Amy Hussey

Art is a piece of me that I have held on to my whole life. I have been doodling, drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was the kid that drew every day and insisted on hanging every childish drawing on the refrigerator and walls at home (in fact, I still give my parents silly doodles to hang up in their kitchen). 

As a teenager, I took every art class that I could at the high school. I did it not only to absorb as much knowledge as possible, but because there was something very refreshing in taking time out of my day to relax and create. Whenever I solely focused on a piece of art, the whole world melted away and transferred me into a peaceful state. 

After high school, I was in the cosmetology industry for a few years. There, I gained a significant amount of color theory knowledge. Prior to that, I primarily stayed in my comfort zone; black and white drawings. I had made a point to stay away from color. I never appreciated the outcome of my colored pieces since I didn’t understand color theory. By the time my cosmetology career ended, I started dabbling more and more painting with color. These days, colorful, bold oil paintings are my specialty!

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I have always known. It’s a passion that started at a very early stage of life for me. Was I always good at art? Not really, but anyone can be an artist if they have the drive, motivation, and dedication to strengthen their craft. While the high school courses may be the extent of my formal in-person training, I have set aside thousands of hours over the years to develop my skills. This includes: determining techniques that work or don’t work for me, understanding how to make the process easier, watching LOTS of tutorials online, and of course acquiring hands-on experience. 

What would surprise people to learn about you?

I have gone back to school twice; the first for cosmetology, the second for an accounting certificate. I currently work full time at an accounting firm.  

How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it?

I specialize in nature and whimsical paintings full of color and expression. My animal portraits capture them living in the moment. My plants and floral paintings focus on detail and texture, making you feel as if you are looking at the real life version. These are the subjects that make me feel a sense of calmness and security. It gives me and (I hope) the viewer a few moments to remember all the good the universe has to offer despite all the negatives impacting our world right now. 

What achievements in the area of art are you proudest of?

I have considered myself an artist for twenty years. However, my experience with the professional portion of this industry started in 2025. With that being said, I am proud that I finally pushed myself out of my comfort zone by publicly displaying my work and getting more involved in the local art community. 

How would you describe your art process? 

I paint what brings me joy. Everytime I see something that I consider beautiful, I snap a picture of it. Anytime I see a silly animal video that makes me smile, I write the concept down. I purposely go out of my way to look for the good and beautiful things nature has to offer even if it is overlooked by many. 

What is your usual studio/working day like?

As a part time artist, I work primarily when my creative impulses tell me to. The love and feel of an artist shows through the canvas, and I want my work to show passion for the craft. That being said, my work depends on the day. The hours I spend creating fluctuate. Most days I fuel my creativity by listening to other forms of art; music or audio books. Other days, when I just want to be in the moment with my artwork, I paint in peaceful silence. I have to give my creative mindset what it wants, as it changes from day to day.

What is the most delightful part of your life outside of work?

When I am not working, I love going out and observing all the beautiful things nature has to offer.  It’s very inspiring! Technically, this still ties to my artwork; but art is a creative person’s lifestyle, which does not simply shut off.