Hi,
I'm Dreama...
let's get to know each other!
I'm Dreama. I'm a writer and painter. Named by my grandmother. Self-taught in art. Lover of yes.
Bubble baths are my thing. A place for epiphanies. It's where I was when I got it on the 'no' thing.
You have to understand, I’d been saying 'no' for a very long time in my life--no to things that I actually wanted! Like having a life that held all the things I loved. Dreaming in color--having a life of my choosing and doing the things that made me smile. Yeah, I had lots of excuses for saying no. I wasn’t good enough, I was self taught, maybe I had waited too late.
Then I heard a voice.
‘How’s that been working for ya?’
No, not an angel.
Just a replay in my head from a Dr.Phil show ;-)
Obviously not.
Working for me.
Never knew how beautiful 'yes' was until I started using it on my own beliefs of what was possible.
Painting and writing and teaching and traveling all begin with 'yes'.
Up for some 'yes' in your life?
Oui, si and yeah baby!
That's what I'm here for
—to help you find your yes!
A few of my favorite things...
Click on the dots below to read more of my thoughts on each of my favorite things.
If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
Vincent Van Gogh
I have had many studios in my years of painting. There are a few things they’ve all had in common.
Easels and a cat or three.
Currently there are two studio cats. Eddie Bill and Eddie Pierre. (I know, two cats with the same first name. Never really planned that, it just sort of happened)
My home base studio is the Dream.Love.Paint cottage, 100 years old and a place that gives you a hug every time you walk through its doors.
It has touches that remind me of my grandmother’s house.
Absent of any technology and filled with flea market treasures (I have a picnic basket collection that I never really planned…it just sort of happened) and a swing suspended from the ceiling in the front room. It has a way of slowing your heart rate down to a simpler time, reminding you that it’s just fine to be yourself.
My other studio is a bit of a traveling one since the last few years have found me staying for extended periods of time in paintable places like Provence, Tuscany and Paris. (never really planned that either, it just sort of…happened 😉
You can visit those ‘studios’ in my online courses!
Are you having any workshops coming up? My Sister, Brenda Harris Tustian, attended one of your workshops about 7 years ago in Kentucky. Thanks
Hi Sharron—I teach online and don’t have any plans for live workshops—thanks for asking!
Hi Dreama! Saw that we were both in Rising Tide, writers, and creative. And that you had your website in with your picture. Decided to investigate. I am in the Bob Ross zone in my painting journey, thanks for asking. I live in Forney, Texas. I wish most to learn about your business. And your website. And also why I still put Gobstoppers in my mouth thinking I am going to be good and not kill my teeth breaking into them. The hidden mysteries of my world, no?
I’ve taken a class or two from YOU…. YEARS AGO….. So wonderful to find you here…. I’m retired now…. And what do I do “many days a week…,?” I paint in acrylics. I’ve recently started a series of individual bookmarks, an ode to my love of books and reading. I paint scenes of houses, gardens, forests, flowers, pets, ETC…. laminate them, and sell them …. To other “readers!” I’m having fun and enjoying the creative process….. I will tell Trudy, Debbie, Heather, etc. I ran across you again ….. I hope you are well and thriving. All the best Dreama! Jamilyn Fritz. Evansville, Indiana. Jfmarketing1@aol.com
I haven’t painted in four years. I’m ready to start again. Love your paintings and techniques.
Hi Dreama. You inspired me when I first started painting with watercolors. I am travelling with my daughter through Kentucky and looked for your studio hoping to find a workshop with you. I found Art on High instead and stayed at Kathy Werking’s air b and b. We’re going to have an oil pastels class in a few hours. Very excited. We hiked in N.C. this weekend and have pics of the sunrise in the mountains as our subject. This creative journey owes much to you. Thank you.
I would like to know more about the painting classes. I am a writer and have enjoyed painting classes at a local shop, before the whole covid mess. Some classes long ago. But think this is perfect for me!
You can check out the classes here on this site Noreen–at this link: https://dreamatolleperry.com/courses/ or just look in the Nav bar at the top of this page for the section called COURSES.
just want to free fall a bit/ a new idea- loosen up
love your colors and mood in painting
People need to feel connected. You provide that. Keep up the good work!
