Blog – Amy Crews

New Art Guide!

After more than 20 years as a professional artist, I thought it was time to write down answers to some of the questions I am asked most often about how to hang art. I’ve broken them down into three steps; Considering the space, finding the right size and finding the perfect piece for your space. It is my hope that these steps will help you feel confident as you build your art collection.

Here's a peek of some of what's inside...

Step 1- Consider the Space

When chosen and displayed correctly, art can transform every space in your home.

It may sound obvious, but it is important to think about the function of the space first and foremost. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What is the function of the space you are selecting artwork for?
Is it formal or casual?
What is the focal point of the space or room?
Will the artwork be the “star” or simply a supporting role?
Will the space or painting benefit from adding a spotlight or gallery light for the art?

Think about if you need a simple addition or accessory to create a cohesive vignette or something grander that makes more impact in scale or emotion. Art can tell a story, serve as a conversation piece or reflect and aspect of your personality.

Some Examples of Space & Function

Foyer & Entryway –

First impressions matter! So the first piece to greet someone when entering your home should most definitely be a reflection of you.

Bedroom –

Our bedroom is our refuge. The nest pictured here, is an iconic symbol of rest and refuge and here it serves a visual anchor. Where we find rest should incorporate art that is also restful, be it in subject matter or color palette.

Family Room & Dining Room –

Where we gather and spend most of our time together with those that we love, consider a painting that tells a story about you or is a conversation piece. I have incorporated hidden details that are known only to family members in a variety of clever ways. A title or back story are also ways to add additional meaning and value to art in your home.

There's more...

About My Dad

I have carried these words for this blog on my phone for a few years now. Unsure if they made sense, if I should share them at all or when the right time would be. Also knowing that as much as I share about my mom, I felt I needed to address my dad. On Father’s Day I brushed my thoughts up a little and shared them, at last, in an instagram post. My story resonated with many so I thought I should give it space here on my blog.

I was able to see him two years before he died. The last time I had seen him before this, I was 16. That’s a long story. But he was still a proud man. To a great fault. And in the midst of complicated conversation he shared that he was now an artist. Of course my antennae shot up. I had so many questions naturally! Had he been a complete stranger, the conversation would have been wonderful. But this meeting for lunch was cautious and words were measured so I didn’t inquire. It didn’t feel safe.

He didn’t ask what I did so he never knew that I was an artist.

After I heard he passed away, it occurred to me that I had already been grieving him most of my life. So I grieved what could have been. What should have been.

I once read a book by Donald Miller titled “To Own A Dragon”. In it he describes how growing up without a father comes with a feeling as if there’s some secret club you’re not a member of. Like those who do have a dad knew things and experience things we are never privy to. That’s exactly how it felt for me. I longed for a father who would be my champion and protector, who would be there to answer questions and give great guidance. Who would walk me down the aisle, play golf with my husband, take care of my mom and be a playful and doting grandfather to my children.

There was a lot to be sad about after that meeting, and the art situation was just one. However, I was able to show him love without granting him re-entry into my life. I gave him a hug and told him I forgave him long ago, even though he had never asked for it. I had to. My faith, my mental health and my future, required and helped me to do it. But it took years! It is possible.

God provided other good fathers instead. My husband and my father-in-law are the best! Also there have been a few good dad’s of friends or mentors I’ve met along the way.

Happy Father’s Day to them! And to the moms and siblings who do their best to make up for absent fathers. To anyone who can relate to my story, please know you are not alone and are thought of on this day! I truly believe our Heavenly Father loves us even more than any earthly one could. ❤️

Balcony People

I’ll never forget seeing the smiles breakout on the choir members faces.

The Presbyterian church I attended growing up was a proper church. The services were subdued and full of tradition and liturgy. As a child it could be quite boring. As an adult, I long for the formalities. It has been ages since I moved away and I’ve attended a service there. I hope it remains the same as I remember.

