Craigslist Cravings: Sexy Couch.

Now, you'll have to envision this baby with some lipstick on.  I'm thinking reupholstered in a dark grey twill and putting one row of buttons in the back cushion (which it may already have, but I can't tell.  It could be so sleek and handsome, and for $100 it's quite the steal.  Ugh, it makes me sick when I come across something this good and don't have the ability to scoop it up and rescue it.  I'm telling you, this couch would look perfect in our living room after it gets new drywall and floors.  Sigh.  Anybody want to buy it and store it for a few months for me?

Image via Indy Craigslist.

Image via Indy Craigslist.

This style is so hot right now, I've seen new-made-to-look-old sectionals like this go for 6-8k+, which I know I'll never spend on a piece of furniture, so that's what makes this beauty look so appealing to me.

Via The Orbit In (which I'd love to stay at someday).

This would be a wonderful fabric to reupholster that Craigslist couch in.  Wouldn't that make it sublime?

Artist Interview: Adalberto Ortiz.

I'm a sucker for paintings.  Especially ones with extreme sources of light (think ala Edward Hopper), so when I first came across the Etsy shop http://intothepaint.etsy.com, I was immediately smitten.  The artist, Adalberto Ortiz, was kind enough to answer my interview questions, so let's all get to know him better.

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

You might say I was an "art kid." I had the advantage of growing up in a big city, New York. I went to the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan where art was a big part of the curriculum. I also was fortunate enough to live in a city where I can just take a subway ride to some of the greatest museums in the world. Looking at art on the web or print cannot compare with actually being inches away from it. You react differently to a painting or any art piece depending on its size. That’s also part of the art experience. You can look at an 8 by 8 inch painting of an apple, for instance, and feel one way but if you were to see the same painting at a different scale, say 8 by 8 feet, you would react differently. The meaning changes, the impact is different. The artist is conveying something else at that bigger scale. I remember looking at Picasso’s Guernica when it lived at the Museum of Modern Art (it is now in Spain). It was big, in its own room, surrounded with other smaller studies for the work. You could actually see the artist’s work process through the smaller studies right there in that room.

Dewey Grain Elevator.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

I really have no favorite. I like art for many reasons. Like everyone else, I like to look at art and respond to it emotionally, as when a landscape painting captures the time of day or season so perfectly, with just the right colors and light, that you just feel it in the painting, or a painting of a portrait that reveals what the subject is feeling or thinking. I saw a painting at The Wexner Center for the Arts gallery in Ohio by Luc Tuymans, a large painting of a baby’s face surrounded be a soft white blanket. The painting was called Silence. It just felt very quiet. I also like David Hockney’s painting of a flower in a vase in front of a blue Mt. Fuji (Mt. Fuji and Flowers). The flower looks like it’s rendered in 3d. It just pops out. How did he do that? How can I do that? But, I love to look at art conceptually as well. I like it when art reveals a double meaning. I like texture and composition. I like minimalism in art. I even admire the frame—how clean and perfect–around a painting or a simple white pedestal holding a sculpture. The presentation of art is also part of the joy.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Well, you really don’t generate ideas.  They are discovered, mostly. I don’t look for a subject to paint. I don’t say “I'm going to paint a still life of a flower in a vase today.” Now, you might start off with your still life arrangement, but it’s unimportant. It is how the compositing sits within the picture frame, or the negative background shapes, or just the light that is important. Those are the elements that matter to me. The subject can be anything. You don’t wait for inspiration. Once you start doing–applying paint to a surface, if you are a painter, you will begin to see, discover. Anything, any object or scene can be rediscovered as art. Once you start applying paint to your canvas, the painting starts talking to you, it will suggest what to do next. In other words, you give to it and it will give back to you. One hopes for something unexpected, accidental, and surprising to occur in order to harness and shape it into something interesting as art. If I am painting an image of a house, I am really looking at the negative spaces, the surroundings, and trying to make those shapes interesting. Perhaps that is what’s important in the painting, the background, or maybe some object in the corner of the painting will draw my attention. You don’t need to paint the sky blue. It can be any color: red, black. You might purposely simplify parts of your painting in order to draw attention to something else on your canvas. In other words, nothing needs to be what it appears. In my painting (Red House) for example, there is a strong white horizontal line across the canvas. That is an element of the house, the fascia but, at the same time, because I’ve made it so prominent and flat, it attracts attention as just an abstract shape dividing the surface.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

