"Means to an End" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 4" x 4"; (c) Amy Guidry 2011; SOLD
One of my latest additions to the In Our Veins series has sold. Means to an End was shipped to its new home in Florida. It is an acrylic on canvas, 4″ x 4.” The In Our Veins series, in short, explores the connections between all life forms and the cycle of life through a surreal, psychologically-charged narrative. You can read more about the series on my website as well as view a larger image of Means to an End at this direct link: www.amyguidry.com/means_to_an_end.html.
"Untitled" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 4" x 4"; SOLD
I have just added a new addition to the In Our Veins series. Untitled is the latest small painting to be added and the second one at my new 4 inch by 4 inch size. I like to work in a range of sizes depending on the amount of visual information and am currently working on a larger piece. These new small sizes are the smallest works I’ve ever done in my career and at $100 or less, they appeal to a range of collectors, new and old. If you’ve been following my work, you know that I do not sell “prints” and only offer original, one-of-a-kind paintings. I conducted a poll through my Facebook Fan Page and found that everyone was interested in owning original art, whether small or large, rather than a reproduction. As an art collector myself, I happen to agree. I like knowing that the work is original, in addition, I love to see the texture of the paint and the 3-dimensional quality of it. You just can’t get that in a [giclée, print, copy]. But not everyone can afford art- even if it’s only $500- so I have always offered small works to fit everyone’s budget. And even though my new series has had a change in technique and materials, thus more time-consuming, I have worked with the subject matter to keep the price low and still maintain a high value. Hence my latest painting, which you can see larger on my website at www.amyguidry.com/untitled02.html.
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Amy Guidry's painting "Introspective" on the cover of Country Roads Magazine, October 2011
I recently had a nice surprise- I did an interview for Country Roads magazine and my painting “Introspective” is on the cover of their October issue. The issue’s theme is “Myths & Legends” so my New Realm series was a good fit. “Introspective” is an acrylic on canvas, 40″w x 30″h, and even though it is sold, there are several available paintings from the same series. New Realm, in short, challenges the antiquated views of women as often seen in fairy tales. Using a surreal backdrop, it is a modern tale which presents the heroine as a strong and courageous woman. To view a larger image of the cover, as well as read the interview with James Fox-Smith, go to this direct link: http://countryroadsmagazine.com/2011/october-2011-issue.
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I’ve just finished my latest painting in the “In Our Veins” series! The title is “Interconnected” and is an acrylic on canvas, 6″ x 6.” Yet again, I took some photos along the way as I was working. I must admit they are not the best quality photos, though, since I didn’t mess with the settings on the camera and some are blurry, most are crooked. Yikes. And to think I had to take a photography course back in college… just goes to show if you don’t use it, you lose it. Which is why for the final photo, I rely on a professional. Anyway, this blind old bat much prefers working a few inches away from a canvas with a teeny tiny paintbrush. For a closeup view of the final painting, you can view it here: http://www.amyguidry.com/interconnected.html.
Initial sketch on canvas for “Interconnected” by Amy Guidry
Beginning stages of initial paint layer
Initial rough layer of heart and sky are complete
More progress in the intial rough layer of paint
Finished with the initial rough layer; now adding more paint to the sky
Adding more paint to the sky, layer upon layer, to build it up
Sky is finished; adding detail and the next layer to the right mountain
One of my medical reference books
Mountain on the right is finished, working on the left mountain
Mountains are done, now working on the next layer of the heart
Adding more color and detail to the heart
Heart is finished, now adding more layers to the water
Still adding to the water, building up color and detail
Final painting- “Interconnected” by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 6″ x 6″; (c) Amy Guidry 2011
I’ve recently finished another addition to the In Our Veins series! My painting “Fleeting” is now online- it is an acrylic on canvas, 8″ wide by 10″ high. Since the series deals with the life cycle and our role as well as impact on it, I thought this piece would be fitting given it is an example of the brevity of life. The moth plays an integral part since I have always had an interest in butterflies and moths and how short their life span can be (depending on the species). They are so delicate and beautiful, and only on this earth for such a short while. Which really is a metaphor for life in general- though many of us take it for granted and feel invincible. The pregnant woman is no one in particular (in reality there was no model- she is completely made up), she is a mother or will be, she is nature, she is Mother Earth, she is giving life, while the moth represents life.
I have posted the progression of this painting from start to finish- sorry for the cruddy photos- all were taken by me except the final one (which is why it was taken in good lighting on the proper setting and the colors look more accurate). View a larger version of the finished piece online at http://www.amyguidry.com/fleeting.html.
