Abstract artist Anne Brawer Schwartz shares with us her art journey and how she was able to start a successful art business so she could be a stay at home mom.
Be sure to visit all of the places Anne showcases her art. The links are located on the bottom of the interview.
Featured Artist Anne Brawer Schwartz
Dave – Hello Anne, thank you for joining me today. You have been creating art for over 25 years and have a degree in Graphic Design, share with us your journey and how your artwork has evolved over the past 25 years.
Anne – Actually, I have been an artist all my life. After college, I attended The Gemological Institute of America and studied gems, diamonds, and jewelry design. I then began my 25-year career as a high end jewelry designer. I sold a line in high end stores and was a custom jewelry designer here in Beverly Hills as well as in Palo Alto, Ca.
I loved designing jewelry and was quite successful at it. However, when I became a mother I wanted to stay home and raise my daughters.
Because I am an artist, I still had the urge to create. So, I began painting.
Although I have always been a painter, I never thought it would be a career move. But here I am, an abstract painter. Currently, I am working on several series.
Dave – I have learned that your inspiration is drawn from travels to Italy. How many times have you visited Italy and how has that changed your artistic style?
Anne – Numerous times. I love Italy and it has been the inspiration for my largest series, Ricordi d’ Italia.
Dave – Your series Ricordi d’ Italia series is beautiful and filled with vibrant colors. Would you encourage young artists to find inspiration from different cultures?
Anne – It is very important to find inspiration from everything. That is what being creative is. The most important tool is to learn how to see your surroundings. Not just look at a tree but notice how the light reflects on it for instance. Everything you are and experience is what can help mold you into becoming a better artist.
Dave – That is some great advice ANNE. You use a pallet knife, brushes and oils to create your beautiful abstract artwork. How did this evolve over time and what inspired you to use a pallet knife with brushes?
Anne – I guess I like to mix things up. Certain times a knife is what is necessary and other times a brush is what’s needed. I love using a pallet knife and scooping lots of rich oil paint onto my canvas.
Dave – You also have a magnificent Crystal Auras series created with countless layers of acrylic saturated with mica, interference pigment, and natural minerals. Tell us the story behind this technique.
Anne – Crystal Aura was my first series. It stemmed from my love of gems and minerals. I wanted to create paintings that looked like inside a cave or our solar system. Although these paintings are abstract, they present to the viewer a connection with our earth and below and above our planet. Using raw pigments, mica and interference paint, my paintings come alive and glow like a gemstone.
Dave – It is beautiful I have never seen anything like it. Your art is represented in collections around the world and showcased in businesses, hotels, and design firms. This is an amazing accomplishment. Would you mind sharing the story behind these achievements?
Anne – I hustle. Since I became a painter professionally later in life compared to just out of art school, I realized that I needed to hustle more. My business knowledge learned from being a jewelry designer taught me how to seek exposure in more creative ways. Living in LA has allowed my art to be featured on TV and movies. I also work with art consultants who have placed my work in residential, hospitality and commercial venues.
Dave – That is exciting and I believe that all artists should learn how to hustle and make their art seen by as many people as possible. What makes your artwork unique and separates you from other artists?
Anne – I don’t know how to answer that as it is a difficult question. I just paint what is inside me and hope others like it. There are so many talented painters and so much competition. Several qualities I always utilize in my work are unusual color selection, interesting textures and a lot of paint. I am always trying new things to make my paintings different so I don’t get into a formula. I try and shake things up.
Dave – What message would you like your viewers to receive when they look at your artwork?
Anne – They bring joy to the viewer. Good art brings more than was brought to it. If a collector has a new experience after seeing my work, that is what I am aiming for.
Dave – What supplies do you use for your artwork?
Anne – I work primarily with oil on canvas although my Crystal Aura series is with acrylics. I use brushes, knives, paper rags, walnut oil and turpinoid.
Dave – When did you start selling your artwork and how did you get started?
Anne – I started selling paintings about ten years ago.
Dave – What platforms do you use to showcase and sell your artwork?
Anne – Websites such as Zatista and Saatchi. I am in several galleries and work with art consultants and designers.
Dave – How do you promote your art online?
Anne – Instagram and Facebook. Plus my website, www.annebschwartz.com.
Dave – What was the biggest lesson you learned about starting your art business?
Anne – I had to take a leap of faith. I had to learn how to market myself which is an ongoing challenge. I wish someone could do it for me! I also need to be true to myself. I am an artist but not an artsy person. I come from a different place than many painters today.
Dave – What tips could you give to new artists who are interested in selling their artwork?
Anne – Get as much exposure as possible. Take a business course. Say yes to many situations that come your way, keeping in mind who you are as a person.
Dave – Excellent advice Anne. Would you mind sharing a few of your favorite creations and share the story behind them?
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335 Fontana di Trevi
Oil on canvas
48×36
334 High Above Capri
Oil on canvas
48×36
333 Vesuvius Rising
Oil on canvas
60×48
Dave – Where can people purchase your art?
Anne – Collectors can contact me through my website, www.annebschwartz.com in addition to the following:
Kreiss Design, West Hollywood and Scottsdale. www.Kreiss.com
Thomas Lavin, www.ThomasLavin.com
Pacific Design Center and Laguna Design Center Art Pic, www.artpic2000.com
MaryLinda Moss, MaryLinda@source-art.com
John Richard (Digital Archival Prints), www.JohnRichard.com
Zatista online gallery, www.zatista.co
Saatchi online gallery, www.saatchiart.com
Artfulhome, Artfulhome.com
LagunaART, LagunaART.com
Art Design Consultants, Cincinnati, Ohio adcfineart.com
Contact Anne B. Schwartz
Dave – I would like to thank you one more time for sharing your artistic journey with us and I look forward to seeing all of your new creations.
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