Amy Evans Painting Adventures

It's About Passion

Robert Genn recently wrote about his experience touring galleries in Santa Fe. One of his observations jumped out at me. There are still some gallery owners who love art and their job. I think that attitude may be the difference between galleries that are successful and those who are failing. It is hard to be excited about your work when no one is walking through the doors and nothing is selling. That is true for artists as well.

I love painting. I love sharing my art with others. I do this through teaching, demonstrations, blogs, newsletters, and just talking with others who are interested in my work. I hope that my passion shows through my paintings. It is my hope that when someone buys one of my paintings it makes them feel good too.

I like being around gallery owners who love the art that they surround themselves with every day. These owners are enthusiastic about their artists and are helpful to anyone who walks through the doors. They believe in the value of art even if the market is tight and find new ways to convey that to the public. You can feel the positive energy when you walk into a gallery like that.

We need more positive attitudes and passion about our work these days. Have you noticed how good you feel when you are surrounded by beautiful work and smiling faces? There is beauty there. Life feels good.

"Remember", 11x14".oil  © Amy Evans

Creating During Chaos

24x18"oil painting on canvas. Colorado Trail near South Park, CO.

This has been a terrible time for the world. Japan's earthquake and tsunami, the turmoil in states such as Wisconsin, and the overall uneasiness about our economy have many worried and depressed. We are constantly bombarded by these events. In the midst of all this my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and I went to see Lucinda Williams' live concert last night while I was visiting in North Carolina. She took the time to thank everyone for coming out and supporting live music in spite of the current events. It was nice to escape and enjoy her music.

I began to think about original art. It can be an escape as well as a source of pleasure. Art can offer beauty in a world that doesn't seem so beautiful these days. The act of creating a painting can also bring calm and serenity to one's life. It can evoke memories of a place or time. Looking at this type of art can slow down one's pace..You stop and begin to use your eyes. You learn to see what the artist thought was important to them. It is more than a pretty picture.

"Tranquility", 24x18" oil . Colorado Trail near Kenosha Pass, CO.

Doing a Series...when to stop!

Painting of St Mary's Catholic Church, Breckenridge, CO

The painting of St Mary's Catholic Church in Breckenridge, CO is part of a series of paintings I have been doing for the past three years. It is a series of the three historic churches in Breckenridge. I have painted them from different angles, in all seasons, and in different light. Painting them on different days from the same angle also has taught me that each day is different. There are subtle differences.

My gallery in Breckenridge encouraged me to continue this series...the paintings have been popular. I only do originals.

Recently the gallery told me that a collector was disappointed that I had painted another painting of "their church". They thought it was the same as the one they own. It bothered me that the collector wasn't really looking at the painting to notice the difference. It was a different season from the one they own but from the same view. I don't know if the gallery even pointed out the difference  to them.

My paintings in the series have always been about the light and the seasonal changes. I was sad that the collector didn't appreciate that characteristic of my work. I believe they just wanted a painting of that particular church.

After that incident I decided to end the series...The remaning paintings  in the gallery ( the winter series) will be the last.

When should a series end? I feel that my decision was based on my realization that the inspiration for my series was being missed by both the gallery and the collector. The repetition of the subject, even if it was different light, seasons, etc.,seemed the same to the viewer. That is not something I want to promote in my work. I want my paintings to show the viewer that each moment in time is unique.