but I cannot help but observe how every path we take is intertwined, affecting the next step (or pedal) in life’s journey. I think back to how comfortable strangers were sharing such vulnerable stories of their own. Perhaps it was because my family lowered our guard by doing something unusual; but in doing so, we made ourselves present and attentive. Our journey across America made this abundantly clear: everyone has a secret hurt they are guarding. What most surprised us were the people that, in spite of their pain, poured out kindness and generosity. It was a reminder that I do what I do because people are confusing, complicated and incredibly beautiful. I know I will never tire of rendering the human portrait.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It is not just about whether or not you think you are gifted, but your tenacity. Find your mentors. My sixth grade teacher, who was a tremendous motivator in my artistic journey, shared this with me: if you’re lucky, you will have three mentors in your life. The first will acknowledge your gifts and encourage you to use them. Your second mentor will show you how to use your gifts. And the third mentor, which may take a lifetime to find, will push your gifts beyond what you ever thought you were capable of. Finally, read the poem “Cargo,” by Greg Kimura. The world needs you and your gifts. If you do not feel capable, then learn. Be curious. If you don’t share your gifts for yourself, then do it for someone you love and want to inspire. For me, I do hard things and share my gifts for my family.

Contact Info:

• Website: meghansours.com and 60minute.art
• Instagram: meggiesours
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@60minuteart