I grew up in a small rural community where there just wasn’t any kind of emphasis on the arts (especially in school). I had no truly formal art education until I went to college at the Kansas City Art Institute. My parents never dissuaded me from choosing art over something “practical” as a career, and it was fantastic having their support. It was an important decision, but not a tough one for me to make.
Discuss your art, your preferred medium. What’s your process like?
I prefer painting in oils. Oftentimes I start with no sketch, no real idea of where the painting will go. I may have a vague idea of what I want to do, but usually I just start painting and the piece evolves. That’s the best way to describe it—I do make conscious decisions about a piece, but for the most part, it kinda just happens. I start with a very loose, ill-defined underpainting, then start focusing and tightening up the details until the painting is done. And I usually know when it’s done.
I grew up going to antique stores with my mom and I was always drawn to the miniatures. You paint on a smaller scale. Why did you decide to paint the smaller size?
Most of my Etsy pieces are on a very small scale, because they’re less expensive and also easier to ship. But even with my other paintings, the largest I paint is around 2 by 3 feet. I have a teeny studio and I just don’t have the space to paint any larger than that. But in this economy, it’s proven to be a good thing. I’ve sold a ton of small pieces, while my larger, more expensive work just sits there.
When did you decide to make art your living and was it difficult to get started?
I think I always knew that art was something I’d do no matter what. It’s taken a while to get to the point where I am now, selling in galleries and such. I wish Etsy had been around 12 years ago when I graduated from college! I think having that sort of avenue to sell my work would have made things much easier. When I got out of school, we still hauled around portfolios full of slides and transparencies of our work to show—now it’s so easy to send out emails to potential galleries. Things can happen so much faster!
Do you remember your first sale?
Um… Actually, I can’t remember! I do remember passing the $2000 milestone five or six years ago. I never thought I’d sell a painting for that much!
Where do you get your inspiration and when do you work?
I get inspiration from all sorts of places: dreams, old snapshots, strange things I think I see from the corner of my eye, sometimes even a random sentence from a book. I work mostly in the morning these days—my schedule has definitely changed since having kids.
Who are your favorite artists?
I love so many different artists and styles, it’s hard to narrow them down. I love traditional portraitists like J.S. Sargeant and Whistler, and I’ll always have a soft spot for the Pre-Raphaelites, especially Waterhouse. I love Romaine Brooks, Joseph Cornell, Mark Rothko, and Walt Kuhn, to name a few more.
What advi
ce can you give aspiring artists?
It can be a disheartening way of life sometimes. But you just can’t give up something you love—you just have to keep with it. And don’t overthink things.
Of all the pieces you’ve done, do you have a favorite?
There is one piece I kept from my very first solo show, back in 2000. It’s a small piece called “Some People are Haunted and Never Realise It”. It’s a painting of a small girl skipping happily about, oblivious to the huge looming ghost behind her. I don’t think I could call it my favorite, but I’ve never wanted to sell it.
What do you do when you’re not working? Any hobbies?
I work part time at an auction house. I run the warehouse: taking in consignments, sorting and researching items, etc. It’s incredibly fun and I’ve learned so much more about antiques in the last couple of years.
I’m also an avid reader, gardener, baker—there’s so many things I love to do.
Who are some of your favorite authors/books?
Some of my old tried-and-true favorite authors are Shirley Jackson, Ray Bradbury, Charles Baxter, and A. S. Byatt. I read as many books as I can get my hands on, and no week is complete without a trip to the library to discover some new titles.
Where can we find you on the web?
I’m woefully remiss about updating, though. I’m currently a month behind!
I usually post new paintings and aceo’s to my
Etsy shop about twice a month, usually on Friday afternoons at 2pm central time. Check my storefront: I always post when the next update will be.
What are you working on now?
I’ve got a ton of commissioned work that I’m way behind on, and some paintings that are for an upcoming portrait show this fall. Plus all my regular
Etsy goodies. There are never enough hours in the day, I swear!
Thanks Amy!
For those of you reading the interview, leave a comment and email addy! Two people will win a 2.5 x 3.5 inch print! First place winner will get her/his choice of “A Study in Black, Green, and Gold” on the left OR the “The Love Letter” on the right. Second place winner gets whatever the first place winner doesn’t pick.
There’s an incredible delicacy to her miniature watercolors that instantly attracts a person. At the same time, there is a wry tongue in cheek humor to some of her work that showcases Amy’s great personality. Whether you’re looking for something unique or beautiful, Amy’s art would look great on anyone’s wall. And not only are her prints detailed and delicate, but they’re actually affordable.
I prefer painting in oils. Oftentimes I start with no sketch, no real idea of where the painting will go. I may have a vague idea of what I want to do, but usually I just start painting and the piece evolves. That’s the best way to describe it—I do make conscious decisions about a piece, but for the most part, it kinda just happens. I start with a very loose, ill-defined underpainting, then start focusing and tightening up the details until the painting is done. And I usually know when it’s done.
ce can you give aspiring artists?
Thanks Amy!
Beautiful artwork! I’ll check out Etsy. I’ve never heard of it. Amy, your process of painting is pretty much my process of writing.
Thanks again Lori for introducing us to a fantastic artist. Amy, your work is wonderful! I would love to get a peek of “Some people are Haunted…..” painting. Is it on one of your sights?
Amy, the eyes in your paintings capture the thoughts of the women. Beautiful! Geraldine Lynn Ann
“The Love Letter” is my fave! Thanks Amy, for stopping by and telling us about yourself and introducing us to your art. Amos
Truly, these are masterpieces! Brianna
Amy, I love your artwork! I love the way you portray women from different eras. I’m definitely a new fan and can’t wait to purchase some beautiful pieces.
Lori, thanks for introducing us to a fabulous artist!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lovely artwork 🙂
I sure wish i could paint like that
Beautiful work! I’m definitely partial to “The Love Letter.” I love the expression on her face.
Wonderful art work. I love the delicacy in the womens features. Love the feel of a by gone era in them as well. The one of the woman and child is touching. Gorgeous stuff. Thank you for sharing.
Those pictures are wonderful. The women really come alive in those pictures.
mce1011[at]aol[dot]com
These are absolutely gorgeous paintings! I’d be thrilled to win either of the miniatures. They are so delicate looking. Fantastic!!
mlawson17(at)hotmail.com
WoW!! That is all I can say. My oldest dd would love this. They are all very beautiful.
Renee
oh i hope im not to late-ive been away in the out back of australia…..