In the Studio with Artist Amy Holt Cline

Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Amy Cline. Amy’s artwork will be on display at the Bean Rush Cafe in Annapolis this Saturday, April 23rd. (Details below)

California native, Amy Cline, channels sunshine and good vibes in her artwork. Much of her work is inspired by the ocean, nature and the rhythms of life which is evident in the vivid color palette that sprawls across her canvases. Amy’s brightly colored pieces emanate happiness and positivity. Much of her work is also set at a larger scale, making them very inviting to view and experience the pigment, textures and patterns.

Cline studied art at the University of the Arts and receive her M. A. in Art Education. She went on to develop a method of teaching science concepts utilizing art theory in her classroom. She also completed an apprenticeship under Philadelphia based artist, James Dupree and has exhibited her work in both Philadelphia and Brooklyn art spaces.

Here’s Amy talking about her art, process and experience...

What style, genre or medium of art excites you the most?

I love art that has bright colors, deep contrasts and lots of layers of interesting materials. I find this type of art brave and I am striving to do more of it. My work is mostly acrylic but includes other media including paper, oil pastel, watercolor crayon, spray paint and more.

Who is your mentor and what did they teach you?

Before I went to art school, I learned the art of layering from Philadelphia based artist James Dupree. He is a printmaker first as well as an accomplished painter and portrait artist. He adds all sorts of layers on top of his work and then covers it with thick clear media to seal it. It is essentially collage but he also wants his work to look like glass in the end. Now I follow artists that combine bright colors, lots of pattern and texture and a variety of types of media.

How do you find inspiration?

Inspiration largely comes from nature and the organic shapes it creates. I love the ocean, the details of contour maps, island communities in the topics, horizons, sailing, contrast and the color blue. Inspiration comes from juxtaposition of materials and colors. I like to try new things so my art changes frequently.

When do you art? (before coffee, after bed, when inspiration strikes…)

Mostly on the weekends or evenings. I have a day job where I teach science and don’t have time to make art as much as I’d like. So If I get up early and can put a few brush strokes down before school starts then great but that is hard to fit in.

What is your studio/creative space like? Or what is your favorite place to create in?

I have a room in my house dedicated to making and painting. There is a sewing machine on the table and a counter for collage as well as nails in the wall to hang large canvases. I love the space and also dream of expanding the space.

Do you work on one piece of art at a time, or multiple?

I usually have more than one canvas on the wall or on the counter that is being worked on at the same time. Since the art has so many layers and I don’t like to waste paint, I add touches to each one at different times. Occasionally, I will paint something from start to finish but it’s very rare.

How do you know when a work is finished?

I am still figuring that out. There is something strange that happens with the paintbrush towards the end. It almost has a repulsion to the canvas and my gut says, stop. But its often very hard to find the moment when something is done. If it sits well, then I call it finished but if no one responds to it and it’s kind of flat, then I might paint over it in a couple years.

How do you stay connected and up to date with the art world?

I do love to look at art and study it. I take workshops and follow artists I love to learn from. I use Instagram to find new artists and look at Saatchi Art and Artsy websites sometimes. Social media has been a great place to connect with other artists and make connections. But I am definitely still learning and practicing. I understand that this is a life’s work.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

Since I teach students about science, I often incorporate art into the work that I do. Being creative in the classroom as a means for deeper learning inspires the kids and myself. I am much happier that I make art and a place to do it. If I didn’t have that, the world would seem very different to me.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am preparing for my April 23rd Art Reception at Bean Rush in West Annapolis 5- 7pm. There are four paintings up on the walls now and I am planning to bring several additional art works to show and hopefully sell. I love the idea of sending colorful paintings out into the world to hang on new walls.

Why do you 'art'?

I love doing it. I love color, paint, large canvases and creating stuff. Making art is like traveling for me. I love learning about cultures and new places but I have a day job and can’t travel often. Making art feels like an exploration of new ideas and when I get time in the studio, it makes me happy. The hardest part is to get out of my own way and love the process.

Visit Amy and view her work this weekend!