Painting Choices

 

Pop Up, 16x20”, oil.

I have a lot of references including a zillion photos of possible painting subjects. A few weeks ago I was in a quandary of what to paint after being away from my Colorado studio. It was too cold and windy to paint outdoors, so I spent some time thinking while I was going through studies as well as reference photos.

I came across photos as well as a painting I did of the poppies that were growing in my tiny garden last summer. This was the first year that they survived the chipmunk and ground squirrel invasion. I had tried everything in past years to deter them… and only our relocation program seemed to work.

I was so excited to see these survivors show up and when I looked at my references I began to smile. I decided to do another painting of them. 

This is one of those paintings that brought smiles to my face and heart as I painted it. It is always a joy when a painting almost paints itself. I believe that our souls can connect with each other when a painting demonstrates a feeling. The color choices, the quality of brushstrokes and the subject matter all come together to create emotions. 

If I can create a painting that does that then I am happy.

Where is Amy?

 

          "Day's End", 14x18" oil, $1275. Available               "Out of the Clouds", 9x12", oil $850. 

                             Home Studio                                                Breckenridge Gallery

I am currently in Breckenridge, CO and painting in my studio while we have crazy weather. Snow and bitter cold today while we had springlike weather earlier this week.

In a week or so I will be back at my studio in Evans GA and Edisto Island, SC. A few weeks ago we also had crazy weather as the azaleas and dogwoods began to bloom there. My husband and I left as did a lot of people while the Masters Golf takes over the town. 

Many artists divide their time between locations and studios by choice as well as by circumstance.

I love both locations. I will be showing some of my coastal paintings at the Edisto Art Gallery, Edisto, SC beginning in mid April. My western and other landscapes will continue to be shown at Breckenridge Gallery, CO and the two Old Crows Gallery in Pagosa Springs, CO.

Painting these diverse landscapes is fun as well as a challenge. The air is different, the colors are different, not to mention the vegetation. I have to change my choice of colors in my palette to reflect this. 

Sooooo....where am I? In the best of two worlds..and I see them with fresh eyes as I go from place to place.

Change is good for these very reasons. 

An Ending..

 

Is it an ending..or is it a new beginning? 

I am on the threshold of 2025 getting ready to step into 2026. This painting reminds me that I do not know and cannot control what the future holds. It is a mystery. 

Paintings can be like that. We can plan or be spontaneous with our paintings. Even if we plan sometimes our paintings take us in an unexpected direction.

“ Piedra’s Secrets”, 14x11” oil visualizes mystery. What is around that bend? Do I follow the light or remain in the cool shadows of the narrows? The future may be exciting and full of new adventures…We need to trust in hope and step out of our comfort zone.

Happy New Year..and here’s a toast to a new year full of new adventure and hope and filled with beauty.

Amy

P.s.

“Piedra’s Secrets can be discovered at Two Old Crows Gallery, Pagosa Springs, CO. It is a painting inspired by one of my favorite hikes along the Piedra River. The photo doesn’t covey the rich colors.

Be Like the Sunflowers

 

                                                     " Breezy  Bunch", 14x18" oil, $1275. Framed

                                                               Available through Home Studio

I love the resilience that we find in Nature.  My latest sunflower painting is an example of that. I discovered this breathtaking field of sunflowers while spending an afternoon at one of my favorite places on Edisto Island South Carolina, Botany Bay. 

It was a breezy and sunny afternoon and you could tell that some of the flowers were bending more than others. Some were fading and drooping while others were enduring the weather. 

Maybe that is why I love sunflowers..they can express happiness and joy as well as strength.

Life is like that. Some days we feel beaten down, exhausted, and sad. Life is not always what we imagine it to be,,, but like sunflowers we can trust that there will be sunny days and we will grow towards them and still thrive.

This painting is a gentle reminder of that hope and reminder from our Creator. I smile whenever I look at it. I hope that it will bring a smile to a collector too.

I Did it!

 A couple weeks ago my friend Julie Hayes told me she thought she would travel to see the Woolaroc Special Art Show. Many artists I have admired would have work there and it would also include a live painting demonstration by Quang Ho. I admitted to her that I was jealous. 

After getting off the phone my husband encouraged me to go..the next thing I knew I was asking Julie to get me a ticket and I would see about making arrangements to come..Everything worked out and we set off to Bartlesville, OK for this special event.

The show and sale was to celebrate all the artists that had participated in previous Retrospective Shows as well as the 100th Anniversary of the Museum which houses Frank Phillips collections. 

The show was varied in subject matter, styles, and mediums created by some of the top artists in their fields. Most of the artists were also there and it was fun to visit with them and see old friends.

The demo by Quang Ho was an experience I will never forget. Using limited materials and while giving lots of advice and gems of wisdom interlaced with humor, he created the portrait in less than 2 hours.That alone was worth the trip.

The most important take away from this event was the interaction between the work and the viewers. People of all ages were looking at the art and discussing it with each other as well as the artists. Overall the work was beautiful and uplifting, which is something that we all need these days.

And...the work is selling.

Another gift...discovering fellow Women Artists of the West who were also there..some volunteering and others like us just enjoying the beautiful art.

I had needed this getaway and am so thankful for the opportunity..maybe  this will inspire you to do something similar! 

Check out this show Woolaroc

Art Can Help!

                                               "All Aglow", 5x7" oil, Available through Studio

I have just unpacked my paintings and easels, etc. from my weekend in Golden , CO at Art For A Cause.

I had forgotten how much work is involved in setting up a display, unpacking, and then packing. I am thankful that I no longer do any tent shows or festivals anymore. I enjoy meeting art collectors and getting feedback on my work as well as helping them decide on a piece for their collection, but there are many ways to do that. 

This show's goal was to raise money for 2 charities that First Presbyterian Church of Golden, CO supports, so it was held in their spacious fellowship hall. I was among 12 artists and there was a wide range of work and prices in this curated boutique show. I am proud to say that we raised over $3,000 over 2 days. It was a win win..the collector added something beautiful to their lives and part of the sales will help others in the war against sex trafficking. The other charity "Spark Hope" fixes cars for women in need so they can get to work.

Thank you to my collectors who came and supported Art For A Cause! 

I will be posting new work on my new website soon. If you are a subscriber to my "Art Notes" you always get a first peek!

www.amyevansart.com