I carry a small notebook around to dash down ideas, thumbnail sketches. I also take digital pictures of anything that captures my interest and that I want to use as inspiration or to paint from. If I have an idea, say for a painting, I usually upload my image, however rough, to my computer. There I manipulate it. I introduce new elements, rearrange parts, eliminate areas, and simplify. I try out different compositions and color. With smaller works I sometimes make a print on canvas or paper with my home printer and start painting right over the print.  When you paint over your print it will sometimes pick up the ink pigments, resulting in unexpended color bleeds. This could be interesting. However, I often apply fixative to prevent this so that I have more control over my colors. I also desaturate the print so that it is just barely visible. Once I’m well into my painting, I take a digital image of it and upload it to my computer. There I try out different color values before going back to the actual work. I agonize over the work a lot especially when I need to get the perfect color and value. The computer makes this easier. I really dread mixing colors and don’t like to spend time gridding my canvas to transfer an image to it. Another way I work is totally on the computer. I sometimes use a 3d modeling program to create a still life or interior painting. I construct my subjects in 3d environment, arrange the elements in space, and digitally light it. I can endlessly rearrange things, light it in many different ways and use my software camera tools to compose a pleasant composition. I can use multiple camera angles and lighting to explore possibilities. I can also play with color and values endlessly. My paintings (Open Sky and Ofrenza) were created totally by this method.

Page Corner Print No. 1.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

Well, I don’t paint every day, but I do a lot of thinking about art. I will do several works in a short period of time. I’m always looking to see what in my environment, as I proceed through my day, I can use as a creative spark or idea for my next work. My series of magazine page corners (Page Corner #1­–#6) were inspired by looking through magazines. I noticed how earmarked magazine pages, when folded over, reveal the page underneath. I noticed that, together, the folded image and the partial graphic under created an interesting abstract single image.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

I gravitate toward other people’s work because I often want to create art the way they do. I wish I had done it first. I am envious. I like to discover how other artists solve problems. I’m intrigued by how some artists take an idea and interpret it as art. I admire how some painters can use their skill with a brush to depict everyday objects, light, or garments so economically perfect. Think of John Singer Sargent for example.

Coca-Cola.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

I have an interest in theatre. I studied set design at NYU and have been involved in theatrical productions as a designer. I like building things. I am interested in 3d art and design. I also have a strong interest in architecture and product design.

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

Right now this is my job and interest. I’ve done graphic design and done commercial work designing TV newsroom and studios in the past. I am always open to doing commercial design work. I’ve done several book cover designs as a freelancer.

Page Corner Print No. 3.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

There is no favorite piece. If I had to choose it would be the one I’m currently working on. I lose interest in my older work. I often see things in hindsight that I could have done better. Sometimes, however, a friend or viewer will see something in one of my paintings that I never intended or planned. For example, I have a painting of an interior (Moonlight through Window) with a window and moonlight reflected on a wall. The light on the wall is painted with metallic silver paint. My son observed that when viewed straight on, you can see the metallic moonlight clearly on the wall, but when viewed from the side, the light disappears. The metallic paint color blends with the wall color. That was a pleasant surprise and added more interest to the painting.

Red House.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Don’t quit your day job. If you’re truly interested in being an artist, just stick with it. Over time, you really need to create a lot of work and have a distinctive style or concept that defines your work, if you want to exhibit professionally. I would highly recommend Jackie Battenfield’s The Artist’s Guide to read.

11. Describe your work space.

My current workspace is really unsuitable for creating art. Ideally, if you like to draw or paint at a desk you should be standing. And the desk should be high enough for that. While I like painting big, I have focused lately on doing smaller pieces. You can generate more art quickly and can develop your techniques faster. So I am using a desk that is totally unsuitable. Ideally, if I had a perfect studio, I would just staple my board/canvas to a wall or place on the floor and go at it. I think one has to have an unencumbered space to move around freely. Make a mess!