My mom, my sisters and I always sat upstairs in the balcony. Sometimes when the choir would finish a special piece, my mom would write a big “10” on the back of her church bulletin and hold it up very high and very quietly. You could see smiles slowly break out across the choir loft. More than likely no one else even noticed. But this secret “BRAVO!” brought joy to us and to our choir friends. And maybe the preacher.

My mom called herself a “balcony person”. Long before I had heard that term used anywhere else. All of my life I witnessed her make a b-line at the close of services of all kinds to compliment those who performed, spoke or put it all together. She had a sense of urgency about it and we could not leave until she did this. I must admit, I was not always patiently waiting when this happened. She knew how hard they must have worked and it was important to her that they know someone was moved or blessed by their hard work.

I think we all need “balcony people” in our life. Someone to let you know they see you and appreciate your efforts. I’m so thankful for her example and hope I do it just as well. And I want to say thank you to YOU, for being in my balcony too!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” -1 Thes. 5:11

Hidden in the rafters of my studio is a “guardian angel” that once hung at my mom’s. It’s a small cherub carved of wood that she had hung on her bedroom door. I like to imagine the angel is her, watching over me as I work and silently giving me a “10” when I finish a painting.

Glimpse of Heaven

They walked up to my booth and I smiled and said hello. They just kept smiling, quietly. It took me a minute to fully recognize her. Then I looked at him. Then I ran into their embrace…a three way bear hug of friends long lost. So much joy! I mean what could be better than to hear someone say “I’ve been looking for you for so long!” Meet Anne. She hired me when I was 19 or 20 years old and taking a college break. Such a good and kind soul…she came to my graduation and the last time I saw her was at my wedding. And she found me, thanks to google, and she and Chris planned this sneaky surprise visit to the show I was in. And I was thrilled when she purchased this painting. Perfect!

I also lost a high school classmate to cancer just the day before. And I was able to embrace Liz, a grieving friend and classmate who came by the show too not even an hour before this reunion with Anne. Actually got to introduce them. Two special people with big loving hearts. And all of this has me thinking about heaven…How I wish I could tell mom about this day. How wonderful it will feel to see those we’ve been missing and looking for again!

An Additional Post Script

When I first shared this story on instagram there was no way I could have known this was the last time I would see Liz. She passed away suddenly not too long after. She and I did not take a picture together that day sadly. But I can tell you one thing for certain! She told me she loved me. She always did. It was something so “her”. She would never end a phone call or text without being absolutely sure you KNEW that.

This makes this memory even more meaningful. And even more reminiscent of heaven than it was before.

“Hey! I’m Amy. Here’s my heart.”

Caution. I have been known to cry at art shows.

I giggle as I type that because I know how awful or dramatic that can sound. But let me explain! I can’t speak for every artist of course. But speaking for me, I can tell you that what I paint comes from the heart. And when I share my art, I am also sharing my heart, which is the perfect set-up for being…well, vulnerable. And at shows when I am able to share my he(art), I think I’m more sensitive to the conversations had. As a result, deeper connections are made in a short amount of time with the people I encounter. Yes, tears may be shed with others, but they are usually accompanied by laughter as well.

Take for example the time my mom was in hospice. The hospice nurse urged me to carry on and go to an art show, reassuring me that my mom would still be there when I returned and how much I needed to get away. Well, that show was more than what I needed. It seemed as if every conversation was ordained. So many shared their own stories with me. There was even a new collector who “happened to be” a grief counselor. Turns out, it was just what I needed!

But it’s not all about me!

I love the people I have met through art! It’s most rewarding to me when someone connects with a painting or when the meaning behind it resonates with them. I am an open book (just as I am being here) so I appreciate when someone shares their heart with me. Sometimes it’s as simple as telling me which piece is their favorite. Other times, they tell me about a loss of their own or a memory treasured. And if anyone tells me they “used to” be creative, I will strongly encourage them to find the time to practice art again and give them a much needed pep talk.

