Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Reyna
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I find joy in bringing my imagination to life and exploring new ways to share my unique perspective with the world. My artistic journey began at my grandpa’s side, a retired art teacher who opened up a world of creativity for me. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for exploring various artistic mediums, with urban sketching and watercolor painting emerging as my favorites.
When I moved to St. Louis in late 2019, I was eager to continue developing my style and connect with other artists in the community. I enrolled in an art class at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild that unfortunately was short lived. When the pandemic began, my art teacher quickly adapted by offering virtual classes which brought stability and inspiration during that time. Creating art became a crucial outlet for me, allowing me to capture the world through my unique lens. The summer of 2020 marked a pivotal moment when I discovered urban sketching. It felt like a natural evolution of my artistic journey, blending my love for the outdoors, and I was instantly hooked.
My sketchbook is now my constant companion, a portable canvas for capturing life’s tiny moments. Whether I’m waiting for my coffee order or relaxing in the park, I take a few minutes to sketch something that catches my attention, and it becomes a keepsake in my sketchbook.
I’ve developed a passion for drawing interesting structures, and the stunning architecture around St. Louis provides so much inspiration. This led me to start painting home portraits in my urban sketching style for friends and family, eventually opening up commissions. My dual life as a plant scientist by day often finds its way into my art, as I blend my love for florals into my paintings.
Currently, I’m working on a series of paintings inspired by iconic locations around St. Louis with my own spin on it. The bright, playful colors that have recently entered my life as a first-time mom have influenced this new direction. Motherhood, with all its beauty and challenges, has brought a new vibrancy and playfulness to my art. I eagerly look forward to sharing this passion with my son, nurturing his creativity as my grandpa did for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The pandemic presented a significant challenge for my artistic journey, as the isolation made it difficult to stay connected and inspired. Being new to St. Louis, I found it especially hard to immerse myself in the local art scene. Since then, I have taken classes at a few art studios and joined the Urban Sketchers St. Louis group which opened doors to a compassionate community of fellow artists. The camaraderie and mutual support within this artistic community have been incredibly fulfilling, enriching both my art and my sense of belonging in this city.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in ink and watercolor paintings. I take a more whimsical approach to my paintings and am learning to push those limits even further. Through urban sketching, I have adapted to use minimal tools for painting on location and can fit my entire art kit in a medium sized purse. I love working with a limited palette and push my creativity with fun and bright color combinations.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
St. Louis is a wonderful place for the arts! Art is so accessible, from the free museums to the free plays of Shakespeare in the Park. There are even “Little Art Galleries” around town to admire the creativity of our community and swap art! There is so much history in this area too, like with letterpress printmaking. I volunteer on the board with Central Print, a local non-profit located in Old North St. Louis, who’s celebrating their 10 year anniversary. Central Print makes printmaking accessible to all ages, of all artistic skill levels, and can be found hosting pop up events throughout the metro. It is one of those places that makes St. Louis a unique place to explore. You should check it out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/saturdayschildartist
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saturdayschildartist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaturdaysChildArist
