Hello there, I'm Angela Ryer of A Ryer Studio in Decatur, Ga.

I'm basically a self taught artist that loves things that others may find strange. Ever since I can remember, I have loved all things *dark*. I have been a horror fan since I was wee. I think I may have been the only 8 year old in my day (and a girl, at that) that owned Original Aurora Models of Godzilla, Phantom of the Opera and the Forgotten Prisoner of Castle Mare. During the day I would stare at these things just mesmerized, but by night I would hide under my covers afraid they would come to life and *come get me*!!!

My Friday nights would consist of fighting off sleep so I could watch any Classic Horror Movie that may be on in the wee hours- I remember watching the ORIGINAL Phantom of the Opera with Lon Chaney Sr., Bride of Frankenstien (loved the rejection scene- oddly, I can relate to the Monster on that one!), Murders in the Rue Morgue, TONS of Vincent Price movies, Original Wolfman with Lon Chaney Jr. and as MANY Japanese Monster Movies I could devour! (In an odd twist of fate, I can actually call the great great grandson of Lon Chaney Sr (as well as his lovely and slightly  twisted girlfriend) a friend! Funny how life is sometimes....

I grew up a Cartoonist. In my teens, my dream had always been drawing comics for Marvel Comics. I loved using my imagination. Loved drawing *action scenes*! Made me feel ALIVE!! Thrived on it....until life got in the way.

Just when I thought I would never gain back my focus and my passion for art, in September of 2002 I discovered a WONDERFUL band. Beautiful, Dark, Gothic Orchestra type music, that today, is used in Professional Haunted Houses, Attractions, and Home/Yard Haunts Nationally as well as Internationally. The first time I listened to this band in my home, I just stood there and cried it was so beautiful...and instantly healing. I felt Inspiration fill me, and images that BEGGED and CLAWED to be created.

That band is Midnight Syndicate and you can find out more about them at [link]

Today...I am creating what I want to create. I take photos during my walks through Historic Cemeteries where ever I may go. Which ever begs to be created, I end up painting what I photograph as it combines two of my favorite things..nature and tombstones.

Why Cemeteries?? you ask?? Well...for me, there is no more peaceful place on earth than a Historic Cemetery. Full of Natural Beauty, History, Art and Love that stands the test of time. Its a place you can sit and ponder what life might have been like back in the day...and have respect for those that went on before us.

Not to be pigeon holed, I also create my own line of Halloween X-Mas Ornaments..as time goes on, I will add these as well to my Deviant Gallery..

All of my Paintings you see, I sell matted in Hand Painted Matts as prints. The Matts are usually painted to resemble Granite as that is a good accent for my Tombstone/Cemetery Works. If you have ANY questions about my work, shoot me a message here, or on my Website [link] or at angela@aryerstudio.com I sell my prints and ornaments year round, so if you are interested, hit me up!!