Meet the Founders of Horizon Line Studio

   My artistic journey began in the small town of Breese, Illinois, where childhood days were filled with drawing, coloring, and plenty of imagination. Encouraged by my family and fueled by early success—including having a drawing featured on the Disney Channel at just five years old—my love for art only deepened with time. Creativity has always been my driving force, from local contests and mural work to award-winning illustrations and ad campaigns. 

   After discovering oil painting in college,  I shifted my focus from my dream of teaching art to fully embracing my identity as a painter. There was so much to learn about painting, and I felt I needed to become an expert in the medium before I could ever think of teaching it. I then earned my BFA in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Painting from the University of Missouri in 2012. My work reflects a deep personal connection to color, emotion, and the world around me. I now show my work around the world in juried shows, lead art retreats, and I am also a resident artist at the Soulard Art gallery in St. Louis, MO. 

   Though my path hasn’t always been traditional, my commitment to my art never wavered. As a mother, I balanced family life with creative exploration, determined to show my children that dreams are worth chasing. That spirit of perseverance and passion now shapes my role as co-founder of Horizon Line Studio, where I am bringing my talent and belief that every artist has a unique voice worth developing and sharing.

    Art and family have always been central to my life. I earned my degree in art and education from Webster University, where I combined my love for creativity with a desire to teach. My journey began in the classroom, where I unexpectedly found my calling working with young children—first as a kindergarten teacher, then later as the owner of an in-home daycare. Those early years were filled with paint-covered fingers, endless imagination, and the joy of watching kids discover the world through art.

   As my own children grew, I found new ways to stay connected to both art and teaching. A camera gifted by my mom sparked a passion for photography, and soon I was documenting the everyday magic of childhood and family life. For nearly a decade now, I have ran Jill Daugherty Fine Art  Photography business, using my artistic eye to capture the beauty in real, unscripted moments.

   Now, I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned full circle with the launch of our art school. Along with my co-founder Jamie, we’ve created a welcoming space where kids, teens, and adults can explore the elements of design, drawing, and painting. Our classes, workshops, and retreats are designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and community—because we believe art should be accessible, meaningful, and fun at every age.