Insider's Tale: The Artistry and Inspiration Behind the Art Poetry Deck
Art: “Here, I Am”, 38 “ sq gallery wide (1.5”) canvas print.
Abstract Mountain Landscape Watercolour Painting by Allison Dawrant:
Just a little bit about my Art Poetry card with the words "Add colour to your world". (Painting "Here, I Am", abstract mountain watercolor)
The original watercolor painting on this card is titled "Here, I Am". Many of my titles are connected to my relationship with creativity. Art and painting showed up for me at a time when I needed it most. What started out as daily art journaling and "creator therapy" has now blossomed into a beautiful full-time art business. "Here, I Am" was painted at the same time I connected with my now printer, Ken Chow. We'd connected during lockdown and set up a print website and artist community online.
When I painted this piece, I felt connected to something greater than myself, and I felt at peace with the art in a time of chaos in the world around me. Art and something else that I just can't describe, were there for me. (Here, I Am)
I think of this abstract mountain art as a colorful, uplifting, dreamy escape. Painting mountain landscapes is quite natural to me given I am born and raised in Calgary. The Rocky Mountains are pretty much in my backyard.
Choosing the words "Add color to your world" made so much sense when I was illustrating my Art Poetry cards. I started painting with a color that came to me at the moment (a deep moody Payne's Grey). Once I put down that color, I am immediately drawn to another color and begin having a conversation with the art. Bright colors bring out memories and dopamine and joy, and calm... I need color in my life, whether it's in my wardrobe, my home, or in my expression, my art.
I love to incorporate neutral colors in my art, next to those vibrant neons and brights. For me, this is a way to highlight the beauty of the brights while not taking over the entire piece. I do have "Rainbowitis" at times... Inflammation of the rainbow... Did I tell you I've worked in healthcare since I was 18 years old? I am now 46 years old... A little bit about me.
Here are a few colorful books on my shelf right now:
"Flower Color Theory" by Darroch and Michael Putnam
"The Secret Lives of Color" by Kassia St. Clair
Here is the recipe for how I mix my favorite pink acrylic paint:
Equal parts of WHITE + FLUORESCENT RED = VIBRANT PINK.
