Paula Dooley's key themes in her art are color and nature, particularly trees at the present.  Often she will make the tree take center stage in her piece. “Trees are just beautiful they way they grow and take on individual characteristics. “ Her love for nature sparked early on from her parents who loved the outdoors and she grew up on wood heat which involved much time outdoors.  Living and running/hiking in Alaska, rural Florida, Texas, Colorado, Washington and Oklahoma further developed her desire to be outside.

She works primarily in oil on cradled wood or canvas but also enjoys painting murals and rocks which started this whole art journey.

Paula has shown her collections locally in Hampton Roads galleries; On The Hill Gallery, Arts on Main, Charles Taylor Visual Arts, and Williamsburg Contemporary Arts.  Her "Emancipation Oak" painting was purchased and can be seen in the Hampton Visitor Center.    She is also an avid fan and vendor of Yorktown's annual Art Stroll in September.

Having no formal art-related education, painting became an outlet after retiring as an Air Force Officer serving 26 years and flying in combat with AWACS.   Paula spent 11 years of her career in Alaska.

She has received several awards for her pieces in the local galleries but that is a time consuming process.

Her hope is that people see the beauty of God in the world around them.

Paula is married to the most awesome man and has two daughters who challenge her daily to be the best she can be.  She also has 2 pugs that entertain her daily.