Almost forgot to take a photo- “Fleeting” original sketch on canvas; by Amy Guidry
Roughed in the first layer of paint for “Fleeting”
Background is finished; Adding another layer of paint to the figure to further develop
Adding another layer of paint to the moth to further develop
Adding another layer of paint to the face, cleaning up and adding details
Adding more color to the hair and fine details; Developing figure with another layer of paint
More color and detail to figure, focusing on the hands
Hands are done; Starting to develop the moth with another layer of paint
Adding more detail to the moth as I add the next layer of paint
“Fuzzy” part of moth complete- stripes are next
Stripes are done as well as further development of the shadows underneath
“Fleeting” by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas, 8″ x 10″; (c) Amy Guidry 2011
CALYX Journal 26:3, featuring "Adaptation" by Amy Guidry
I had a delightful surprise arrive in the mail the other day. My copies of the CALYX Journal featuring my work on the cover arrived! I’m honored to be the cover artist for their 35th Anniversary- Special Expanded edition, and not only that, but my work is on the inside as well. My painting “Adaptation” is on the cover and “Freedom” is on page 65. Both paintings are from my “New Realm” series which is a modern and surreal spin on fairytales in which the woman is the heroine, not the victim.
The CALYX Journal is comprised of art and literature by women, including poetry, photography, paintings, short stories, essays, and reviews. They were also the first in the U.S. to publish Frida Kahlo’s (one of my Surrealist heroes) works in color.
"Sequence" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 6"w x 12"h; (c) Amy Guidry 2011; SOLD
At last, I have finally finished another painting from the “In Our Veins” series. I’m always looking for ways to improve, no matter how big or small, so I really focused on the textures in this piece. Though you can’t really tell here, so be sure to go to my website for a better look, in addition to a zoom-in feature (the magnifying glass icon on the top right)- www.AmyGuidry.com/sequence.html. The title is “Sequence” and it is an acrylic on canvas, 6″ wide by 12″ high.
Much of this series, as stated in my artist statement (which is posted on my website), deals with the life cycle so the title is in reference to that process. Both life and death are represented, new life- plants, animals- are seen building upon each other, one leading to the next, which is also why I opted for a long, vertical composition. The animals I chose follow, for the most part, a hierarchy of sorts as seen in nature. Though it may be odd for a vegan to discuss this, but the animals depicted follow each other in the food chain (side note- as a vegan, I realize this is a fact of life, however I have a choice when it comes to what I eat). The roses were an almost subconscious choice at first, but seemed appropriate for the piece given that we use roses to celebrate life as well as to honor those that have passed.
"Introspective" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 40"w x 30"h; (c) Amy Guidry 2011
Another painting from my New Realm series has a new home. I really love to share my work with people, especially people that I know. It’s a great feeling to know that something so personal to you is enjoyed by others. I remember when I first started to show my work (out of school), I was so self-conscious and afraid because it was work that I not only created on my own, with no guidance or “approval” by a professor, but also because I felt so exposed. My first show was a juried exhibit (talk about fear!). Most people there ignored me and visibly did not seem to like my painting, but I received 2nd place (obviously one person liked it) and I was so relieved and surprised, but it was enough to help spur me along. Which is how I’ve gotten where I am today.
So now “Introspective” is being enjoyed and shared with others. It’s such a good feeling- and that’s what keeps me going. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish when just one person gives us the encouragement.
"Renewal" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; (c) Amy Guidry 2011
I’ve received more good news recently- my work was selected for inclusion in the 54th Annual Exhibition of Contemporary Art at the VACI (Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution). The juror for the exhibit is Jim Kempner of the Jim Kempner Gallery in New York City. My painting “Renewal” from my New Realm series was selected and it is an acrylic on canvas, 48″ wide by 24″ high. The exhibition will take place in the Strohl Art Center of the Visual Arts at Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. There will be an opening reception held on Sunday, June 26th from 3-5pm. The exhibit will remain on display through July 14, 2011.
"Symbiotic" by Amy Guidry; acrylic on canvas; 11"w x 14"h; (c) Amy Guidry 2011
So excited- I came across some good news just after it was announced (apparently I was on the web at the right time…). I have been selected as one of the artists to be featured in the Brooklyn Art Project’s BAP Quarterly #1. This is their first full-color publication and will be out this summer. Featured on the left is one of my paintings to be included- “Symbiotic.” “The Wild West” has been selected as well, so my excitement is doubled. The publication was guest-curated by Samantha Levin (Anagnorisis Fine Arts, Curator for White Rabbit, NYC). 100 artists have been selected, including some of my personal faves- Carrie Ann Baade and Caitlin Hackett.