Like you, I am a self taught artist with a fashion degree from the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). I currently live in Buckeye, AZ having lived here now for five years. I moved to a 55+ community from Napa, CA in 2015. I’ve always had a passion for the Arts and enjoy acrylic, watercolors & oil. I’ve been blessed to have an identical twin, Betty, who is also a painter. We both enjoy painting portraits, landscapes, still life but have gravitated to expressionistic impressionism. In fact, I’ve volunteered to teach art in my community and have done so for the past five years. I’ve become a Pinterest whore so-to-speak in that I love finding wonderful artists on the site such as yourself and land a painting that I feel will inspire my students. You have so many delightful paintings to choose from but I will land one of them and then teach my classes in the entire month of June. I’ve already landed an Australian impressionistic painter for next month’s class, Clair Bremner. She enjoys laying her paints down and spraying water for bleeding effects. Your rich selection of colors and the way you lay your paints down are what has inspired me. As much as I hate admitting it, I’m more of a tight handed painter from the many years I’ve spent trying to pull off perfectionism in nearly every piece I’ve painted. So stepping outside the box and leaning more into impressionism is a huge goal of mine. Don’t laugh but I name my students after the greats. My real beginners are given the name of Picasso; if one has followed me for a third or fourth class, they advance as a Van Gogh and a fifth time or more student, advances as a Monet. Your words you write on paper have also captivated me to want to follow you. I think there is always room for improvement and I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning to better my artistry! I’ve never had my paintings in galleries as such but I’ve done an extensive amount of commissioned pieces and given lots of work away in many various community fundraisers. My joy is seeing others delight in creating something for their first time and I’m the one instructing them, which blows me away. It absolutely fills my heart. I’d be honored to share one of your pieces with my students and try recreating it. I’ve taught recreation pieces of the California gal, Erin Hansen. She’s a great expressionistic impressionism painter as well. I’ve gotten out my pallet knives and tried recreating her pieces with many classmates many times. There are many other professional impressionistic artists, whom I have followed and recreated their work. So you are the artistic that I’m now gravitating to and loving your style. I’m only hopeful I can do your work justice. I always ask my students to Google the artist and check out their work and I’ll be sharing your name with them in the very near future. You are a fabulous painter! Thank you for taking the time to readi a bit about my background! I look forward to receiving emails from you in the very near future and learning more about your beautiful style of painting! Sincerest regards,
Bobbi Adler 🖌🎨
Hi Dreama! I just found you on Instagram. I am 54 and love art. I started painting in 2015 when it became apparent that my kids were growing up and would be leaving. When my daughter went to college she was shocked that her room turned into an art studio within one week! I am largely self taught. I have taken a few workshops and classes but do not know my style yet. I love all kinds of creativity, oil painting, flowers, furniture painting! I love it all and can get easily distracted into learning something new. I love your free flowing painting and the feel of it. I have always been attracted to impressionism from a trip to Europe backpacking when 22 years old. I am very excited to read your whole site and am very interested in your class – through Paris.
Oh, I work in insurance and, the kids are on their own. I moved to South Carolina from Connecticut. I live on a beautiful lake. I am curious where you live in case you do any in person workshops.
Looking forward to learning from you.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Love, Tracey 🙂
my name is Dreama too!!! I’ve always loved your art and I was thinking ab your paintings! the last time I had been to Giovannis in Paris and realized your paintings were no longer in there! I loved them and I was sad to see that they would take them down!! when I was a little girl I would look at your paintings and would just say wow and point them all out to my grandmother. Lol I remember we went around and looked at every painting and she would point to your name every time and say look dreama your name. It was a simpler time. I love your website and how personal you have things set up! I’m in school to become a dental assistant and start extern soon, something they say at school a lot is that dentistry is an art, and I love that bc I’ll always love art and music and anything that is a vessel for self expression. I would love to hear more ab your visits to Paris and Italy, and maybe see some of the things you painted there or were inspired from being there! I didn’t know I would have so much to say so sorry for being ling winded lol..
Love your work and your studio. I am in the process of moving out of a rented studio and into one in my home, that will share space with my office, with a fireplace and overlooking my back yard. Picking out some fun, glam, feminine furnishings (who says you can’t use a gold and glass bar cart as your palette, paint and brush holder?!) Cheers.