White Farm House.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

Yes. Unless you’re independently wealthy most artists have to make a living, somehow. I had to get a “real” job, leaving little time to paint. So choose your work and lifestyle carefully to allow enough time to do art. That said, no matter how much you love art, people and family are more important.

Studio Space with Messy Desk (my desk looks very similar).

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

I like conceptual art. I like to paint bigger and use more unusual and unconventional subjects and material. I am drawn toward a more minimalist style of work. I am currently working on a series of 3d conceptual artwork (Surrender). I am taking several simple identical wooden chairs and creating a series of 3d conceptual artwork by altering, repurposing them in interesting and unique way (Artifact). Of course, it would be nice to be able to make a living with your art.

You can also find him:

Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/_ortiz/sets/

Art Website:  http://cargocollective.com/ortiz

Theatre Website:  http://www.coroflot.com/ortizdesign

Thank you so much for letting us into your creative process.  I really enjoyed your answers, especially about what draws you to other people's work because my answer would be very similar yours.  I wish you all the best with your future work, and I hope this little blip brings lots of new viewers to your work.

2012: Another Year, More Goals.

"Pleasant Dreams" by Me.  Available in my shop.

I should start out by saying I'm a dreamer, that's a given, but I honestly believe that if you think you can or can't either way you're right.   Last year was incredible for me, and as I finish up this first month of the new year I must say I think this year is going to be even better.

Here is a short list of goals for the coming year.

• Get off the property more.  I want to make it to more auctions, yardsales, and explore as much as possible.
• Take my camera and business cards with me everywhere.  This is a habit I need to work on.
• Have floors, walls, and ceilings in the bottom story of our house finished.
• Take Joe on lots of hikes, picnics, and to swim at the lake as often as I can.
• Reach my fitness goals.
• Keep making more and more of our foods from scratch.
• Contact one of my favorite blogs and ask if they'd like to feature my work.
• Keep doing artist interviews to learn more about the people I admire.
• Have a garden even better than last year's.
• Reach 500 sales by the end of the year.
• Create more original works of art.
• Volunteer my time more.
• Check out all the local farmer's markets.
• Go to more than just our local fair this summer.
• Read more.
• Watch tv less.
• Listen to more NPR podcasts.
• Write more.
• Notice the little things.

I could keep going, but I think you get the gist of it.

What are you hoping to accomplish this year?

Artist Interview: Charlie Mcgloughlin.

I hold a special place in my heart for architecture.  An old farmhouse can make me swoon.  So, naturally I'm drawn to art that features architecture.  Here is one artist who does a grand job at capturing architecture in his landscapes.  He's let me interview him, so here are some questions and answers by the artist behind http://kingbonk.etsy.com:

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

I've been making art ever since I was a kid.  My dad was an architect and he set up a small drafting board next to his big one so I could draw while he worked.  I remember I designed houses, and airplanes, and other contraptions and showed him what I did.  He was very encouraging.  He even told me a few houses (that he designed) were actually from my drawings.  I was so proud.   And he gave me the greatest advice I ever got about drawing: "get a pen, and be bold."

Barn, 9:30 AM.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

I like all kinds, I dont have a particular style which is a favorite.  I tend to gravitate to any art that tries to convey a sense of the sublime or the uncanny.  Abstract Expressionist artists are always very exciting to me when they perform their work with precision.  See Rothko, Barnett Newman. My friend Douglas Witmer does work I like a lot in that genre.  I am not a land artist, but I think De Maria's "Lightning Field" is a major inspiration for me.  That work alone is a work of grand genius.   I love old prints.  Here in Philadelphia we have the Philadelphia Print Shop and they have a wonderful (and expensive) collection of great old prints.  I love the precision and faded colors, and the "imprint" nature of the process.  my own art has a bit of both genres -- the large fields of color with the architectural details and faded colors like sepia.  

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Big skies are important.  I may make small scale paintings but the ideas -- and the space -- I am trying to convey is epic.    Abstract expressionism, with the large fields of vibrant color, are important inspirations to me.  I love the sense of human construction trying to reach up into the big, limitless sky.  It says something about human aspiration and perhaps hubris.  I see my landscapes as mainly abstract expressionist paintings in which details of human structures and details from nature strive to compete and be noticed.  The bird paintings are another thing altogether ... although i do try to convey the birds as small heroes, so I guess the epic is there too.  

