Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by!
When a customer sees my artwork for the first time they often say “Your work is so happy!” This response is exactly why I do what I do. I believe that the simple gesture of mailing a greeting card has the power to brighten someone’s day. Hanging artwork on your walls turns a house into a home. Illustrations in a book spark meaningful conversation between a caregiver and child, and become a cherished moment. A simple illustration can bring life and exuberance to an article in a magazine.
Where it all started
My mother always says, “Amy’s been making things since she came out of the womb.” While somewhat of an exaggeration, many of my earliest childhood memories are of creating. The smell of hot glue is still an all time favorite and fills me with the nostalgia of crafting as a kid. While I would go on to study art education in college, I discovered my love of illustration during my coursework and knew I wanted to continue to develop those skills outside the walls of academia.
Why watercolor
Watercolor wasn’t my first love. GASP! As a results-driven-perfectionist, I spent years working with acrylic paint creating hard edges and lines by hand. Once I decided to leave my comfort zone and try watercolor, I never turned back. I fell in love with the fluid nature of the medium and the ability to build up layer upon layer through glazing. Watercolor forces me to loosen up, tap into my intuition and trust the process. I continue to learn, make mistakes, and improve my skills. It is equal parts gratifying and humbling in one fell swoop.
Why I teach
I’m on a mission to make art more approachable and help students regain the freedom that they created with as children. During class I like to use my own “art jargon” like the 'whirly-twirly stroke' and love to share stories about my pups and art mishaps. This teaching style keeps the mood light and fun- like the watercolor medium itself. I aim to cultivate a learning experience that brings people joy and confidence, even if just for a few hours.
While I have lived in various parts of the United States, my work is influenced by all of the natural beauty that North Carolina has to offer. From a local day hike to trips to the mountains or the sea, there is no shortage of inspiration. Thank you for exploring my website and supporting my small business. I am grateful for a career that allows me to combine so many things that fill my soul, painting subjects I love, teaching others, and spending time with my fur family.
