Gena Evans, born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky, has always carried a creative spark, but her journey into the art world took a beautifully winding path. A self-taught artist, Gena's early years were marked by a love for drawing, with a sketchpad and pencil never far from reach. Yet, like many, life had other plans. After high school, she shifted focus to career and family, setting her artistic passions aside for decades.  

It wasn’t until her retirement and relocation to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2022 that Gena truly rediscovered her love for art. Immersed in the city’s thriving art scene and inspired by her 80-year-old mother—a lifelong artist still creating everything from jewelry and glasswork to textiles—Gena felt her creative spirit reawaken.  

Today, Gena is embracing a vibrant new chapter as a mixed-media artist. Her paintings are infused with her deep love for the beach, sunshine, and all things coastal. She’s drawn to bright, uplifting colors that reflect the beauty and serenity of the ocean, capturing the carefree feeling of salty air and sunlit skies.  

With every brushstroke, Gena hopes to bring joy, peace, and a sense of calm to those who view her work. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to create art that makes people smile and feel a little lighter inside. Her story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion—and that some of life’s most fulfilling chapters begin exactly when they’re meant to.

Start your custom commission today by emailing Gena at gena@thecoastalpalette.com.