Brushes, Faith, and Family: Inside Ruth Villa’s Inspiring Simi Valley Art Studio
Sylvie Belmond 
Image Credit: Sylvie Belmond Artist Ruth Villa smiles as she works on a new painting inside her Simi Valley studio, Oct. 10. “There’s a feeling that is like no other when I paint,” she said.
From intimate portraits to bold murals, Simi Valley artist Ruth Villa creates with heart — and builds confidence, connection and community along the way
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Brushes, canvases, and color fill Ruth Villa’s Simi Valley studio — a space where portraits come to life and emotions take shape.
Her work reflects both skill and spirit: portraits of people and pets, vivid murals, black-and-white studies, and handmade crafts — all infused with her signature warmth. Each piece reveals her joy in creation and her belief that art connects hearts, captures memories, and brings beauty to everyday life.
Villa moved to Simi Valley at age 11 and now considers the city part of her foundation. The friendships and kindness she found here continue to shape her outlook and drive her creativity.
Her path to art began in her mid-20s. She remembers sitting at friends’ homes, flipping through magazines, and sketching whatever appeared on the cover. Within an hour, she could recreate the image with remarkable accuracy. Friends were amazed, but she thought anyone could do it. Drawing became a way to clear her mind — and soon gave her a confidence she hadn’t felt before.
Her first paid piece came while she was working at a restaurant, when a friend asked for a portrait of herself with flowers. “She gave me $25, and I was like, oh my God,” she said. “It was so exciting.” Shortly after, a client at a chiropractor’s office offered her $200 for a commissioned painting — an offer that helped her realize her art resonated with others in a way she hadn’t recognized before.
A friend then introduced her to a chalk art event, where she discovered the joy of creating live. “The interaction with people and the encouragement was unlike anything I’d felt working quietly alone,” she said.
Villa has participated in chalk art festivals ever since — and was a founding organizer of the Simi Valley Chalk Festival, which most recently was held in 2024.
In 2018, she opened her own studio in Simi Valley — a welcoming place where she paints, teaches, and hosts creative gatherings. She also teaches art to children, with a focus on cultivating talent in young artists from a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds.
Despite already running a successful art business, Villa enrolled at Moorpark College to deepen her understanding of art history, design, and the creative process. “I just wanted to keep learning,” she told CLAIR in a previous interview. “I was impressed with the classes. They have great programs.”
She graduated with honors, earning five associate degrees and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. “Being around educators and scholars who are also artists, I learned the true value of art,” Villa said. “I understand my value as an artist too.”
Now continuing her studies at California State University, Northridge, Villa is expanding her skills in ceramics and other mediums. One recent CSUN project involved sculpting ceramic faces to explore emotion — a creative challenge she found deeply fulfilling. “As I kept going, it was so easy for me,” she said. “It was so joyful.”
When CLAIR visited her studio Oct. 10, Villa was putting the final touches on a portrait of a brother and sister — a gift for their family. “There is a feeling like no other when I paint, when I finish a project,” she said as she worked. “As soon as I finish, I’m ready for another one.”
She explained how oil painting builds in layers. At times when a painting needs to get done, Villa said, she’ll paint wet on wet — applying fresh paint directly onto still-wet layers. But when working with highlights over darker tones, she usually waits for the base to dry before adding another layer.
Villa’s artistic range includes portraits, pets, murals, landscapes, and fine art on canvas, along with custom wood signs and crafts. She also hosts painting parties and workshops that bring people together to enjoy art in a relaxed, social setting.
Now 48 and the mother of two, Villa balances school, art, and family with a spirit of gratitude that touches everything she does. “I just pray to God, give me more time so I can use up all my energy,” she said. “I cannot wait to wake up every day.”
Villa’s enthusiasm, talent, and love for the arts are magnetic — and they’ve made her a creative force not just in her studio, but throughout the Simi Valley community and beyond. Anyone who meets her feels the pull of her energy and the inspiration she freely shares.
Painting is more than therapeutic — it’s opened doors Villa never imagined. Her deep appreciation for life, and her love of people, nature, and creativity, shine through in every piece.
“Ruth gets much of her inspiration from nature and finds beauty in the simple things in life,” her website notes. “A baby’s smile, a rainbow, or a fallen leaf in the fall — all of which inspire her to create natural beauty in her art.”
Through her paintings, murals, and community work, Villa continues to share that beauty — turning everyday moments into lasting expressions of joy.
View her work and upcoming events at ruthvilla.com or explore her online gallery at ruthvilla.com/gallery
