We recently connected with Alanna Peters and have shared our conversation below.

Alanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Creativity and art have always been integral parts of my life. While I’ve held various jobs over the years, I’ve consistently been drawn to expressing myself through artistic means. For many years, I balanced a full-time job during the day with building and maintaining my art career, all while raising three young children. It was an intense period, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. In the past three years, I’ve fully transitioned to pursuing my art as my sole profession. This shift coincided with a significant transition in my life—we were moving to a new country and community. It was a time for new opportunities and shedding old habits. With so many changes and risks on the horizon, it felt like the perfect moment to finally embrace the challenge of making art my full-time focus.

Alanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been drawing, painting, and creating for as long as I can remember. Like many children, I spent countless hours immersed in the world of art. In high school, my passion for art deepened, and when it came time to choose a path for university, I applied to a fine arts program, curious to see if I could take this passion further. Being accepted was an opportunity I embraced wholeheartedly. During my fine arts degree, I honed my focus on oil painting, particularly figurative art, which became the cornerstone of my practice.
I thrive on the challenge of experimenting with different mediums, exploring perspectives, and capturing the expressiveness of the human form. This constant desire to grow and refine my skills drives my creative process to this day.

As an oil painter, I create works ranging from small to large-scale pieces, where I explore the dynamic interplay between the abstract qualities of the environment and the detailed realism of the human figure. Inspired by the idea of impermanence, my work aims to freeze fleeting moments, creating a sense of stillness amidst the relentless motion and noise of life. My paintings invite the viewer to pause, reminding them of the importance of being present and finding peace within the chaos.

A recurring theme in my work is the female form immersed in water. I use oil paint on aluminum panels to focus on light and movement, examining how these elements distort and interact with the human body. Before I begin painting, I conceptualize the emotions I want to evoke, often sewing the models’ dresses myself and capturing reference shots underwater. My paintings are built through many thin layers of oil paint and glazes, allowing the underlying colors to interact with those above. This technique creates a dialogue between intricate details—such as the figure in lace or floral garments—and the reflective, metaphysical qualities of water. I strive to convey a sense of weightlessness and reflection through illusions of transparency.

I am deeply fascinated by the human figure and the shared beauty of our humanity.
Beyond exhibiting and selling my original works, I also offer limited edition prints of select pieces, teach online and in-person workshops, and host creative retreats. I take on commission projects for clients seeking personal, customized paintings.

My paintings are authentic expressions of my desire for human connection. There’s a raw, unfiltered quality to painting that speaks intimately and directly, making it a powerful form of communication.

To follow my artistic journey, participate in workshops, or learn more, visit my website at www.alannapeters.com or follow me on Instagram at @alanna_peters.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being a creative person is deeply rewarding, offering the freedom to express yourself in a way that feels authentic and true. It allows for the exploration of thoughts, emotions, and ideas with a sense of openness. When your work resonates with others, the fulfillment comes not just from creating, but from knowing you’ve touched someone’s life in a meaningful way. Creativity is often a journey of personal growth—through developing new skills, experimenting with ideas, and constantly evolving. This continual learning keeps the work fresh and stimulating. Painting, in particular, transcends daily thoughts and stress, offering a meditative escape.

As a creative entrepreneur, I enjoy the flexibility to shape my schedule, choose my projects, and design the space in which I work. While balancing this freedom with the demands of family life can be challenging, it also allows me to adapt and prioritize as needed. The act of creating is fulfilling, energizing, and exciting. When combined with the connections I make through my work, the creative journey becomes profoundly meaningful and enriching.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists is vital to cultivating a vibrant, innovative society. Individuals play a key role in ensuring that the arts are valued and artists are encouraged to thrive. By supporting arts education at all levels, we nurture creativity from a young age and instill a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression. Arts education fosters risk-takers, out-of-the-box thinkers, and provides an emotional outlet that contributes to a healthier, more fulfilled society.

Supporting artists is simpler than you might think. You can buy from independent creators instead of opting for mass-produced goods, or commission a personalized piece. Attend exhibitions and art fairs to engage directly with the art community. Follow artists on social media, share their work, and tag them in posts—this can increase their visibility and open new opportunities. Even a small gesture, like leaving a thoughtful comment or emailing them to express how their work has touched you, can be incredibly motivating and impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alannapeters.com
• Instagram: @alanna_peters
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlannaPetersArt

Image Credits

Alanna Peters