Tera Leigh: Artist, Author & Creative Entrepreneur

At the heart of Tera Leigh’s artistic practice are her whimsical hand-painted pet portraits, where she captures the unique personality and spirit of beloved animal companions. These original paintings blend her artistic training with her deep understanding of the human-animal bond, creating treasured keepsakes for pet owners. Her work reflects her own experience as a devoted Great Dane parent and her ability to translate emotional connections into visual art.

Since her first rescue dog in 2001, Tera has never been without two or three dogs in her life. One of her first dogs was a Great Dane mix, and she has rescued Great Danes ever since! She often works with rescues for fundraisers and is rarely seen without her Great Dane “hoodlums” (as she refers to them!). This personal connection to the animals she paints brings authenticity and emotional depth to every portrait.

Prolific Published Author: The Modern Mindset & Beyond

As a prolific published author, Tera has created an extensive library spanning multiple genres and audiences. Her published works include:

The Modern Mindset Series focuses on personal and professional development:

• The Micro Goal Method: Small Steps, Big Change, and the Art of Daily Progress
• Learning to Read the Room: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Business
• Unstuck & Unstoppable: Practical Goal Setting for Women Who Want More
• The Questions that Change Everything: 1000 Prompts That Open Doors to Who You’re Meant to Be

The Artists and AI Series addresses the intersection of creativity and technology:

• Artists and AI: How Artists Can Use Artificial Intelligence to Elevate Their Craft and Careers
• The Artist’s AI Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Understanding & Using AI to Enhance Your Art
• The Collaborative Artist: Navigating the Crossroads of Creative Voice and AI

Creative and Educational Resources:

• Over 30 coloring books that blend artistic design with therapeutic benefits
• The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (2001)
• How to Be Creative if You Never Thought You Could (2003)
• Faux Mosaics (2004)

Most of her recent books are paired with companion workbooks, creating comprehensive systems for readers to implement concepts in their own lives and work. Her writing has also appeared in dozens of publications internationally, from local newspapers to national magazines including Real Simple, Romantic Homes Magazine, and Country Marketplace.

Creative Business Ventures

Tera’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her carefully curated artwork shop, featuring consumer products that showcase her original designs. Through strategic partnerships, she makes her whimsical artwork accessible to a broader audience on items ranging from home décor to personal accessories. This venture represents the perfect marriage of her artistic vision and business expertise.

Her creative journey began early with the founding of ToleNet in 1995, the first internet resource for decorative painters, marking her pioneering entry into the DIY industry and demonstrating her ability to identify and serve creative communities.

Media Recognition & Speaking

Tera’s expertise has been featured across major television networks including the DIY Network, Discovery Network’s Christopher Lowell Show, TNN, HGTV, and PBS programs. As a sought-after speaker, she has presented keynote addresses at the Home Sewing Association Convention and featured presentations at the Society of Craft Designers, covering topics from creativity-based goal setting to marketing strategies for artists.

Professional Foundation

A California native who now calls Oklahoma home, Tera brings a unique perspective that combines analytical thinking with creative vision. Her professional journey includes earning her Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law and practicing as an attorney in California, specializing in business and contract law with a focus on intellectual property.

She co-founded Internet Adventure Company in 1995, serving as CEO and helping design over 300 websites for companies ranging from startups to major corporations. This entrepreneurial experience, combined with her work as a business consultant, provided deep insights into organizational dynamics and the challenges facing creative professionals in business settings.

Creative Philosophy

What sets Tera apart is her ability to bridge the analytical and creative worlds across three distinct business pillars: hand-painted pet portraits that capture emotional bonds, an extensive book library that empowers readers to find their voice and build confidence, and a curated product shop that extends her artistic reach.

Her approach combines emotional intelligence with practical strategy, reflecting her belief that creativity and business success are not mutually exclusive. Whether painting a custom pet portrait, writing her next book, or designing products for her shop, Tera’s work consistently demonstrates that authentic creative expression can thrive alongside sound business principles.

Upcoming works continue to expand the Modern Mindset Series with titles like Radical Self-Trust: The Courage to Begin Again, The EQ Playbook, and Boundaries with Grace, each designed to create what she calls “a bingeable, emotionally intelligent library” for personal and professional growth.

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” — Galatians 6:4