We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ann Osgood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ann below.

Ann, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I was only about 10 years old when I sold a little pastel seascape. My dad took it to work to show off as he was always proud of my work. One of his co-workers bought it. This was a surprise to me. I have never been a very good promoter of my work as the pure act of creating was always my reward. There was a lesson here that I could have realized so much sooner…my work has a monetary value as well!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was one of those folks who very early on identified as an artist. I had that identity etched in my psyche from the start. I loved to draw and paint for as long as I can remember. I had marvelous teachers throughout my life who singled me out and encouraged me. I have been through many stages in my art journey. I am currently focused on both landscapes and abstracts. Going from one to the other keeps me learning new things.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It may sound cheesy, but the reward for me is the very act of creating. Immersion in the process can be so total that everything else slips away. Engagement with the paint and the surface so that intellect, emotion, and whatever else that makes us up is merged into one is trancendent. These moments are probably experienced by others, for example a runner’s high, but for me they are found in the studio. Sometimes the work is easy, sometimes it is hard, but that condition of creating is like nothing else.

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

I am very much not a social media expert, but I have a nice community of followers online. I have found that by engaging with others I get responses back from them and their contacts. Sincere interest in what others are doing and encouraging them is important. Many artists will ask for opinions from viewers like, Which orientation of an abstract do you prefer?” This opens up comments in a simple way. I post progress sequences of my paintings as well as the final version. I remember when I first sold a painting online I was thrilled. I hadn’t considered it a place to sell, but since then I have had many pieces sold. It is always a wonderful compliment! I try to post my work and exhibitions on a regular basis. All this is done with just basic posts that a beginner could use.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.annosgood.com
• Instagram: instagram@utopiaartstudio
• Facebook: facebook@utopiaartstudio