I have been involved with art since a small child. Drawing with crayons, pencil and as I grew, watercolors, oils, acrylics, etching etc. I just reached the age of 80 (can’t imagine this has happened) Lately I have not gone into my studio. Music and painting has always been a part of my life. I’m spending more time with the music (instant gratification, you know) Painting is more of a challenge. Getting your email might be just what I need. I hope so.
Good day Dreama
Before all I am Richard Mariano a 22 years old boy amateur painter.
I’m a Jehovah’s witness.
I have a lot of influences of how I create my artwork depends on the genre. I likely to paint realism. I just start painting year 2017 when I saw paintings at the house of my friend. Since I was a kid I always draw copying and on my imagination. I live here at Isabela province in the Philippines. Life here is hard and we should work hard. I help my father growing corns and rice. I have a lot of inspiration, grassland, bliss, flowers and even the sunlight especially during summer and most Bible promises. I also paint portrait, figures, still life and sometimes landscape.
I saw your paintings yesterday at your IG post and like visit your facebook page go to your website I had a plenty of time observing your paintings they are really beautiful, the effects on me is like I want to eat it or to paint the same way.
I to be friend on you in facebook but It can’t. I’m now fan of your style. For now I have painting in progress using oil on canvas. Flowers are my subject. And I really want to paint more beautiful in my lifetime as you did.
lovely so much in common would love to spend time with you just to share stories and creativity big hug
Well….me? I am inspired when see your work and read your words. And inspiration is a thing I am in need if. Thank you!
I create legal docs by day and create art by nite. The two sides of me no longer battle for my life, they live side by side in harmony, mostly, with the occasional spat over time stolen from one or the other.
But the time has come for the artist in me to prevail. I am moving ever so slowly in that direction. I have to for she…the artist…nags at me. You’ve got a bracelet to finish, or that blanket from last winter, but then your loom awaits you ! Thank God I’m painting ! Without that I’d be crazy !
And, so time. Yes, time.
Hi Dreama, I was wondering if you will be teaching a class in Southern California this year. I am enjoying the first week of your Internet class. So much inspiration from everyone on Facebook taking the class.
Thank you!
Cheri
That’s wonderful Cheri! Love that you are loving it 🙂 I will not be teaching in Southern California this year–lots going on so I have put my workshops on hold for awhile. Thanks so much for your interest though!
thank you so much for writing the lovely description of yourself would picture you. Your use of color in your painting and eye-shadow is just gorgeous. Pat
Dreama ~ I’ve been following you for a few years now. I absolutely adore your use of colour and style of painting. It speaks to my heart. Thankyou so very much for following your inner voice and sharing your beautiful talent with us all- not just the painting but the writing too. Someday I hope to meet you in person in one of your workshops.
That’s a big dream for me because I have always longed to be able to paint and write. My brother received art lessons because he could draw well. I always envied that. I don’t know if I have talent but I did learn tole painting in the 1980’s and after my first class using paint I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. The next night I dreamed of painting big swirly “comma” strokes. I’m sure I woke up with a smile on my face. When I painted I was totally absorbed. No hunger, no cares —just being in the moment and thrilled to be so.
I stopped when life got too busy. And tole painting went out of style. I cherish my work and long to paint pictures. But I struggle with fear and finding out I can only paint when I have drawn on the image from a pattern.
I’ve never tried to sketch. I feel terribly self conscious. Were you like this at one point in time? How do I move on?
I babysit my first grandchild 5 days a week and am thrilled to be doing so. I think I could find time and a space – my heart has always sung when I read inspiring words, watch dance ( I can just feel how wonderful it must be) and by sketching and painting. I wonder If I would be given such yearnings and no talent to go with it. I feel a need to express myself through art and maybe writing.
Your words and colour inspire me and, well I love it all. Now you have made your classes available on e-classes!!!!!! ☺️
I’ve registered and am excited for January 2016.
However I’m afraid of starting. Can you give me any advice. I’d really appreciate it coming from you- I admire you and your work like no other painter I’ve seen.
Blessings to you and both Eddies and your dog.
