It is such an honor to present to you this lovely girl.
Meet Ashly Lee, a 26 year old artist from San Francisco, CA.
She has been an acrylic painter for a little over a year now and has a passion for art for as long as she can remember. 
When Ashly was 19 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and lost function of her hands and legs. It took her a few years to gain her mobility back. She still has issues from time to time, but she said she is very thankful she gets to be passionate about creating art again.
When did you begin painting and how did you get started?
Ashly: I started painting in July of 2018. My mom invited me to a Sip and Paint night with a bunch of girlfriends. Before this night I really had only been drawing with just a standard pencil and paper. I was so inspired from that moment on. I found myself experimenting with colors and different mediums. After experimenting I decided acrylic was the easiest to work with.
What is the message you are trying to give with your art?
Ashly: I want my art to send the message that anything is possible if you don’t give up. Having Multiple Sclerosis I don’t always have the mobility of my hands. I gave up drawing and any form of art for years because I felt defeated by my illness. Going to the Paint and Sip night really sparked something in me to try and create art pieces again. 
You sell your work online. What have you found to be the best way of getting your art noticed by buyers?
Ashly: I was luckily discovered by RAW Artists, which is a company that holds art showcases for local artists. I have done three showcases with RAW and have been fortunate to sell some of my pieces at each show. Doing these showcases I have had a lot of networking opportunities as well. I also sell my pieces on my personal website and Etsy.
What do you believe is a key element in creating a good composition?
Ashly: For me personally, in order to create a well-balanced piece I need to be in a certain mindset. The way I am feeling at that moment determines how my piece will turn out. 
How does creating art make you feel?
Ashly: For me, painting is a way to make me feel calm and at peace. Because of my MS my stress level is a big factor on how my MS effects me. Painting for me is a way to forget about the stresses of life and take a break. Art gives me the feeling of peace and tranquility. In every piece I make I want to convey the calm and tranquility to anyone looking at it.
What artists influenced you the most and why?
Ashly: A lot different artists inspire me. I get a lot of inspiration from people I follow on Instagram. For instance, Marco Grassi and Juliane N. Berge. I also get inspiration from photography, street art and tattoo artists. 
What are your plans for the future?
Ashly: I always want to keep learning techniques and grow as an artist. I would love in the future to have my own gallery and even a place where people can come in for classes or paint something of their own.
You can learn more about Jenny Grant and her art at www.ashlynicolecreations.com or by visiting her .