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

I usually am struck by a landscape i see while travelling.  I dont like dwelling on a painting, so i work very quickly.  Watercolor forces you to make quick decisions and improvise -- I love that.  My main strength is my sketching ability  -- I could always just DRAW -- so I like the paintings to have a sketchy, immediate quality.  Watercolor, at least the way I have learned to use it, is perfect for this, as is oil pastel. Dry pastel is too messy. This is also a result of my life situation ... I work a full time job so all my painting has to be done right after dinner and before bed, which means I have to be able to get the materials and paints out, get the idea on paper, and put it away for safekeeping all within an hour or two.  If I take longer than 12 total hours on a painting I give up and paint the entire thing black and start over.  

I usually start off with two colors I want to work with as a base and create an abstract-impressionist-like painting with different horizontal blocks of color acting as an underpainting.  From there the details, ostensibly the "subject" of the painting, is laid over that in successive layers. 

House on the Hill.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

Work all day and play all night.  On the way to work, think about how I am going to play that night.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

This is the great mystery of art and I have no idea.  I said I have favorite styles but that doesnt mean I dont love something in every style.  I think, above all, attention to detail, whether it be a conceptual detail or an actual detail of a painting.  It really depends. That -- as I said -- I am always drawn to the uncanny or sublime.  Thus, the work of Magritte, Agnes Martin, Guston, and Bacon are all equally inspiring to me.  

Lighthouse ala Little Red.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

I joke that the money I make from painting funds my real hobby, which is model railroading. When I run out of money for painting and model railroading, my cheap hobby is writing music.  

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

I have a job. I am a registered architect, and I currently work for a major railroad in Construction Management.  

Western Tanager.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

The last one I did.  Right now, this painting called "Antenna Farm" on my website.  It gets to that "sublime" thing I was talking about.  Also, I really am happy with "Western Tanager", another one on my website.  I love that its so heroic looking.  Im thinking of having that picture blown up to 20x30 as a joke ... big bird!!!

The Fall Trees.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Art and business are only friends when they have the same goal, which is rare.  I dont really have any advice on this as my art is really not my business.  I find the phrase "art business" an oxymoron at best, and a sinister euphemism at worst.

11. Describe your work space.

I have this drawer which holds all my supplies.  When I am working, I annex the dining room table after dinner.  I put it all away in the drawer at bedtime. 

Drawers where he tucks his work away every night.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

I face the constant issue of there only being 24 hours in a day.  And of course I need to have a "real job" to make ends meet nowadays, so that leaves less time for creation.   But I get along ok.  So, no. 

Workspace and Drawers.  Very neat and tidy.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

Do more birds.  I think they are fun to do. And I think that in my own way I imbue part of my personality into them.  

Thanks so much Charlie, for chatting with us so that we could get to know you a bit better.

You can also find his work on Facebook:  Here.

Fourth International Order (I'm on a roll)!

Pablo's Portrait.  Via my shop.

A nice, big print of Pablo is heading to Alberta, Canada!  I couldn't be happier.

Third International Order!!

Image via Wikipedia.

A fantastic artist from Switzerland bought my painting of Helen Brewer!  I'm so very honored.

Artist Interview: Stefanie Beyeler.

This interview comes all the way from Switzerland.  That's one of my favorite things about Etsy, and the internet.  You can find artists from all over the world with just a click of the mouse.  So here is a few questions and answers with Stefanie Beyeler of beyeler.etsy.com:

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

My dad, despite growing up in the fifties as a farmboy in Switzerland, has always been fascinated with art. So my parents have probably taken me to museums before I could walk. And I have been drawing as long as I can remember.

Bullterrier.

 2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

What fascinates me most, are linedrawings. I love the movement that’s in a line. And I like portraits very much, be they antique or modern. The things one (mis)reads into a facial expression are interesting to me, as is the changing ideal of beauty over time.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Everything is inspiration and everything can be distraction...

Hydrangea.

