We recently connected with Amy Moglia Heuerman and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have always loved to draw and paint. It’s been a lifelong passion/obsession/gift.

When I had my first child, I enjoyed making and selling stationery, baby announcements in beautiful boxes with pink or blue tissue and invitations. I used a very thin ink line and watercolor to make detailed whimsical images. I learned some basics, made a lot of mistakes, and improved my skill. I was busy raising children, so this was a fun way to be able to draw.

This grew into a business named Bear Hug Designs We would go to shows in New York, Dallas, Atlanta and Los Angeles to sell wholesale to stores around the country. I illustrated stationery and invitations, children’s books, games, toys, china and merchandise. I worked with Toys R Us, Peggy Karr Glass, Snapfish, Hewlett Packard, Snapfish, Nana Banana Classics to name a few.

After 20 successful years, I decided it was time to take a different path. My passion was turned to painting. I thought if I could figure out how to get the product on to the canvas and wash my brushes, I could paint. I knew how to draw, composition and color. I was so used to drawing every detail, that I decided to paint large canvases with broader, looser strokes. That was in 2018 and I have loved it every day since. I paint at least five days a week and am living my dream.

I now run two galleries/studios where I paint and show my work. One is in Naples, Florida and the other is in Bay Harbor, Michigan. I’m represented by Manolis Projects in Miami, Florida and District Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio.

Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I paint in a variety of styles, while hoping the work maintains a look that represents me. I paint abstract expressionism, coastals, loose florals and a series of girls. I begin by painting the entire canvas cadmium red. Then I layer paint to capture hidden stories. I try to end when the story is at a happy, uplifting place.

When I look at a person, I may see a pretty face, a colorful outfit, and some killer shoes. But what my heart sees is different. I see a soul that has loved, hated, hurt, felt accomplished, and a multitude of experiences that make that person who they are. This is what I want to put in my paintings, not just a surface of paint, but history. I want the painting to have layers of feelings and strokes that make it what it is. I want it to make people feel. I always say, “The heart sees more than the eyes.”

When I was afraid because the world was experiencing covid, I painted a girl. She represents my inner five year old. My five year old was loved, safe, protected, naive and joyful. I painted that feeling, not a portrait. That feeling is meant to make people feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That girl turned into a series.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I believe my journey made me who I am today. As an illustrator, I not only learned color, composition, and style but also how to run a business. This has helped me tremendously as being a successful painter requires an understanding of running a business.

I really believe that is a missing ingredient for a lot of artists who can’t seem to grow. The problem isn’t their talent. It’s that they don’t understand the business aspect. It’s important to brand yourself. This includes written media, advertising, social media, and much more. You can learn these skills yourself, or, if possible, hire an expert. If your passionate about what you are doing, this is fun and part of the whole picture.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

My sister told me to read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is a phenomenal book for creatives. I can’t say that it changed my thought patterns, but it definitely reinforced my thinking. I would reread paragraphs, exclaiming in my head, “Yes, that’s it! That’s exactly what I feel and exactly what I think!” It always feels good to know that you’re not sitting on that fence post all alone.

Elizabeth Gilbert has the gift of writing like you’re sitting at the kitchen table having coffee and sharing.
She speaks to the vulnerability we as creators feel at times. She talks about grabbing on to an idea when it hits, because if you don’t it will leave and go to someone who will respect it and do something about it. I just loved it and will probably read it again soon.

Contact Info:

• Website: AmyArt.net
• Instagram: amy_moglia_heuerman
• Facebook: Amy Moglia Heuerman
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amymogliaheuerman2511

Image Credits
Reagan Rule