Oftentimes conversations are just so unforgettable that I am inspired to write about them. Linked here are a few of those:

“Older Than Dirt”

“We Are All Just Visitors Here”

“Glimpse of Heaven”

My top 7 FAQ’s

1. How long did it take you to paint that?

This is actually the #1 question I am asked at art shows. As my friend Tena Payne says when asked about her pottery…”It’s taken over 50 years.” That makes sense when we take into consideration the lifetime of experience and expertise. My pieces usually take between 2-5 days depending on the size and subject. But it’s much more complicated than that. Also, I’m not as patient as some would think when they look at my work. I have found the longer a painting takes or the ones I work on the longest are not my favorite. Now, I’m my own worst critic and it may not be as obvious to others, but every artist knows it’s possible to “over work” a painting. Some pieces feel like they’re just “born”. It’s hard to explain but it’s when a painting is effortless and seems to just come together quickly. This doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does it’s usually a favorite.

2. What inspires you?

The standard answer repeated by artists is…nature. I think you can see it in my work. How I zero in on details that captivate me. Someone said they see things in my work they wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. I’m a curious observer of everything under the sun. In a word… “wonder”.

3. Are your children artist’s too?

I think they are both very creative. But neither wanted to take art classes beyond elementary school. Our son has the mind of an engineer and a great “ear” for music. I think our daughter is artistic but also has other interests. Her handwriting is so beautiful and she created the most ingenious things as a child. She’s a gifted writer and loves to bake as well. I would love it if either one of them were to pursue any of the arts of course! I would love to paint with them.

4. How did you get started?

I took every single art class offered in school. I had teachers in elementary school who encouraged me a great deal and even gave me the task of decorating some of the school bulletin boards. I exhausted the high school art curriculum and had to make up my own lessons. That’s how much I loved art! I sold my first piece in high school. It was a pencil drawing of a beach scene that a doctor hung in his examination room. (Thank you forever Dr. Hurd!)

5. Have you always been creative?

One of my earliest memories is of a drawing I did as a small child that my mom promptly had made into a plate. It’s long gone now, but I remember it clearly. She would boast about the details of the girl I drew who had a pocketbook and shoelaces. I also remember selling small crayon drawings door to door in our neighborhood for a penny. And I can show you the house where the woman lived who paid me a whole nickel.

6. Do you take custom orders?

Yes! Commissions are open a couple of times a year. I’d love to work with you and create a special piece all your own. Contact me for estimates and to learn more about the process.

7. Do you teach?

No, not yet. I have great intentions of doing so but have not found the time just yet. Soon I hope!

Now it’s your turn! Have any questions you’d like to ask? Leave them in the comments below or send an email and I’ll get back to you.

That Time I Ran Away

It was long over due but I finally did it. I ran away and I highly recommend it.

I needed to get out of the house and studio, which are one and the same in fact. When you work out of your home, the positives can also be negatives, such as having almost everything in your life that requires your attention all within the same square footage. I have known deep down that I needed to “run away”, so I could dial in my focus on my business. There are so many options for group business retreats out there ran by some amazing people. But, I decided to have a retreat of my own.

First, I made a reservation at the Carl-Sweeney Cottage in Leiper’s Fork, TN. I had discovered this special gem on instagram many moons ago and was excited to see it in person. Some of you have met Michelle (pictured below). She has been a constant friend and helper for several years now. She is a great Ethel to my Lucy brained approach to things. She has a calm and creative soul and a lot of patience, so next I invited her to join me.

Then I packed up my dozen or so notebooks in a giant basket along with my laptop and post it notes and carried them all with me. (I’m a fan of pen, paper, and lots of list making.) Once we spread it all out, it was like my brain was all right there on the long dining room table. I found it incredibly helpful to be able to see the bigger picture this way. Michelle, ever the good sport, listened to me as I read aloud blogs I had written but not posted yet and wanted her feedback on. I’ll be sharing more of those soon. We also were sure to make some time to visit the antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants there in Leiper’s Fork.

