Behind the Paint brush

Behind the Brush

…it’s been awhile since I’ve said hello and introduced myself to all my new followers.
So here’s a little bit about me and my art.
I’m Amanda Milke, I live in Fort Saskatchewan just outside of Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I’m originally from #Moncton NB so I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the best of Canada it’s oceans and it’s mountains and they both have my heart.
I’m a self taught artist and have been painting and creating since 1995 probably earlier. Originally I focused on acrylic abstract/impressionist portraits and then gradually started exploring different mediums while we were living and teaching English in Japan.

Gradually over time, my style evolved into mixed media. I kept my love for acrylic’s bright bold colors and paired them with acrylic mediums and found elements for texture. My creative inspiration comes from my faith. I am a follower of Jesus, I like to say a practicing Christian because everyday is a work in progress.

I love using my mixed media elements with my faith theme because it reminds me that we aren’t one dimensional beings. Each and everyone of us is multifaceted and can be seen from different angles. I love using broken and found objects and recreating them into art because it reminds me of redemption. No matter how broken or lost we are we can be transformed into a work of art. And lastly I use bright colors and reflective rhinestones in my work to symbolize the joy, light and hope we have. Too often art focuses on the dark and hopelessness of life and I just want to spread some love, light and hope around with my paintbrush 🖌❤

New Life and New ART

I’ve been thinking about my 2019 exhibit(s) and the theme I keep having come to mind is a series of mixed media paintings based on scriptures that incorporates florals, botanicals and natural elements. There’s so many verses in the Bible that talk about life and growth using plant based analogies that I think it would make for a rich and vibrant series. I have a ton of ideas for paintings and art objects which I will share with you over the next few months. Til then, I’ll leave you with this work in progress flower that will soon be added to my Tree of Life painting.

floral

Local artist Inspired by the divine

I had the pleasure of being interview for the local Fort Saskatchewan newspaper as part of my Blue Pomegranate art exhibit! Tonight’s the night for my Artist Talk. I can’t wait to share with everyone my process, inspiration and a personal tour of the gallery. Starts at 7pm hope you can make it out!

Midnight in the Garden

I’m still painting up a frenzy over here!
I started working on this piece which once done will be called ‘Midnight in the Garden’
It’s a square, 24″x 24″ gallery profiled mixed media painting.
I used a variety of mediums to build up layers and texture on the piece. I started with has a teal, napthol red and white wash followed by layers of glass beads, modeling paste and fiber paste.
Once that was dried I painted it in a variety of purples, magentas and greens with a touch of blues.
Once dried I started on the color pours and collect the run off at the bottom for a string layer on top. From here I’m planning on potentially adding some white paint sprays and black lava then transforming the finish into a matte layer.
Here are some of my in progress shots.

Well I should run, my baby turned 2 yesterday so today is her family party ❤
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Amanda