artist spotlight: the barbershop!

So excited for our artist spotlight today!

Meet Amie Barber from The Barbershop!

How long have you been painting? How did you get started?

I painted and dabbled in art when I was younger and growing up. I was always doodling and sketching when I should have been paying attention in class, but really didn't start painting until August 2009, when my boyfriend's brother & sis-in-law (who also happens to be one of my dearest friends) gave me a watercolor set for my birthday. The first thing I ever painted was the 'whale love' watercolor, and the rest is history. I haven't put the brush down since! Ironically, that first painting is still on of my favorites.

What is your favorite thing in your shop?

Right now, my favorite is actually the Whale Love print, and I'm also very fond of The Dahlias & The Mountain Goat. I'm working on finishing a few other paintings incorporating those bright dahlias in different colors and with different animals (I've got 3 more in the works) and I predict that this series will be my new favorite. They really speaks to what I love to create - they are the result of just sketching and creating without a goal or design in mind, and I like that.

What are your other hobbies?

I'm a huge outdoor person. I love hiking, backpacking, skiing and hanging at the beach. I'm training for my first 5K and plan on doing a race monthly to keep me on track. I love to exercise and stay fit - I played soccer for 13 years (all the way through high school) on both my school team and a club team. I enjoy cooking, baking, cleaning (yes! It's true. I love to clean) and spending time with my family & friends. I also love impromptu picnics, my kittie and my bf of nearly 6 years...we are one happy family. Oh, and also - I love to travel. If I could quit my day job and travel the world I would do it in a heartbeat. I want to see everywhere and climb every mountain!

my favorite....so cute:) rain catcher.

What do you listen to while creating?

Strangely enough, I am usually sketching while the TV is on, mostly sports (Grant usually controls the remote), but often it's silly shows like The Office or Seinfeld. When it's off, I find that I can get loads more done, and I enjoy listening to Bob Marley, The Beatles, Sade, and the like. I'm also a huge Frosty Heidi & Frank (talk radio on 790KABC) fan and listen to them via podcast while painting as well.

live what you love.

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

Well....I'm a food junkie. I eat practically everything in sight. I have an affinity for chocolate cake and sweets, but my favorite thing to eat would probably be Mexican food - cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos and refried beans. I could live on refried beans. I don't eat too much meat, but my parents make the most delicious tri-tip steak that I swoon for, and I'll lick a guacamole bowl clean if you give me the chance. Oh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about all of this!

clouds coming.

Amy is giving away a print of your choice!! Be sure to check out The Barbershop--and leave a comment with your favorite print for a chance to win!

One winner will be chosen at random, and comments will be accepted until Sunday, 7/18 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.

Tell your friends--tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!

(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address)

Also take a little peek at her adorable blog!

bonus: Because Amie is amazing, she is currently donating all of her proceeds (less etsy fees, etc) to The National Audubon Society & the National Wildlife Federation to help the gulf coast. So pick up a few cute prints, and help out a good cause at the same time!

double bonus: Amie is also offering all my favorite blog readers a special offer: buy any 8x10 print, she'll throw in a 5x7 of your choice! All YOU have to do is write "the little red house" and the print of your choice in the comments to seller and that 5x7 print is free! Offer available through July.

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