About Amy Richards
North Carolina Watercolor Illustrator
As an artist, I approach art-making (and gardening) with the same whimsy and curiosity I experienced in childhood. My watercolor paintings draw from small everyday glimmers I experience on runs through my neighborhood, while working in my garden, and on walks in local nature preserves. Nature has always felt precious to me. I’m forever in awe of and inspired by the intimate moments of engaging with the neighborhood feral cat colony, pocketing expired insect wings to display in small glass vials, and never missing an opportunity to touch moss and inspect every mushroom I meet.
Where it all started
I grew up spending Sundays at my grandpa Harry’s house tending to his garden and home. I’ve always had an expansive internal world and would spend hours exploring, making up stories of flower fairies, searching for treasures, and daydreaming about my next creation. I was never easily bored, even alone. I do not remember a time in my life when I wasn't creating something. The smell of hot glue is still an all-time favorite, filling me with nostalgia for crafting as a kid.
While I would go on to study art education in college, I discovered my love of illustration during my coursework and knew I wanted to continue developing those skills outside academia.
Why watercolor
With over a decade of watercolor experience, I have found that painting has become my ultimate lifelong mindfulness practice.
I fell in love with the medium's fluid nature and the ability to build up layer upon layer through glazing. Watercolor reminds me to loosen up, tap into my intuition, and trust the process. I continue to learn, make mistakes, and improve my skills. It is equal parts gratifying and humbling in one fell swoop.
Read more about my art practice in my Desk & Dirt blog!
