By Katie McGregor, Aberdeen High School Intern
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” We have all heard this expression. After recently visiting with local artist Amanda Luck Baltzell at her Wishkah Valley studio and seeing first hand how she paints with pastels, within a few moments of gawking at her creations, most of those thousand words would have to be, “WOW!” When you first look at one of Amanda’s paintings, they seem like photographs. But, upon closer inspection, you can make out the lines, smudges and dabs of color that all come together to make a masterpiece.
Amanda, who has been painting on the Harbor for several years, lives in a cozy house that sits on the edge of the woods. Her studio, where her creations almost magically appear, is exactly what one might imagine an artist’s studio to look like. Peering around the studio you’ll see many paintings, some new, some old. Each one is different, and you can see the progression of Amanda’s talent and style through the years — a talent that started at a very young age.
Like many artists, Amanda has loved drawing ever since she was little. But, it was in junior high school that she began to take things more seriously and attempted drawing realistic pencil portraits. Amazingly, Amanda never went to art school, but she later ended up learning the ropes of pastels from Jerri Shrader, another phenomenal local artist. Throughout the years Amanda has experimented with other mediums, but pastels remain her forte.
So what’s the secret to Amanda’s success as an artist?
While I can’t speak for other artists, I can say that from both observation and experience that Amanda has a unique way of composing her paintings. It seems that most artists go through a process of lightly sketching what they plan to draw or paint and slowly add details in layers. Amanda, on the other hand, begins with a simple sketch and immediately starts painting in great detail. She always starts from the eyes and works outward. Also, keep in mind that she paints these on fine grit sandpaper. I know — I was surprised too. But Amanda explained that the pastels fill in the spaces between the grit.
It can be a slow and meticulous process, but the dedication shows in the end. The key is to notice the little details. Things like a slight shadow in the bottom of an eye or small imperfections in a face. Amanda closely observes her reference photos and adds these small details to her paintings as she goes. The results end up being so realistic that it can be hard to tell the difference between the original photo and the painting.
When I visited her studio, Amanda and I discussed many aspects of the artistic world. One of the things successful artists hear from other people is that they wish they could draw. I asked Amanda if she thought that anyone can draw and we both agree that while it comes more naturally to some, anyone could commit him or herself and become an artist.
Of course, it won’t be easy, and you’ll face challenges along the way. I asked Amanda if she had any advice to aspiring artists and she said, “I would let artists know to not give up, to draw what you love [and] don’t let anyone discourage you. You are your own person with your own style and your own ideas.”
Being a successful artist means you must also have an “artist’s eye,” or, the ability to see things. Artists notice the little things that others would skip, and it makes all the difference. Amanda says that she, personally, looks at everything with an open mind and sees its potential. “I think I see things differently,” she said, “because I look at everything as a potential painting.” Meaning, she looks at lighting, colors, skin-tones, fur, and other details, then envisions how it would all look as a piece of art.
Not only does Amanda create stunning works of art, but she also takes nearly all of the photos that she uses for reference. Since she lives out of town she’s able to capture the beautiful moments of nature with her camera. She also does this while traveling. Because of this, all of her wildlife paintings feature the authentic wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.
Amanda just recently auctioned this piece off for $600! (Image courtesy of Amanda Luck Baltzell.)
Amanda, to no one’s surprise, has participated in many art competitions and shows. She has won awards like Jury’s People’s Choice at the Ocean Shores Art Show and took 3rd place in the Animal and Wildlife category in the Pastel Journal. In the past, she has participated in the Ellensburg Art Show and Auction as well.
Personally, after seeing her work first hand, I think she should have won them all. Just recently, she put her painting featuring Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas III up for auction and raised $600, 60 percent of which she plans to donate to the charities that Sherman and Thomas support.
After reading all about what Amanda does, I’m sure you’re thinking, “These paintings are amazing. How can I buy one?” It’s simple! Amanda is very active on Facebook and constantly showcases her art. If you see something you like, just make a comment or send her a message. And, while you’re there, be sure to check out all of the work she’s posted. You’ll be amazed. I guarantee it.
