In 1987 our family moved to Northern Virginia after living in Youngstown Ohio for all my life. Even back then the metro D.C area was fast paced and big - so big and so much driving. But on the weekends, we would make little excursions and explore. Middleburg, Virginia was hands down our favorite place to drive to and explore. Even before I started painting in watercolors (1993 I took my first class at Northern Virginia Community College after work) I loved the antiques, decor and art of The Shaggy Ram. There was a local artist Marc Miller who painted the most extraordinary oils and made his own handmade frames. I longed to own one of these. My parents and I would go quite often. Always enjoying lunch and baked goods at The Upper Crust.
So, this summer, I took a bold step and walked in the shop and asked if they would take a look at my art and consider it for their store. (I just don’t have time anymore to be afraid and wait until I think I’m good enough.) To my delight, they took two of my paintings and sold one the next week and asked for more. As you can imagine, this is huge for me. I’m so thankful for this opportunity that the designer and owner, Joanne Swift and store designer and manager, Sandy Abbot gave me. Just a few weeks ago, I delivered seven original paintings custom framed in lovely heavy wooden frames to the store. Go visit the Shaggy Ram and enjoy.
“ABC Watercolors”
Amy’s Picture Book
When Daisy was born I decided to try my hand at creating a children’s picture book of my own. It took a year to create in the little moments called ‘nap time.” Have a look. Even though it was painted for little kids like Daisy, I think big kids like her mama would enjoy it too.