Tuxedo cats are the best kind of cat!!! (Imo). I wish I could paint exactly like you do. I am working in pastels. Do you think I could ever get the vibrancy you have in your paintings using pastels?
Sincerely,
su
Hi, Dreama! I came across an article about your art on an art magazine and was very impressed so I had to look up your website. I love the colors in your work! They look very much like the images in my head that I never get around to putting on a canvas! Your art inspires me to get out my pastels and have fun! Thank you!
Hello Dreama, I think we may be kindred spirits! I’m a watercolorist perfecting my craft by painting every day. My purpose in life is to “Inspire others to see their own greatness so they can feel confident to live the life of their dreams.” Thanks for sharing your story with the world. It needs more people like you. I’m on Pinterest… it’s where I found you. Perhaps we can connect. Do you have watercolor workshops in or around Albuquerque or Santa Fe. I’d love to attend one. My best to you. Rosemary Breehl.
You color my heart
My name is Anne Wan, from Hong Kong. I love your paintings and life styles very much. I have been started my watercolor painting journey since 2013, very short, very junior, hope to share with you in future.
Love your paintings,the colors are wonderful I love color it make me happy.
I have only found you and your wonderful paintings today via the Daily Paintworks website. I can’t stop looking at your lovely work. I love all of your work! The magnificent colours you achieve and match together and your beautiful application of brushstrokes is inspiring. Your paintings sing.
Thanks for being there and I wish you many years of continued success. I’ll look forward to your DVD?!?! from Melbourne Australia
Hi I’m Bill Fagan
Hi I’m Bill Fagan I am an urban sketcher and loved your videos of sketching in France and the Paris photo montage. Paris c’est magnifique. it is in my soul. Look forward to your blog!
I knew it! Eddie gets into the paint and sometimes presents as “black and polychrome.” I once had a gray cat with one pink mitten and three sky blue ones thanks to his romp through a painting and palette where I was doing the background in Alizarin Crimson and Ultramarine. Managed to get enough out of his paws that he wouldn’t get sick but those staining colors tinted Vila for weeks!
Currently I mostly use pastels or pen-watercolor, both mediums easier to keep out of Ari Cat’s lovely long hair. I used to hate the color beige and dislike brown till I got a beige cat. He has every nuance of gray and brown hues in a full range of values from pure white whiskers and ice-blonde mane to his black mask and smoky tail and paws. With near-white toe tufts.
Thank you Dreama for your color and inspiration to do what I love!!! Your art may have
I’m saving to attend a workshop, but would LOVE to get my hands on a DVD in addition to that…so would my mom, aunt, sister, best friend. We are all Dreama Art fans up here and are hoping your DVD project comes to fruition. Thank you for all the beauty and inspiration you put out into the world, Dreama!!!
Where is error
Your paintings light up the world we live in. They just make me smile !
Dreama,
I heard you on a podcast today. It was a wonderful podcast called “artists helping artists”, as you spoke I thought Dreama has read or practices the principals of Ernest Holmes. So I thought I’d check out your website, and i see in you pile of books, you have a copy of Science of Mind. Anyhow, my point is, you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you.
Really nice website and atmosphere. I enjoyed meeting you a little more on your video clip. And great that you share your writing. Warmly Lynn
I am so moved by your beautiful art. Thank you for sharing your gift with me tonight.
Thank You!
It was so much fun to finally meet you and take your workshop! Three days of absolute bliss! Laughter, chocolate, painting with new friends is the best medicine for anything that ails me! Thanks again, learning has never been such fun!
Desiree
Love Dreama’s art, her soul has to be a special one.
Can hardly wait until the next art class I will take with her in April 2015!
Love Dreama’s art, her soul has to be a special one.
Can hardly wait until the next art class I will take with her in April 2015!
Love your paintings! & your outlook!
Sometmes I lose sight of what brings joy to me – in turn – brining that energetic joy to others.
I love the energy in your paintings and in your writing.
I needed to read your words at this moment – perfect courage.
Thank you!
Stay inspired!
~Kate
Dear dreama–I love your work. Your colors are fabulous!
Could you send me information on a trip to France or Italy? Next summer?
Thanks for sharing your pieces!
Fondly, betty
I love your art and your wit! A big WOW!
I love your art and your wit! A big WOW!
