Puzzle Artist Spotlight: Thaneeya McArdle

After graduating in 2004 with a BFA in Painting, Thaneeya McArdle has traveled the world while creating fantastic works of art. Her vibrant, detailed pieces encompass a variety of styles and express a boundless curiosity.

Her most popular subjects include positive phrases, whimsical animals and colorful sugar skulls. Her artwork hangs in private collections around the world, and can also be purchased on puzzles, calendars, jewelry, coloring books and more.

In her own words: “I seek to create art that is vibrant and eye-catching, full of joy and optimism. I'd love for my art to have a positive impact on those who see it.”

For Thaneeya, art is a way of interpreting her experiences during travels. Among other sources, she is inspired by folk art from around the world that comes from a sense of spirit, home, and connection.

“I remember going for a walk one evening after a big rainstorm, and the entire sky was filled with the most amazing shades of blue, with stacks and streaks of clouds of all sizes adding even more variation and subtlety.”

While Thaneeya gets her inspiration from the world around her, she does have artists whose work she appreciates for their use of color and attention to detail. Her favorites are Beatriz Milhazes, Paul Klee, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Yoko d'Holbachie, Catalina Estrada, Karen Hull, and Nicario Jimenez.

Thaneeya’s passion for art extends to a passion for helping others find their own sense of creativity and self. In 2009, she created her own art instruction website, www.Art-is-Fun.com, to share tips and tutorials along with interviews with featured artists.

Want to see all the different ways you can piece together her art? Check out our full collection of Thaneeya’s puzzles!