Amanda Pirani

Artist Statement

I am inspired by the sentimental and feelings of childhood, such as nostalgia and curiosity. I attempt to do this through my color palette, subject matter, and style. I often choose more soft and simplistic shaping and brushstrokes when I am trying to create a sense of comfort and nostalgia. I specifically like to do this through the painting of people, placing a focus on color and expression. While I explore a variety of mediums, my preferred medium is oil paint. I am inspired by Holly Warbs, who uses an expressive color palette and stylistic brush strokes to convey a strong sense of nostalgia and romance in her art. I am also inspired by issues that incite passion and interest, such as environmental conservation or mental health.

I am also inspired by the complexity and fascinating beauty of wildlife in my art. For these works, my focus is on texture and color. I am generally detail-oriented, so I enjoy playing with the smaller elements of a piece to convey an idea. My choice in shape or size of a brush stroke plays into what I am trying to reveal about a subject. I also like to exaggerate and emphasize light, especially in subjects where these elements stand out, such as the wings of butterflies or the fur of foxes. When I am creating a piece regarding wildlife, I tend to focus much more on realism and heavy detail in order to create a focus on the complexity of a subject.