 4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

Sometimes an idea comes very quickly, sometimes it is hard work. I do sketches, then draw with color pencil and paint with acrylic color on cardboard. Usually I scan the work, continue in Adobe Photoshop and print it out.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

My husband and I are waking up to the loud cries of our orange tom cat, who is ever so hungry. Then we have to cuddle the other cat, who’s main purpouse is to put cat hair on all our clothes. As I have a dayjob as a graphic designer and work on my own as an illustrator, my days never are the same. The most typical thing would be to sit at the computer or at my drawingtable.

In the evening, my husband, who is also a graphic designer, and I often talk about our workday, or we collapse on the sofa, watching a movie.

Listening.

 6. What do you think draws you to other people‘s work?

This is such an interesting question, that I often ask myself. Usually it‘s like love at first sight. Or it can be the opposite, an un inexplicable aversion to a work of art.

I think, I prefer the content above the technique.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

Books and DVDs from our local library, walking my neighbours old labrador and my business! And I would love to find the time to sew again.

Melancholy. (I bought a print of this beauty!)

 8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

I work 50% as a graphic designer in a small studio, were I design logos, letterheads, websites and other things for clients. Then I work for some friends, like swiss fashiondesigner www.cascade.ch or goldsmith www.goldschmied-aebi.ch.

9. What is your favorite piece you’ve ever made and why?

This would be the book "Die Prinzessin, die immer duenner wurde," which I made with my sister, a journalist and a writer. It’s a fairy tale about a princess that gets anorexic and then bulimic, because her sister is more elegant and beautiful than herself. An evil fairy hears her wish to be thinner and then there is a magic mirror, weird diets, the usual frogkissing, a handsome but helpless prince and her desperate parents.

The inspiration were all those stories a girl hears even at a very young age, about perfect beauty as a the key to happiness.

Viridescent.

 10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Do what you like, be diligent and learn stuff like bookeeping as well.

Woman.

11. Describe your work space.

My atelier is in the attic, it is extremly hot in summer and freezing in winter. So for now I work in our kitchen.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

Maybe artschool?

Artist in her workspace.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

My next picturebook, a story about a small octopus, who’s afraid to sleep in the dark and then meets all kinds of deep-sea creatures that glow.

Thank you so much Stefanie for letting all of us get to know you a bit better.

You can also find her on her website:  http://www.stefanie.ch/

Her blog:  http://illustratorin.blogspot.com/

And her flickr account:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/beyeler/

A Call for Pictures.

A Favorite of mine, a Photo of my Grandmother.

I've got the itch to do some collage work.  I'm wanting to have a bunch of photographs to choose from.  This is where you come in.  If you've got some old photographs that you're throwing out, please send them my way.  Even the most mundane photograph could make a really neat part to a bigger piece.  Or, if you've got a Flickr page and I can use your work, please let me know.  I always try to give credit where it is due.  Or if you've got some scanned photographs you can email them to me.  Believe me I'm not picky.

Also, I'm looking for old paper.  Receipts, notebooks, magazines, anything and everything.  Please send it my way.  Contact me via email for more info, and thanks.

Art Giveaway via The Farmer's Trophy Wife.

The wonderful Cathryn of The Farmer's Trophy Wife is holding a giveaway this week for a $50 gift certificate from my shop.  Please hop over there and sign up.  The winner will be announced next Monday!  Good luck.

Artist Interview: Amanda Atkins

Another great artist to show you today.  I was drawn to her work for the strong female characters, and the wonderful line work.  Her interview made me like her even more.  She's super talented, and I'm a huge fan.  So, here is your chance to become a fan too.  An interview with Amanda Atkins of http://amandaatkins.etsy.com:  

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?



I was definitely always an art kid. My mom bought me my first journal when I was 3 and I would draw pictures of my dreams in it and my mom would write the captions. I kept a journal from that point on – I’ve always loved writing and drawing. In elementary school, I loved making comic books and making really detail-oriented pictures of bedrooms and tree houses. In middle school, I got into fashion design. It all shaped itself into a love of making art, which is what I ended up going to college for.

A Number of Things.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?



Honestly, I love layman’s art from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. That whole time frame is my biggest inspiration. Recently I’ve fallen in love with the aesthetic of art deco, the clean lines and shapes and the limited color palettes.

 

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?


I draw in my sketchbook constantly. My work really embodies the things that I love. I love vintage, animals, literature, science – these things surround me in my room and provide me with constant inspiration.

