10 Year Art Anniversary!
Today I am celebrating 10 years of pursuing my dream as a working artist. The road has been winding and long, and there are many miles yet to go, but it is something I truly love. Here’s a little more about my story and how art has shaped my life for many years.
Purchase for a Purpose
Each November I love to show my gratitude to my collectors by hosting a special once-a-year Art Sale. Last year I held my first ever Giving Back Art Auction where together we raised $250 to feed local families for Thanksgiving.
This year I want to give back even more.
AZ Watercolor Association Juried Exhibition
I have been pushing my artwork in new directions this year and was overjoyed when I received notice that my newest painting was accepted into the Arizona Watercolor Association Fall show.
This painting…
epic USA road trip
For over twenty years, my husband and I have dreamed of doing an epic cross country USA road trip. We imagined all of the places we would see, the big cities, the small towns, fields of corn growing out in the country, and miles and miles of roads. But who has time for such an adventure?
The Space Between Us
This is the final artwork in my series of paintings that explore the loneliness and separation of our overly connected society. The grid pattern represents the digital world and how it infiltrates every aspect of modern life.
30 Days of Abstract Art
For the entire month of April I decided to mix it up in my art studio. This year is about exploration, so why not? I created totally non-representational mini paintings every day as a way to loosen up and explore and have fun! These small 5” x 7” abstract paintings became my daily practice and I posted on social media as I went along.
AWA Spring Show
The very first in my Pixelated Series paintings, "Is There A Road Map?" has been accepted into the AZ Watercolor Association Spring Show. The show will hang at the Shemer Art Center from April 15th through May 21st.
Opening Night
Opening Night of the Celebrating Women Series is March 26th from 5-8pm at the Howland Studios Gallery.
Why I paint women
I am an only child raised by a single mother. As a child I was shy, introverted and quiet. Art was my constant companion.
From the age of three I was always drawing. I used chalk, crayons, markers, anything I could get my hands on. My happiest memories are drawing alone in my room with my vivid imagination to keep me company.
Practice
I was thinking about people in creative fields and how they look at their art careers. It is kind of like a yoga practice or a meditation practice. We have to have our art studio practice. Because you are not just born a master painter. It takes time and it takes work and it takes- practice.
ex·plo·ra·tion
Exploration is essential for growth. I know that in my head, but it is not always a pain free experience while you are in the process of it.
9 Year Art Anniversary
I was 35 years old, when I realized that I was letting my dream of being a full time artist slip away. I was working in a very challenging position that drained all of my energy by the end of the day. I had no time for creativity. So I thought.
Giving Back
Let’s feed some Arizona families for Thanksgiving! I am auctioning off 20 original artworks over 10 days. When you bid on one of these artworks, I will give 20% of your purchase to the Vista Del Camino Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program.
Interview with Walter Art Gallery
I had the privilege of being interviewed by Charlotte Strawn of the Walter Art Gallery in Scottsdale last month. I thought you might enjoy seeing what we talked about.
The meaning of blue
The color blue is often associated with the feeling of sadness. It can also be used to represent calmness and tranquility. Blue is associated with peace and spiritual connotations in certain cultures.
All in your head
“It’s all in your head”.
What a loaded phrase. Usually this is thrown at someone who is overreacting, imagining the worst, or creating drama where there isn’t any. But as I look at this new painting, I thought of this phrase in a new way.
Is there a road map?
“A friend asked me, how do I know what to paint in which square. The answer is, I don't! I am moving around the painting continually changing colors, changing squares and deciding as I go. They refer to this as painting intuitively. It is a very freeing way to paint, for me.”
New art series in this very new world…
I am working on a series of paintings that explore the loneliness and separation of our overly connected society. In an age where people are more connected than ever with technology, people are experiencing the highest rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness and a feeling of separation leading to mental health issues and even suicide.
Cheers to 8 years of Andrea Merican Art
It is still hard for me to believe that my journey with pursuing art started 8 years ago in 2011. How has it gone by so fast?
Grateful for you!
November is a month for gratitude. I am grateful for YOU! Thank you to all of my fans, fellow artists, art collectors, local supporters, and followers. You are what makes my art career possible.