Hi, I’m Molly.

I am an artist, illustrator, and educator based in Portland, Oregon. I specialize in watercolor, drawing, illustration, hand-lettered calligraphy, and digital skills that combine all of these mediums.

An illustration of a swirling green vine with leaves by Molly Chidsey.

Why I do this

Art is my second act. I had a 20-year career as a project manager for environmental and social justice programs when a health crisis inspired me to start creating art.

I began art school at Pacific Northwest College of Art in my mid-40’s, taking classes on nights and weekends while working full-time. I gravitated to ink and watercolor because they are liquid and unpredictable, two qualities that balance my own proclivities for perfection and predictability.

 

Now, I’m an artist with a passion for amplifying others’ creative voices. I also enjoy teaching and coaching other artists and creatives. I believe in a future where we are visible, believed, seen, and heard.

Get a peek inside my studio on my blog.

Portrait photos credit: the amazing STUDIO NUNCHI.

A woman (Molly Chidsey) with pink hair and a pink jacket holds a sketchbook containing green-and-white ink-and-watercolor botanical illustrations.
A pair of hands holds an Oregon White Oak gall and a small glass bottle of Oak Gall ink.
An illustration of a swirling green vine with leaves by Molly Chidsey.
A woman (Molly Chidsey) with pink hair smiles while holding a small, white, fluffy Maltese puppy.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I have lived in Portland, Oregon with my partner Tony for over 20 years. When I’m not getting ink on my hands, you can find me in my garden, playing with my Maltese puppy Milo, or watching movies with my family.