2 Dresses of Peacock.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.



My paintings are usually born from something I am feeling, which is usually hinted at in the title. The image for the piece will come to mind, complete with a preliminary idea for a color palette. I’ll do a quick sketch in my sketchbook, gesso the masonite, draw it out in pencil, get out the colors I want, and get to painting.

And with unspoken ease I was your pet.

5. What is a typical day in your life?



I have a lovely job teaching first graders in an after school program. Some mornings I go to the gym, and other mornings I go to a coffee shop and read and draw. I walk to work, and then I spend 4 hours with the kids. They truly lighten my heart  and I get so much inspiration from them. I walk home from work and spend the evening listening to music and making things (sometimes I take nights off) and I love reading in bed before falling asleep.

Weekends are spent roaming Boston, doing things with friends, and making more art.

 

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?



I love striking color palettes, especially ones that are primarily neutral and really showcase one brilliant color. I love art that draws from the past. I love old science charts, anything with astrology and botany. Anything inspired by literature, writers, and authors – I love linking art and literature, using each one to pay homage to the other. 

The Escapist.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?



I love nature, and finding nature in the city. I love going for walks and finding streets I’ve never been on before. There’s also comfort in the familiar. I write almost every day and take tons of pictures. I love reading. I love being in bookstores.

Animals are a great love of mine, so any time I can spend with my pets (or anyone else's animals) really makes me happy.

 

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?



I have my job with the kids - such a great job!!

The Language of Foxtrot.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

Once in a while, I’ll make a piece that resonates so well with how I’m feeling at that particular moment that the piece itself becomes a thing of comfort to me. The last piece that made me feel that way is “Remember me remarkable,” the monochromatic painting of the girl with all the stars in her hair and smaller stars in the background. I love her so much. I like the women in all of my paintings, but some of them end up feeling like friends. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true! 



Artist's Workspace:  View One.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?



Keep a blog and make a brand for yourself – choose a font and a look. Follow other blogs that interest you and before you know it you’ll have a bunch of people following your blog, too. If you truly love what you’re doing, everything is going to work itself out for you! There may be hard times where money isn’t coming easily, but keep working and putting yourself out there. Don’t give up. If you’re a kind and friendly person, networking won’t even feel like work; it will just happen naturally.  If you sell prints of your work or other products, try to get into art fairs like Renegade. Every city has its own version, especially around the holidays! They’re lots of fun and a great way to make connections with potential customers. Show your gratitude to those who buy from you, comment on your blog, etc.

 

11. Describe your work space.



My desk typically has bottles of paint all over it. My paint palette weighs about 10 pounds because it’s covered in inches of dried paint. I love having inspiration pictures all around. Once in a blue moon, I’ll get fresh flowers for my desk. My brushes live in a coffee tin I decoupaged my freshman year of college. It will be my brush tin forever!

The Artist's Workspace:  View Two.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?





There have been times when I’ve felt burnt out by how much time and energy has to be put into being an artist. Sometimes my life feels like a full time job. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, though. I love the feeling of constant searching that comes with being an artist. Sometimes I think I’m crazy for loving it, but I love it.

As far as setbacks, I’ve always had to work other jobs in order to make ends meet. I love my art and make it a priority no matter what. Since I’m not always relying on it for the entirety of my income, I can’t say I’ve ever felt like I’ve had a “setback.” There are of course disappointments, but that’s why I try to keep busy with lots of different things. If one thing falls through, it’s less disappointing if you have a few other things on the backburner, as well.

The Artist:  Amanda Atkins.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

I will be having my third (as of now unnamed) solo show at Three Graces Gallery in Portsmouth, NH, this September, so I will be planning/working on paintings for it. I’ve written a children’s book which I’d really love to get published at some point. I’ve been working on illustrations for it, so we’ll see!! I’d say that that is my next big goal for myself.

 

Other Links:

 

Website:

www.amandaatkins.com

 

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amanda-Laurel-Atkins-Art-Illustration/117094111655756?ref=tn_tnmn

 

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/amandaatkinsart

Thanks so much Amanda for letting us get to know you.  Keep up the great work, I know we'll be seeing so many more great things from you.