Artist loves capturing moments in time

IN THE STUDIO

With Taren White

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Amy WalshHarris in her Paris studio this week. The sun was streaming in the windows and danced around the room, seemingly celebrating her array of paints, brushes, water cups and paint palettes. Her easels and walls were adorned with works in progress and finished pieces. It was a feast for the eyes!

Amy was initially inspired by her friend's mother who, as a hobby worked with oil pastels. She had a studio in her basement and Amy was always fascinated by her use of bold colours in her portraits and floral arrangements. Amy especially loved her portraits. She began sketching portraits of her favourite celebrities. For most of her childhood Amy loved doing pencil portraits. Currently, Amy finds her inspiration in places that she feels a strong emotional connection to. Growing up in Toronto, Amy’s favourite thing to do was to walk all over the city and observe the people and places. Amy has a romanticized view of what she sees around her. She loves to paint cafes, street-scenes, busy patios and places that she loved to go to when she lived in the city. Amy uses exaggerated colour to convey the feeling that she has about a place she feels connected to. Amy loves to create a snapshot in time while these places exist, knowing that one day they might be gone. Amy loves the idea of creating a piece of work that captures the landscape, culture and feeling of a specific place and time.

Amy has a romanticized view of what she sees around her. She loves to paint cafes, street-scenes, busy patios and places that she loves – Paris is full of inspiration!

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