NEW WEBSITE!!!!

www.annieyoungarts.com


I love my new website!
It is a great place to find everything you want/need/hope for!
(regarding my art that is)

I have uploaded galleries highlighting my recent work.
You will find a current blog,
list of upcoming exhibits and projects,
a place to shop for my art,
prints, notecards, totebags and
a direct means to reach me to
secure an art commission or
inspiration speaker.

a brave risk taker

hope floats

“ You need to have faith in yourself. Be brave and take risks. You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward.” ~Roy T. Bennett

Please visit: www.annieyoungarts.com

This link offers up to date information about my work, exhibits and purchase opportunities!

over-analyzing

moving on

"You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened...or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the (blank) on." ~Tupac Shakur

Artist's Note:

I love the emotional versatility of this piece!

At various times in my life,

it has offered different 'messages'.

I think everyone can related to a heart being pulled apart in two directions. The beauty is found in the strength

it takes to hold it all together.

For me, a great practice is to find a way to be 'ok' with the struggles...to not let that feeling of discomfort or uncertainty have its hold on me. I usually find a quiet place and just breathe in and breathe out...s l o w l y.

The feelings eventually pass and the heart gains strength!

inevitable

interference

"Neither situations nor people can be

altered by the interference of an outsider.

If they are to be altered

that alternation must

come within." ~Phyllis Bottome

artist note: 

a focus on personal growth is a constant effort in my life.

the fluidity of the green paint nicely illustrates my effort.

every journey begins with tremendous energy, however, interference is inevitable.

but it doesn't necessarily stop me in my tracks, it can however create a few detours.

a stronger pull

the stronger pull

"let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. in the depths there is a spring with all the water your heart is thirsty for." ~rumi


artist note:
I have been feeling more vulnerable than ever recently as I have pushed myself and dedicated myself to paint work that reflects my dedication to studying color relationships, textures and compositions.

I gave myself 'permission' to just let go and to embrace the pure joy of painting.  the pure joy of doing what I absolutely love!

growing an old friend

'let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~marcel proust

between old friends

artist note:  It was the early spring and summer months, my initial flower gardens would receive most of my time, energy and attention. I spent countless hours shopping for specific colored blooms. Determined to have the perfect and most beautiful flower garden, I spend a great deal of time arranging and re-arranging the flowers before actually placing them in the bed.

As season came to a close, my interest waned. I watered less, the foliage drooped and the weeds found a place to call home.

angle of painting 'between old friends'

After a few years, I noticed I would get such joy in the return of a prior year blossom or with the bloom of an unexpected color of a particular species. I transformed my beds from a collection of annuals, to an orchestrated assembly of beautiful, resilient perennials. I so loved and appreciated their dedication to returning.

To keep these beauties healthy and returning, I realized I had to continue to give my attention to the needs of these flowers thru out the entire season. Deadheading provided more blooms. Dividing the roots gave space for the flowers to grow bigger and better year after year. I would feed them and water according to their specific needs.I would spread a layer of mulch after the soil froze to prevent winter damage.

This lesson can also be applied to our relationships. To truly enjoy and appreciate those you love, one must not only be attentive, but be patient and nurturing in equal measure.

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." ~ John Leonard

I'd also like to add these words from Jenny Uglow, "We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us."

because you feel chosen

Eleta!

"I guess when someone tells you something that they usually guard, you feel privileged, not because you know something no one else knows, but because you feel chosen." ~Markus Zusak

artist note: this painting was inspired by meeting this gal named Eleta. there is just something about her that I could forget. she seemed quiet and reserved, but at the same time welcoming and certain about herself and her interactions with others.