Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anita Oksanen Morford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Anita, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always had that creative passion in me but didn’t think I was a good enough Artist to pursue that professionally. I chose a career with animals instead.
Little did I know that all that experience working with different species of animals helped me learn their anatomy and character and further help my skill as an artist.
When I did my first watercolor class in 1995 when I moved to Arizona I got inspired and I thought maybe I can sell my art.
I have done hundreds of commission paintings of animals to this day and really love the process and I love that my skill as an Artist improves with each painting.

Anita, 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 moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1994 from Finland and after taking my first watercolor class, I joined local artist league and participated in their juried art competition. In my first attempt I got honorable mention and was so happily surprised! That really boosted my confidence even more to continue my career as an Artist. Along side of working with animals I did Art competitions and commissions.
When working 40 + hours a week there is little time left for creativity, so the painting was left on occasional painting for lot of years.
I am now finally able to balance work and art career and choose to work less hours, so I can concentrate more of the creative process.
I do commission portrait orders of pets and wildlife in watercolor mostly, but I also paint with acrylic on wood, leather and canvas. I do portraits from good quality photos and offer to take photos locally if owner has no change to provide detailed photos of the animal. If the back ground is busy or unwanted in the photo it is very easy to change it in the painting.
I paint layers of watercolor in high detail and I love capturing the essence of the animal in my paintings.
My newest adventure is digital painting. It is very similar process to watercolors, but mistakes are easier to correct than watercolor.
I love learning about new techniques and ways to make paintings to fit my style.
I get commissions mostly from word of mouth but also trough my website and at local festivals that I participate.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The key for me is to paint constantly and post on social media like facebook, instagram example, so people can see my work. I get lot of commissions from word of mouth, but also having a website for your art is important, so you can have your paintings in one place for people to see.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have always being interested in animals and nature. When I discovered drawing and painting I knew that I wanted to show the viewer how we can enjoy animals ,even when we can’t go and see them personally.
When people see my art, I hope that they care enough ,so they will do they part to take care of nature and animals and spread the word how important animals are in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anitaoksanenart.com
• Instagram: @oksanenart
• Facebook: Anita Oksanen Art

Image Credits
Anita Oksanen Morford