Blog 1

June 13, 2021

Another year, another season, another new website. I didn’t plan on starting a new online art space. Spending time organizing my artwork on a computer is tedious and exhausting to me. I’d rather be painting, thank you very much. Do they make those bumper stickers for artists? Like “I’d rather be fishing”… note to self for a side hustle bumper sticker gig, right? But I found this new opportunity, took a deep breath and thought, why not give it a chance?

I like the idea that we are allowed as many fresh starts in life as we need. How many times have you changed careers? Moved to a new place? Switched hairstyles? Tried a diet or exercise fad? Started a new relationship? Or attempted to plant that garden in your backyard that you know will actually bloom and look like an English fairytale cottage this year? (To be extremely timely and revealing of my own endeavors!). As hard as it can be to watch someone try and not always succeed, or to try and fail yourself - I don’t ever want to put a limit on optimism. That is where the glory lies, right? In the journey of ups and downs, on picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and starting all over again? Rising up from falling down is the good stuff. If it were easy, it would be boring. Anyone else feel like watching the movie “Rudy” and getting inspired yet?

And that is probably a lot of the appeal of painting for me. Or really any other creative pursuit. That blank canvas is a beautiful invite to TRY.

So in that spirit, welcome to the newest home for my artwork! Though I feel most of you reading this are friends and family (Hi, how are you guys? Hope you are all well😊). I will quickly introduce myself anyway. My name is Ashley Conroy. I paint, I draw, I write little stories, I spend a lot of time playing with dogs. I have a bachelors degree in studio arts. I remember being in first or second grade and my art teacher showing our class slide photos of fine art master’s work and completely falling in love. Most notably with Mr. Vincent Van Gough (I know I’m not alone there). And when I put pencil to paper I loved the study, the focus, the getting lost in shapes, lines, shadows and light, a communication unlike any other. And to be told that I had some talent… forget about it. I’ve been hooked ever since.

I paint with acrylics. I started using them in college. They are fast drying and easy clean up, and they adapt well to all sorts of textures and other paint mediums that are fun to play with. My studio space is where I seem to struggle the most with patience (hence the appeal of acrylic paint again), and where I allow myself the most mess. I paint mainly on the floor. I don’t even remember how that began, but now I think it is a good practice to show up to the start of a painting session with the posture of humility. A humble work ethic does not mean a lack of confidence but rather an acknowledgement and allowance for something greater than yourself to come in and take part. I often have music playing while I work, which can sometimes seep in and become the subject matter. Colorado scenes are also a favorite subject to capture.

To hang an original art piece on your wall is not only a wonderful support of the arts which is always in need. But it is also a reminder to take a break, a moment to consider another point of view. And isn’t that a worthy thing to have? When the walls of our homes start to feel as monotonous as the pile of laundry nearby- it is time to start anew and get a fresh perspective. An art piece is a reflection of the creator’s take and

emotion in a point of time… perhaps letting your eyes rest on that for some time can spark a revival to your own life.

I hope that scrolling through my paintings you find yourself getting a little fresh start on your day, and maybe you will even get the bug to try your hand at something creative too.