Annie Ingram's expressive floral paintings are a feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul. They are bold yet intimate, and capture the feeling of receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a dear friend. We caught up with her to talk about her art, artistic process, and life as an artist.
How do you want people to feel when they look at your art?
When viewers engage with my art, I hope they feel a sense of joy and wonder. My goal is to create pieces that evoke emotional connections and transport individuals to a place of beauty and contemplation. Whether it’s a serene landscape or a colorful floral piece, I aim to inspire and uplift those who experience my artwork. One collector paid me the best compliment by simply saying “Your art makes my heart happy.”
Do you ever experience a creative block? How do you break through?
I often struggle with imposter syndrome, no matter how much success I achieve in my art career. To overcome this, I create a schedule and work diligently to stick to it. Art is not just a hobby or passing phase for me; it is my passion, the one thing I intend to pursue until my arms fall off. I make sure to prioritize my painting time by listening to good music, sipping coffee, and rewarding myself. This dedicated time is essential to me and my family, as I aim to transition to full-time art by 2026. Whether this goal becomes a reality remains to be seen!
Favorite painting tool?
The palette knife is my go-to tool for making my art. It adds texture and depth to my paintings, particularly when I’m working with oils. My knives allow me to explore expressive marks and create dynamic pieces that are full of character. It also forces me to remain loose in my work, keeping the piece open to translation for each viewer.
Who is your favorite artist from history, and why?
Vincent van Gogh might be a cliche answer, but he is my favorite! His bold use of vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes to convey emotions and movement is a constant inspiration to me. He only managed to sell one painting during his entire lifetime. Despite the lack of recognition from others, he remained driven by his passion for creating. His knack for infusing his work with life and dynamism ensures that his paintings remain relevant and timeless. I want to have my work hold the same timeless feel. One of his memorable quotes is, “I dream my painting and then I paint my dream.” I consider myself a dreamer, always seeking new perspectives and striving to bring happiness and joy to the world through my creations.
Favorite time of day to paint?
Mornings. Always, mornings. I need a fresh brain and no distractions or stress to be in my best creative space. A large pot of coffee also helps!
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, always coffee. I didn’t drink the stuff until I was 29. I started working at Starbucks as a barista and I had to try all the coffees made with a French Press. I was hooked. My favorite drink to this day is dark roast in the French Press. **Walks away from the computer to make some.**