I went prepared with a list of the topics to discuss, plan or revisit. In case you may want to do this for yourself or are just curious, here’s a loose itinerary:

1. Review 2022 – Numbers, feedback, calendars/events. Notice patterns and opportunities to improve.

2. Plan 2023 – Month by month. Compare to 2022 and note changes. Then, incorporate new ideas and the time needed to prepare and implement them.

3. Compile a prioritized and scheduled to-do list.

I returned home with an organized list of things to come and I’m excited to share them with you throughout this year! What you are reading now was task number one, sharing a recap of the first unofficial “Amy Crews Art Retreat” and some beautiful photos of the special place visited.

For my next retreat, I’d like to spend a solitary week somewhere scenic and peaceful where I can paint and tackle some online courses I have been putting on the back burner for far too long. If you have any suggestions of where I should stay, please send them my way or let me know in the comments below!

Learn more about Sweeney Cottage & White’s Room and Board here.

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Like a Tree

A guest blog by Jill Wiggins.

When my father passed away in June of this year the pastor of the baptist church where my dad had sung in the choir and served as deacon asked not where men like my dad had gone, but instead how men like my dad were made.

James Yancey was one of a kind. Raised poor in rural Alabama, my daddy lost his own father when he was only eight. The oldest of his three siblings, he assumed the role of “man of the house,” by raising chickens for eggs, picking cotton, and even hunting rabbits and squirrels.

Although his life consisted of serving his country in the Army, and a career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber company spanning close to forty years, his proudest achievement was his family. He might have worked at Goodyear, but he worked for us, and though I may be close to fifty, I would unashamedly still call myself “Daddy’s girl.”

However, the love my dad showed my three children—the oldest of whom has autism was unparalleled. He either drove my kids to school or picked them up everyday. He would typically arrive at my house each morning with a couple extra pieces of bacon and Diet Mtn Dew, and later that afternoon the parking lot of the middle school with a bag of Moon Pies and Gatorades. He loved big with words and deeds, and his three grandchildren were most often the recipient of a Grand-Father’s love.

My mind feasts on metaphor and symbolism. Maybe that is why I teach English. I look for patterns, themes, motifs in literature and in life. I have a friend who calls these “sacred echos”—sounds that reverberate with a holy significance.

I hear the reverberations of words spoken by the pastor of that baptist church about a strong man—an oak, planted by streams of living water. My mind recalls an ancient proverb I read in one of my dad’s books, describing a wise man who plants shade trees under which he knows well he may never sit. And sometimes, those echoes are given a visual representation—an oak stem with three small acorns, shaded with loving care and symbolic significance by a dear friend.

About the author:

Jill lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband John and three children. She currently teaches middle school English and her Daddy would want you to know she was selected last year as her district’s Teacher of the Year. Her work has been featured on the PCA Women’s enCourage website, and she has been featured on the Storytellers Live Podcast.

Amy and Jill’s dad came up with the acorn sketch together as a gift for Jill after he passed away. You can find a reel (video) titled “Unfinished Business” about it on Amy’s instagram account linked here.

Art Should Be Personal

Most of my work tells a story. Sometimes it’s as simple as something that caught my eye but other times I have the joy of working with someone to commission a one of a kind painting that tells the client’s own story.

This blog is about my special blue and white personalized work inspired by my cousin Becky. Now Becky deserves a blog all her own and that will come in due time. But this blog is about the time she commissioned some gardenias in in a blue in white vase. But while I was working on them I had what I thought would be a clever idea! I had recently seen a photo she shared of her husband (Ted whom I adore) in his sail boat with his faithful dog Scarlet and my nephew Al.

“Wouldn’t it be fun to surprise them with a little twist?” I thought. I used elements from the photo as the design on the vase! It was very hard not to tell her but I kept it a secret. They discovered this special personalization when she first opened the painting I shipped. They loved it!

