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.

not like those girls in the magazines..

most beautiful

"She was beautiful, but not like those girls in the magazines. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for that sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile even when she was sad. No, she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks. She was beautiful, deep down to her soul."
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

painted trail

emerson was quoted as saying, "do not follow where a path may led, go instead, 

where there is no path and leave a trail."

where there is no path

artist note: i have to say, i am totally in love with this piece!!!

(i know, i know, i say that about all the work i do,

 but this is really affecting me deeply and to my very core!)

i love how it provides this 'space' to get lost in. i need space like this. i need miles and miles of endless sky and earth to wander; earth filled with tall grasses!  spaces like this give me

the time i need to: catch my breath, clear my thinking, 

process hurts, 

put things into perspective, 

get a foot-hold 

on gratitude and 

bury any regrets...

these days i am challenged to physically do any kind of wandering and especially in an open field with a compass pointing LOST.  but, i can (and do!) with my minds-eye. 

i wander so i can: refocus, reframe, reflect, rejuvenate,  

reassemble my broken heart or renew my trampled spirit.

so...i am leaving you with my painted trail. a trail offering hope, suggests that the 'best is yet to be'; a trail that may lead you closer to finding peace of mind or the realization of your dreams. or it might inspire you to go get lost and blaze your trail!

 either way, trust yourself to make the decision that is best for you!

your soul is alive!

Soul Progress

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,
if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,
if the simply things of nature have a message that you understand,
rejoice, for your soul is alive!" ~Eleanor Duse

stronger and more resilient

Refusing to surrender (glory-of-the-snow)

 "Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient." ~Steve Maraboli


artist note: I love living in MN.  I actually enjoy all the seasons...even winter. The snow doesn't bother me and it doesn't seem to get in the way of this bloom either.  The Glory-of-the-Snow spreads quickly, fills large areas with colorful blue, white or pink blossoms and regardless of drifting snow! Beautifully resilient!

build me up

buttercup ball

"so build me up (build me up) buttercup, don't break my heart..."
~lyrics Build Me Up Buttercup (the foundations)

artist note: i love daffodils and this piece if filled with daffodils swaying in the wind

without a care in the world...

how good things really are

many faces of joy

"JOY; it happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." 

~Marianne Williamson

about the artist

when words escape me, 

i paint!
_________________

i primarily consider myself an artistic topographist. this is because i paint most often with my fingers.
i feel more confident that i can produce the most accurate translation of what is in my head or on my heart, onto a surface for others to see.

after my eye sight began to diminish, i felt i 'had to' use my fingers to create tactile impressions of my visual recollections using paint and canvas. 
i found i was able to tap into an enhanced sensorial awareness, both auditory and cutaneous, that assisted my recall of life experiences and emotional memories through strikingly vivid, bold imagery.

in my studio, i gravitate towards a strong color palette, choosing from tubes and cans of pigment labelled in braille,

employing a variety of impasto painting techniques, my fingertips are guided by my mind’s eye.

i continually challenge the boundaries of my abilities, exploring the rules of composition, color and contour. i must say, i really enjoy experimenting with artistic methods and mediums, especially those inherently requiring less control and thereby offering greater fluidity.

for each canvas, it typically takes weeks, and usually months, to build up the painted surface layer by layer. my visual collection reflects the relationship between my senses and my memories, offering viewers a glimpse of the power and joy unleashed by a can-do spirit.

i adopted this quote, credited to audrey hepburn, as my personal motto:
" the words, I'm possible, are found in the word impossible!".

daily, you'll find me in my studio, continuing to believe that i can
  bring to fruition that which rest on the soul. and i do so, with great joy!

i invite you to check out my exhibit schedule ...stop in, enjoy my work in real space.
and, please, let me know if you see what i feel.

annie young  / creative topographist  /  inspirational speaker

1744 riverwood drive  /  burnsville mn 55337

c  /  612.743.9256  e  /  annie@annieyoungarts.com

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions:

*Where can I purchase your art?
    if you are interested in: calendars, notecards, prints or postcard books, visit;
    Etsy: Annie Young Arts Shop 

    if you are interested in home décor (i.e. shower curtains, yoga mats, pillows, beach towels, phone case covers, framed prints) and more, visit:
   Fine Arts America: Annie Young Arts Store

*Where can I see your work on display?
  my art is typically on display about 3-4 times a year in greater Minnesota. I do my best to list exhibits on my website.

*Where can I purchase an original work?
  my works are typically sold thru the galleries that display my work.

*Can I commission an original? what is the cost?
  contact me directly if you are interested in a commissioned work. the cost for this request starts at $1000.00

*Do you donate to silent auctions/causes?
  i currently support these causes:
    the dragonfly project (www.dragonflyproject.com)
    wilderness inquiry (www.wildernessinquiry.org)
    fisher house foundation (www.fisherhouse.org)
 
if you wish for me to consider donating to an event/cause, please email a description of your event, your goal and what you'd like for me to donate along with the specifics of the event (including contact name, number, phone, date of event)

*Do you share your story?
    if you wish for me to share my art and personal story to your: organization, church, school, event, please contact me directly at:annie@annieyoungarts.com