This August, we at Art on the Square Gallery are delighted to showcase Letitia Uyak. 

A lifelong creator, former art educator, and passionate observer of the natural world, Letitia brings a thoughtful, serene perspective to her oil paintings that resonates deeply with collectors and nature lovers alike.

"My style blends realism with a soft, expressive sensitivity," Letitia explains. "I want my work to feel intimate and serene while capturing emotion, light, and quiet moments in nature."

Southern Roots

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Letitia spent most of her childhood in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  In 1995, she moved to Summerville to begin her career as an art teacher with Dorchester School District Two. 

For thirty years, Letitia has worked to inspire young artists in the classroom while quietly nurturing her own creative spirit. Today, newly retired from education, she has embraced a long-awaited chapter as a full-time artist.

Letitia’s Artistic Journey

Art has always been part of Letitia's life. Both of her parents were artists and nature enthusiasts who taught her to appreciate the beauty found in everyday details. That early influence continues to shape her work today. 

Whether painting wildlife, landscapes, birds, or beloved animals, she is drawn to the relationships that exist throughout the natural world.

"I hope viewers notice the details they may never have taken the time to observe before," she says. "I love highlighting the connections in nature—a bird tending a nest, pollinators interacting with flowers, or the quiet grace of an animal in its environment."

Mentorship

Letitia's artistic journey has been guided by several influential mentors. She credits her junior high art teacher--Carol Augthun--with recognizing her artistic potential.  Later, Ms. Augthun served as her cooperating teacher during Letitia’s college years. 

Letitia also studied watercolor under Pamela Rattray Brown, gaining valuable skills in drawing and animal anatomy. After earning her degree in art education in 1994, she returned to oil painting when she embarked on her second master’s program.

Since, Letitia has continued to pursue workshops and classes while balancing family life and a demanding teaching career.

Balancing Life

Like many artists, finding time for her own creative work wasn't always easy. Raising three sons while teaching full-time often left little room for painting. Looking back, she describes those years as a kind of creative pause rather than a lack of inspiration.

"Sometimes the biggest challenge isn't having ideas—it's making the time to create," she reflects.

Now, with more time to devote to her art, Letitia has fully embraced the creative process. She begins by gathering photographs, often combining multiple reference images into a carefully composed digital study. Using her iPad and Photoshop, she develops compositions before sketching them onto canvas and building layers of color, value, and detail.

Inspiring Subjects

While she enjoys painting a wide variety of subjects, Letitia has recently become captivated by Lowcountry wildlife, particularly birds such as Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and Roseate Spoonbills.

"Spoonbills are especially exciting to paint," she says. "Years ago, I only saw them in Florida, and now they're appearing right here in my own neighborhood."

Beyond creating art, Letitia values the sense of community she has found through Art on the Square Gallery and the Summerville Artist Guild.

"Being part of the gallery has helped me connect with other artists and become more comfortable sharing my work. No one understands an artist quite like another artist."

Celebrating the Beauty of Nature

Visitors to Art on the Square will discover paintings that celebrate the beauty of nature with tenderness, atmosphere, and realism—the three words Letitia uses to describe her work. Whether depicting wildlife, landscapes, or intimate moments found outdoors, her paintings invite viewers to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world around them.

For Collectors

Pricing generally ranges from $40.00 to $2,000, depending on size and level of detail.  In addition to her larger artworks, collectors can purchase affordable 4” x 4” pieces in oil and gouache.

When asked what she hopes collectors take away from her work, her answer is simple:

"I hope art collectors notice the beauty in my work—the beauty they may otherwise overlook or take for granted. If a painting brings someone peace, happiness, or a cherished memory, then it has done its job."

We invite you to visit Art on the Square Gallery in Historic Downtown Summerville and experience Letitia Uyak's beautiful work in person.