Instagram has somehow introduced me to so many wonderful people who have become as much a “real life” friend as one can be without having actually met in person yet. Michelle is one of those instagram friends. She has a gift for gardening and loved the piece I had done for Becky so much she wanted a personalized one of her own. She commissioned a painting very similar, but a different size and with her daughters in her garden.

She sent me the photos and we discussed the details together. Then I did a quick sketch of the painting and composition. She chose a 16×20 vertical.

Like the sailboat, this painting will be a surprise for her husband. Tomorrow is their anniversary! (Happy Anniversary!) And there is an unexpected coincidence too. It just so happens her home and this garden is on a very familiar street to me near my high school back home in Atlanta. Now what are the odds? I love how art can make the world seem so small. We discussed this and she knows some of the old classmate’s families that still have roots there.

It is always such an incredible honor to play a small part in helping someone create a meaningful work of art. They are more than just “conversation pieces”. They can provide a brief escape or serve as a way to remember a special person or time in life.

If you’d like to talk about how you can add meaningful pieces to your personal art collection, I’d be happy to discuss it with you! Please email me for more information on commissioning your own.

Do you have a sentimental piece? I’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments below.

A Saturday in the Garden

Have you ever had a red letter day? I’m not even sure that’s the right description, but I am talking about a day that was enjoyable from start to finish? My college roommate and I used to joke about how we wondered if that meant we were soon to die. As if God would gift us with one last heart-overflowing kind of day. Well, last Saturday was a day like that! Part of what made it so special was traveling to The Hydrangea Festival.

The Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival & Garden Tours is an annual event held in Douglasville, GA. Also known as “The Hydrangea Capital of the South.” When we arrived we were given a wrist band and a brochure that included a map of private gardens open to visitors. The map also included stops where we could see local artists, food vendors, an art show at the museum, a juried flower show and plant sale. I must admit, we did not make it to all of these stops. But we were delighted by the places and friendly faces we did see.

Someone who has been following me on instagram told me about this event and I’m so glad she did! It was only about a 2 hour drive from our home and made for the perfect day trip. We stopped at the infamous Buccee’s on I-20 for some picnic items and found plenty of parking when we arrived at Douglas County High School. Most of the stops were within walking distance from there.

There was a point in one garden where we tracked down the sweetest scent and found it was this magnolia tree pictured above. Another favorite bloom of mine. So there was more than hydrangeas to see. Much more!

I loved this front porch dressed to the nines complete with a silver tea service. Do you think they’d invite us to dinner if I made a dish or gave them a painting? I’m only kidding. (Well sort of!)

I was enamored with the vignettes we came across, inviting porches and tables set about outdoors that were ready for a garden party to break out. One garden in particular we were told was a “must see” and it belongs to Susanne Hudson, one of the event’s Co-Founders. She is an interior & exterior designer and there was so much to take in. I could have stayed at her house all day! She made it look so winsome and effortless but of course it took incredible talent. We left inspired and challenged to do better in our own back yard.

At our last stop we were greeted by this sign and given a walking stick. The homeowners and their daughter were delightful to visit with and more than happy to share their knowledge. Their long driveway wove through hills with paths to explore. They handed out a colorful map and offered bottled water to their guests. Plants and trees had signs to introduce themselves. While we were there, we ran into the very person who told me about this event! We had not met in person but she recognized me and had seen my name on the sign in sheet at the top of the drive.

The weather was perfect. The hosts most hospitable. It was really good for the soul to get outside and exchange greetings with passers by! On our way home we stopped in Heflin at Marie’s Barbecue where we picked up a cold pound of chopped pork, Brunswick stew and creme horns that take me back to my childhood. If you are ever on I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta, I highly recommend a stop there. We love to get it cold and have it for dinner when we get to our destination.

I have more photos and painting inspiration for days! You can see a little video I made of our adventure on instagram here. Mark your calendars for next year’s Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival & Garden Tours! Maybe we too will get to say hello in a garden.

For more on the festival, visit their website here. Or follow them on social media for updates.