About the Artist
Amy Adams is a third-generation artist whose lifelong passion for drawing and painting is deeply rooted in her family's creative legacy. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Amy grew up surrounded by art, influenced by her grandfather, a painter and cartoon satirist, and her father, a distinguished watercolorist based in Lakewood, Colorado. She recalls, "I cannot remember a time when I did not pursue art in some fashion."
Amy pursued formal studies in printmaking and drawing at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Following college, she built a successful career as an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator, seamlessly blending her love of fine art with commercial creativity.
In 2003, Amy shifted her focus to fine art, studying under Betty Kirin at Sugarstone Studios in Denver. Her artistic growth accelerated during her time at the Denver Art Students League, where she trained with nationally acclaimed painters Kevin Wechbach and Michelle Torrez. Their mentorship deeply influenced her development as a painter.
After relocating to Central Ohio in 2011, Amy found new opportunities to expand her practice, thanks in part to the mentorship of artist Michael McEwan. Her relationship with Sharon Weiss Gallery, established over eight years ago, has been pivotal in her career. Amy is a founding resident artist of 24 Lincoln Street Art Studios in Columbus' Short North Arts District, affectionately calling her upstairs workspace “The Little Blue House next to Sharon Weiss Gallery.”
Amy’s work has been featured in juried exhibitions across Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Massachusetts and California. In 2022, she was honored as the Artist in Residence for the New Albany Symphony’s 2022–23 concert season, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and dedicated figure in the contemporary art scene. Recently, Amy's work has been juried into both the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionists national exhibitions.
Professional organizations:
Oil Painters of America (Associate Member)
American Impressionist Society (Associate Member)
Ohio Art League
Collage of Women Artists (Columbus Ohio)
One day, while painting, I heard theologian Richard Rohr speaking on a podcast about human nature and spirituality. He said that you cannot see the light without the shadow. For me, this struck a chord on many levels. But as it relates to my pursuits as a painter, it embodies my approach. I want to paint the light, but without the shadows it is meaningless. And it is how the shadows are rendered that makes the light so beautiful to witness.
-Amy Adams