I love all of the beautiful paintings. They are so inspirational. The flowers are so graceful and charming. I had such a wonderful time in France with you and all of the purple berets. I’m going to have a wonderful time visiting again in my comfy chair. Your writings lift my heart and revive my spirits. Love Judy
I SOOO enjoyed seeing your art on display at St. Peter’s! It was a cloudy, gloomy day until I saw the vibrant colors on your beautiful pieces! You are such an inspiration! Thank you!
You are my rainbow !
There was so much in this post that I loved. Wow….you and I have many of the same books in our libraries!
Please disregard my last post….. all I had to do was LOOK
I will try to get into your Costa Mesa workshop someday…and possible Lexington Ky.
I’m from Cincinnati.
Dear Dreama
I tend to rely on you postings as my daily meditation. I will just join with the rest to thank you as much as I can for your wonderful thoughts. As a struggling artist, I appreciate all that you reflect upon and share in such a giving way. speaking of reflections,(how do you like the segue sp? I am on a spanish computer and spellcheck well, forget it) I am struggling with the reflective surface of my palette and then I see you using a mirror!!!!! Share with me how you do that.
Hi Dreama! I stumbled across your site a couple months ago. Your paintings are so beautiful. I love the colours, the style , the pure joy of them , everything about them!! I so hope I can buy one when you have some available. That energy and life and love are just what I want in my home. your writing speaks to my heart.
I am a nurse and in my mid 50’s. I feel more and more that now is the time to finally open myself to all the things I’ve dreamed of. I am being drawn to art. I have always wanted to paint but never tried. I have always wanted to capture things in my own way and express them. I feel this strong desire but feel completely stuck.
Now I am home recovering from a stressed out lifestyle and would so appreciate any tips you could give me.
Wishing you much love and joy! Judy
You rock girl, soooooo proud of you hon.
Dreama,
I loved reading about your painting and reading and your inspiring positive attitude. After a 30 year career in health care, I retired almost 2 years ago in my mid-fifties and have been going to Art School at a local public university. I am a “Painting/Drawing” major and have been so enjoying my chance to try something that I have always wanted to do. I am making progress in my work and have fun talking to the regular aged college kids.
I am also a BIG reader. Let me think.. recent good reads: The Lady in Gold (about Gustav Klimt’s life), The Round House, The Greater Journey by David McCoullough (reading this now and is superb), Fever, The Orphan Master’s Son. Please share some of your favorites as well.
Enjoy and be well! I will keep an eye on your workshops. I hope I can attend at some point!
Yours,
Marlene Weinstein
Thank you for sharing. You describe love beautifully! ❤️❌⭕⭐⚓
Hi, Dreama!
I’m Youngsun living in Seoul, Korea.
I’m artist and I work in both oils and watercolors.
Your positive attitude toward life is inspiring.
I love your paintings and your wrtings too.
Thank you!!
Dreama,
I live close to the other Paris (in Maine) and of course I love purple. Enjoying your beautiful bright and bold colors in your paintings.
Dreama, I just love reading your writing. Like a good book you don’t want to end.
Attracted to color liking butterfly
Dreama,
Come visit southern California and paint on either of our Italian farms including our new one in Temecula’s wine country.
I can email you some photos to tempt you.
Farmer Nic
Hi Dreama,
I will be taking your workshop next November in Costa Mesa. I hope you don’t mind that I work with a pallet knife! I absolutely love RWE’s definition of success. Hugs to you.
Very intrigued by your paintings with so much bright color and
light with an abundance of flowers! Someone mentioned your watercolors but I haven’t seen any. At 50 I started taking painting classes at our local Del Mar Jr. college painting in oils….didn’t know what the…..I was doing as I’d never had art in school. I wasn’t crazy about working in oils so we switched to WC for a semerster. I finally quite after taking
drawing and art history classes several times. Went with a private teacher & studied with her till she became ill. Then on to another teacher who had taught art in middle school. She was very good with WC and also liked to work with acrylics also. Sadly,I had to drop out (for health reasons & couldn’t drive) so
I’m pretty much stuck out where I live in the country am not near
any painting peers who could help me get started again.
Found you on Pinterest. I too see the purple in all things. Glad to meet you!
