We were lucky to catch up with Britta Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Britta, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

1. How did you learn to do what you do?

My journey into the world of oil painting began with a deep fascination for the arts, which sparked in me at a young age. I found immense joy in working with paint, and it quickly became clear that this would be a lifelong passion. I nurtured this interest by taking art classes throughout school, choosing them as electives whenever possible. This early exposure paved the way for my decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art/Education. My formal education continued with a Master’s in Fine Art, which allowed me to delve deeper into my craft, refining both my technical skills and conceptual ones, along with my understanding of what art world I wanted to be a part of, and how to achieve that.

2. Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

Looking back, I’m not entirely convinced that speeding up my learning process would have led me to where I am today. The time I spent in education, though perhaps longer than necessary for some, was invaluable in shaping my artistic voice and honing my skills. However, if I were to consider an alternative, it might have been beneficial to integrate more entrepreneurial training earlier in my career. Transitioning into a small business owner has been a challenge, largely because I lacked the necessary tools and resources from the start. The learning curve has been steep, filled with trial and error. Having a stronger foundation in business practices might have made this transition smoother and more efficient.

3. What skills do you think were most essential?

The skills I’ve accumulated over the years are the bedrock of my practice as an oil painter. Among these, passion and discipline stand out as the most essential. Passion fuels my creativity, driving me to explore new techniques and concepts, while discipline keeps me grounded, ensuring that I continue to produce work even when inspiration is fleeting. These two qualities, combined with a commitment to continuous learning, have been crucial. Remaining curious and open to new techniques/ideations has allowed me to grow as a professional artist in a constantly evolving field.

4. What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Obstacles are an inevitable part of any learning journey, and I’ve certainly faced my share. The most persistent challenge has been time management. As a self-employed painter, balancing the demands of creating art with the business side of things—such as marketing, client relations, and managing finances—has been particularly difficult. The freedom of being my own boss comes with the responsibility of wearing many hats, and finding the right balance has been a continuous struggle. Overcoming this has required a lot of self-discipline and constant reevaluation of how I manage my time.

Britta, 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 am a landscape oil painter and outdoor enthusiast based in Salt Lake City, Utah. My journey to becoming a full-time artist culminated in 2023, during my time living in Montana—a place that profoundly influenced my artistic direction. For the past decade, I’ve been creating art part-time, a period that allowed me to build a dedicated clientele, establish a consistent studio practice, and cultivate an ongoing body of work. This time also saw the growth of my exhibition resume and deepened my connection to the art community through gallery work, where I advocated not only for myself but also for fellow local artists.

The paintings I create are deeply personal, serving as a visual diary of days, months, and years of memories I’ve collected. I approach landscapes not as mere depictions of specific locations, but as spaces where movement, light, and atmosphere converge to evoke a sense of immersion. My work tends to focus on the intimate details of nature—rolling hills, crashing waves, luminous clouds—captured in edge-to-edge compositions that invite the viewer into a shared experience of the natural world.

My ongoing exploration of the outdoors and the intimate relationship I have with its elements is central to my practice. I aim for my paintings to act as portals of the imagination, allowing viewers to step into the scenes and feel suspended in a moment, bringing their own memories and associations into the experience.

Much of my work is commission-based, and I take great joy in collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life, creating pieces that resonate with their personal connection to the landscapes I paint. Additionally, I offer online shop releases, featuring small themed paintings that are accessible for those looking to bring a piece of the natural world into their homes.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and fostering a thriving artistic ecosystem is essential for a vibrant society. Art not only enriches our lives aesthetically but also challenges our perspectives, reflects our collective history, and drives cultural innovation.

Financial support and fair compensation are crucial, ensuring that artists are paid equitably for their work. Prioritizing art education and public awareness, fostering a culture that values creative expression is also on the list. Accessible spaces for creating and showcasing art, along with policies that support the arts, are essential for sustaining a vibrant community, and luckily, I’m seeing more and more artist ran spaces for this reason. Moreover, in today’s digital age, sharing and promoting artists’ work through social media is a powerful way for individuals to contribute. By amplifying artists’ voices online, we can help expand their reach and ensure that art remains an integral part of our collective experience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist is incredibly rewarding in ways that are both deeply personal and impactful. I’m a creature of solitude, with a rushing mind, and being within nature and having that as my muse, allows me to express my inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences on a canvas, offering a sense of fulfillment that is hard to match. There’s something truly special about the process of bringing a vision to life, knowing that it began as a seed in my mind and has grown into something tangible and meaningful.

Through all the challenges, what makes it all worthwhile, is knowing that my artwork finds a place in people’s lives. The thought that my paintings hang on the walls of homes, where they are seen and appreciated every day, fills me with joy. It’s a unique connection, knowing that my work brings beauty, emotion, or even a moment of reflection to someone’s daily routine. That’s what makes being an artist so special—the ability to touch lives through art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brittaanderson.com
• Instagram: @brittaandersn.art