In 2012, after a career as a freelance cartoon illustrator and graphic designer, the Scottsdale Artists’ School awarded Garrett the first of two merit scholarships based on a handful of self-taught pastel portraiture, and she began learning how to paint, dedicating herself to the full-time practice of understanding oil painting.
By 2014 Garrett earned the first of four Purchase Awards in the 11th and 12th International ARC Salons. Tina’s works, “City Blues”, “String of Pearls”, "Melancholy" and "Bravado" are now part of the Art Renewal Center's renowned permanent collection.