The Art of Dreama Tolle Perry, que bom tê-la encontrado. Amo seu trabalho, Vc é humana e maravilhosa. Vc é como sua pintura, linda e vibrante, nos passa alegria. Bj!!
Who doesn’t love you, Dreama? Bless you and your tender heart!
I was just in Paris today~ the ‘other’ Paris. I am an Interior Designer, and I met a client at her home today. I stopped by Hobby Lobby to have some of my paintings framed. I found, in the clearance isle, oil paints on sale! I was a very happy girl. I have started painting. I have taken a few lessons and played around with some paints and brushes. I have a picture I took at the Dead Sea that I would LOVE to paint. I should just start, but I’m waiting….not sure for what. I love your story, and most of all, your paintings. BEAUTIFUL! Ann-Margret Perkins
Dreama, I love your paintings and your style..THANKs…
hope you will do a dvd would love to have one
Thanks so much to each of you for writing! I LOVE hearing what you have to say :-)!!!
Love your beautiful paintings. Color is lucious
I love how vulnerable you are, it helps me be vulnerable with my creativity. Forever grateful, Nancy
Interesting story. Love what you paint and wish I had your imagination. Started painting at the age of 75 with WC and into oils at 81. Have a lot to learn’ but an interesting and rewarding journey. Don. Andersen
Just reading this post Dreama, made me feel good right down to my toes! As a watercolour painter I really enjoyed your recent journal paintings and was inspired by you to order some twinkling paints for my own use. Now, I wait in anticipation of their arrival. Many thanks, have a great day!
Hi Dreama,
I love your name and your your Grandmother for being a dreamer! She must have seen your creative spirit from the beginning. I’m not good at following through on projects. I journaled for years and then quit. I dream of being a watercolorist, bought the paints and paper(already have brushes for acrylic paintings). Even bought a beautiful journal, all crisp and new. It still has that “new journal smell”. You know like when you buy a new car and love that new car smell?
You are inspiring! Give my best to the Eddies. My polydactyl female feline sends a “high five” or in her case, high seven or eigh,t to both Eddies.
Welcome back to/from Paris.
Ciao
Marilyn
Just chanced upon your painting when I was searching google.. Loved it and went straight to your page..Your paintings are so cheery and so joyful…God Bless you.
Hello,
My love for paintings got me searching and I came across your paintings online and also found your website. I am impressed by the wonderful paintings you currently have for sale. Am interested in buying paintings from you, can you get back to me with the price range of your paintings and also the shipping cost to Saudi Arabia. Hope you accept (Credit card) as a method of payment?
Await your response soonest.
Best Regards.
The colors are so vibrant. Your watercolors positively glow! I’m enjoying the trip.
I so enjoy following along on your journeys, may we meet up in the same space one time, thanks for all the tips. love your bright colors and beautiful renditions of your travels. Thank you.
Thanks Linda 🙂 I don’t have a DVD but I am looking at doing one.
Sssooooo….how’s that DVD instructional video coming?? I sure would love to get my hands on it!!
Dreama, I love your paintings and your style. Do you have an DVD courses or demonstrations? We’d love to have you for a class in Albuquerque, NM.
Thanks
lOVED WHAT YOU DO!!! yOU HAVE THE IT
I love your site. I am a wanna-a-be water colorist.
It was so nice to meet you last night in Cortona, Italy. I sure wish I had your talent. You are very blessed.
Karen and Gary from Florida
I know I’m on your email list but I just read though your fun sweet bio again and felt your warmth and joy right through my mini pad . Love you Mary
I love your colorful paintings and your fun personality. And really miss hearing you on the AHA podcast. Being new to the painting world I have found the information both you and Leslie have given extremely valuable.
Thank You
Dreama:
Your writings always make me smile. Your paintings bring inspiration and joy to my art world.
Thank you for sharing your many talents and telling us about your life and your successes.
It is on my bucket list to attend a Dreama Tolle Perry workshop.
Teddy Jackson
Super nice. I love how you put this together. I love to see your paintings and laughing and all the funny and fun things you write! You put a smile on my face too! XOXO Thanks Dreama.
Love the vibrant colors of your wonderful art, your positive nature and your happy disposition that is infectious…best wishes today and aleays.