Southern Splatter & Soul – Lead Me Artistically

Studio Journals

Date: September 1, 2026

Written By: Crystal Barmes

Southern Splatter & Soul

I was given an amazing opportunity that has pushed me to grow as an artist.

Ryan Hutchings, CEO of Inked & Judged and Southern Splatter & Soul, reached out to me and asked me if I would like to teach paint classes along side him and fellow artists. I am grateful to be one of the artist he asked to join him in this. He has put his heart and soul into his work and motivates those around him to keep working toward their dreams.

A little backstory on this adventure.

I found myself praying to YHWH, asking Him to help me find a way to make my artwork more than just something I loved doing—to somehow make it my job.

A day or two later, Ryan sent me a message asking if I would be interested in teaching painting classes.

I’ll be honest—I was nervous at first. But I was also absolutely ecstatic. It felt like an answer to a prayer I had just prayed.

Art is so much more than color on a canvas or paper. Art can be therapy. It can be healing. It can be a place to worship, a way to quiet your mind, a place to find joy, and sometimes, a place to find yourself again.

I’m so grateful for this opportunity and excited to see where YHWH takes this adventure.

A message from Ryan, the main artist behind Southern Splatter & Soul:

Hey everyone! I’m Ryan Hutchings, owner and tattoo artist of Inked & Judged Tattoo, and I want to introduce you to something I’ve poured a lot of heart into —

Southern Splatter and Soul .

After selling over 60 of my Louisiana-inspired paintings in just 5 months, I started thinking about how I could share more than just the finished artwork. I wanted to share the experience of creating it.

That’s where Southern Splatter & Soul came from.

I know firsthand how powerful art can be. It can bring people together, help you clear your mind, give you a healthy outlet during difficult times, and sometimes just give you a reason to laugh and have a good time.

Southern Splatter & Soul is about more than a painting class.

Couples looking for a different kind of date night

Friends wanting to make memories together

A creative outlet for stress, healing, and coping with trauma

Good music, laughs, and a chance to just enjoy yourself

And at the end of the night, you leave with something YOU created

You don’t have to be an artist. You don’t even have to know how to paint.

That’s our job.

I’ll walk you through the process, share some of the techniques and secrets I use in my own artwork, and help you turn a blank canvas into something you’ll actually be proud to take home.

Come paint Louisiana culture with me and see what Southern Splatter & Soul is all about.

Come for the painting. Stay for the experience. Leave with the memories.

— turning a blank space into a reflection of His grace

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