A Novel Tasting Silent Auction: Amy Peterson Painting of Southern History Department

 

Birmingham artist Amy Peterson is donating this painting to A Novel Tasting's silent auction.

Birmingham, Ala. - Attendees to A Novel Tasting, the BPL fundraiser taking place this Thursday, April 7, will get a chance to bid on a special item: a painting of BPL's Southern History Department.

Amy R. Peterson, an artist/art teacher who lives in Trussville, last month did a painting of BPL's Southern History Department and its famous Ezra Winter murals that she is donating to A Novel Tasting's silent auction.

A wife and mother of three children, Peterson has used her passion for art to paint famous buildings, landscapes and scenes in Birmingham for years. Check out some of the paintings on her website by clicking here www.AmyRPeterson.com.

While she worked other jobs pursuing her art in between, Peterson used to fantasize about where an art career might take her life. Now she smiles at where her life (particularly as a woman and a parent) takes her art! Learn more about  Amy Peterson by reading her bio box at the end of this blog.

In a Q&A with BPL, Peterson talked about her art and what inspired her latest work.

BPL: Do you paint full time or is art a hobby on the side of another job?

Peterson: Yes, teaching arts classes and painting is my full-time profession.

BPL: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a professional artist?

Peterson: Before I can remember. Early childhood dreams included author/illustrator; teacher; veterinarian; inventor; but always involved some element of art. Even as I pursued a pre-med track at Notre Dame, I was taking art classes and knew I would need that as a part of my life.

BPL: What inspired you to do your painting of the Southern History Department at Central Library Research Building?

Peterson: I was doing some research on my historic home in Trussville’s Cahaba Project neighborhood, and an elevator ride inadvertently led me to the Linn-Henley. My jaw dropped as the elevator doors opened. I don’t believe I have ever stepped foot in this Birmingham treasure, though I’ve seen photographs.

I immediately knew I would pursue painting inside the space from life! Incidentally, I had already agreed to donate a piece of art to the Birmingham Public Library’s fundraiser A Novel Tasting, so I decided that my first painting “study” of this space would be the right piece to donate! I do intend to come back and paint more views of this incredible library and the Ezra Winter murals.

BPL: Describe the scene you painted.

Peterson: I actually painted the first corner of the library that I saw when the elevator doors opened! It left such an impression on me. It is simultaneously grandeur and intimacy! It’s the coral and deep green color scheme; the cozy, almost reverent lamplight at the tables and along the book shelves; the monumental sized columns; and the slivers of sunlight from behind the giant shuddered windows.

BPL: I understand you are donating the oil painting you did at Southern History Dept. to BPL's A Novel Tasting Silent Auction- give particulars of the painting.

Peterson: This is an oil painting on panel. 12x9 inches vertical. And will be framed to complement the piece. 

BPL: What do you enjoy most about being an artist?

Peterson:  I am a highly visual thinker and learner. I see color very vividly, and nuance in values very acutely. I am often so moved and stimulated by color and light that expressing my appreciation for that beauty is not an option for me, it’s a necessity. In terms of design, I am highly motivated to create interesting compositions, no matter what the subject may be. And as a teacher, I treasure  being able to share all the above with fellow artists, students, collectors, anyone and everyone. 

BPL: Any advice for budding young artists?

Peterson: Keep drawing. Keep painting. Keep creating. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. There is no dumb question! When you see something that grabs your attention, ask questions. 

As a student, asking “why” is often more valuable than asking “how”. Go see what art people are putting out there: local art shows, shops, galleries, museums, and online, but as often as possible in-person! Take classes, take workshops, enter competitions if you like, but mostly keep creating. 

Seek out your areas of interest (even as they change), strike up conversations, and you’ll find that fellow artists are usually very willing to share advice and show support, and this can mean more doors will open.

 Amy R. Peterson  Bio Box 

Artist: Amy R. Peterson 

Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.

Education: John Carroll Catholic High School; University of Notre Dame, (B.A.)

How many years as an artist: Lifelong as an artist; 20 years as a career 

Description of art style: Impressionistic oil paintings

Favorite things to paint: Almost any subject painted from life, including historic interiors, plain air landscapes and Birmingham city scenes. I’m unusually drawn to colors and shapes that I find interesting; that could be shapes of physical objects or the shapes created by the light and shadows in the scene.

Favorite items ever painted: Various Birmingham paintings; New Mexico landscapes (from when we lived there); and Our Universal Mother, a Multicultural Madonna commissioned as a gift for the retiring president of the University of Notre Dame (my senior year)

Where you can find Amy Peterson's artwork: 

Galleries - Beverly McNeil Gallery in Birmingham, Crown Gallery USA in Blowing Rock, NC 

Upcoming art shows: “Winter Light” currently on exhibit through April 30, 2022 at the Gadsden Museum of Art ,“In Full Bloom”, a landscapes and floral show at Beverly McNeil Gallery Opening Reception Friday, April 8. Oil Painters of America National Exhibition (June 3 - Aug 27) My recent painting of Birmingham’s Cathedral of St. Paul entitled Sun on St. Paul’s has been accepted to this national juried exhibition Hosted by Steamboat Museum of Art, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

How to contact the artist: Email amyraquel@gmail.com or website www.AmyRPeterson.com