Toronto, ON
Amy recently moved to Paris, Ontario from Toronto. She mainly works with oils on canvas or wood. Her focus right now and over the next couple of years will be on scenes in and around Paris, ON. "My goal is to try and create a magical feel to all of my paintings using a strong emphasis on colour and light" I met Amy at a Christmas Craft show in Paris, ON, I had the opportunity to chat with her about her work. This is her journey.
How long have you been painting?
I have been drawing and sketching since I was really young. I really started painting in my late teens, early twenties.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by places I have been. I love to paint what I see everyday. I feel like I have a bit of a romanticized view of the world and my goal is to paint that.
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Can you share if there is an artist or painter that has influenced you?
I have a few. When I was young I really loved Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I loved the impressionists because of their colours and brush strokes were so distinct. When I got a bit older I fell in love is Johannes Vermeer. His usage of light is incredible. A living artist who I currently follow is Jack Vettriano. His subject matter and his use of dramatic colour and light is a constant source of inspiration for me.
Paris, ON
Paris, ON
Do you think that today painting is underappreciated?
I think that just depends on the viewer. I personally feel that was something I had no choice but to paint because that is what I love to do. Also I tend to be surrounded by people who want to talk painting with me. So I personally feel appreciated. However there are people I meet who will honestly tell me that they have zero appreciation. I will tell you that in a mass produced world that we live in there are quite a few people who really appreciate looking at original paintings.
What advice would you give an upcoming painter/artist?
My advice would be that if you want to be an artist that can pay the bills with your art you must work at it all the time and love what you do. I know that is cliché but when I decided that was what I was going to do, it didn’t occur to me that I wouldn’t succeed. Many of my family members and friends liked my paintings but were doubtful if I would be able to make enough money to make a living. I didn’t for a really long time and I served tables for years and years. I think it took me about 8 years just to figure out what my style was going to be. I do believe that if you use social media like Twitter, Facebook, Etsy and Instagram along with many others and if you do great work, people will seek you out.
I think it’s really important to try and get involved with outdoor art festivals and local festivals. People love to buy directly from the artist and talk to the people who have created the piece they are buying. When I first began selling my paintings I kept my prices quite low. I really just made enough to buy more materials. You can always increase in price as you go along. It’s about getting your work out there. I really believe that I became an artist because I kept working at it all those years and it is a learned skill. If you love it you will keep improving.
What piece are you currently working on?
The painting I am currently working on is of the little Gallery at Wincey Mills in Paris Ontario. We thought it would be a fun idea to paint the gallery with all of the local artworks in it. It is still a work in progress and on it's second layer of oil paint. I think it will take another layer to complete. Maybe two. A local magazine will be featuring this piece because of all the great artists we have living in Paris Ontario. It is becoming a destination where people come just to view all the great new works in the area. There will be links to all of the local artists in the article. Also, if you are interested, the Brant Studio Tour is coming up on September 28th and 29th. You will be able to visit the artists at their studios to learn about their artistic process and purchase original pieces. There will be a great selection of pottery, jewelry, paintings, textiles and more. There is also a Brant Studio Tour Facebook page you can check out which will be updated all summer with the artists who will be participating.
Wincey Mills-Paris,ON
Where can you find Amy?
Website: http://amywalshharris.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awalshharris/