Art by Amy L. Burns

Paper Trimmer

2010-12-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

I am about to get myself one of these for Solstice:

The reviews say it's the best, and I couldn't be more excited! I wish I had it already so I could make books!

Pardon our missing photos

2010-04-16T10:14:00.001-07:00

Turns out when the blog was relocated from my website into Blogger-land, the photos did not move with it... soooo, there's some photo-fixery that needs to happen.

Since I'm already contemplating changing the purpose/format/whatever of this blog, it may be a blessing in disguise... so, stay tuned!

A Blog Becoming

2010-02-19T15:15:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to figure out what I want this blog to be. It never quite shaped up the way I meant it to... so I'd like it to be something else. That's where my creativity comes into play... and perhaps some ideas/suggestions from you.

What would you like to see here?

Hand Painted Card Series

2009-01-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how over the course of year one's entire world can change and yet stay the same.

Currently I'm working on a watercolor "greeting card" series. The front of each card features an original drawing in black ink which is then painted with watercolor. So far all of the cards, except one, are blank inside and out. I've posted the first set of 5 on Etsy and am currently working on more.

Quiet Winter News

2008-02-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Just an update on my Arting. I've been mainly focused on creating ceramics over the last several months and have just started dabbling in water-based oils. I haven't painted with oils in years, so it's taking a bit of re-orienting since oils are very different from acrylics.

I'm also planning another cross country move this summer. Destination:NYC
I'm guessing this is where I'll really start painting again. Meanwhile, I've dropped prices on my large paintings to help raise a bit of quick-cash to prepare for the move. You'll find these, and some of my latest ceramics, at my Etsy.com shop.

I'll be checking in again soon!

10 Mini Decks

2007-09-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

FYI: Currently working on a custom order of 10 mini affirmation / meditation card decks. Will post photos within 2 weeks. These are going to be fantastic!

UPDATE 11/3/07
- here is a photo of all 10 completed boxes. About half have decoupaged covers and the other half are painted white or blue to match the mini-paintings attached to the top.

watercolor, ink, fancy papers, matchboxes

Sacred Spaces - Mini Affirmation and Meditation Cards

2007-06-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

watercolor on coldpress
matchbox

*~*~*~*

Each meditation card is an original watercolor painting (not a print or reproduction), containing an image and word on the front, and a short affirmation / mantra on the back. There are a total of 9 cards inside the box, plus one watercolor painting affixed to the outside of the box.

Dimensions:
Cards - 1.25 x 1.875 inches (3.2 x 4.8 cm)
Box - 1.375 x 2.06 inches (3.5 x 5.2 cm)

The box is signed and dated (6/14/07).

Tiny Miracles - Mini Affirmation and Meditation Cards

2007-06-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Inner Peace - Mini Affirmation and Meditation Cards

2007-06-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hyde Park, London

2007-06-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
16" x 20"

Signed and dated 2007 on front.
Available on Etsy.com.

Every once in a while I create a painting based on a photograph I've taken.

While visiting London in 2004, I took this photograph in Hyde Park. The foreground is a lush landscape of beautiful purple and red flowers along with abundant trees. In the background you can see The Albert Memorial, completed in 1876 and unveiled by Queen Victoria. Behind the memorial is the dome shaped Royal Albert Hall.

Love Grove

2007-05-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
9" x 12"

Signed and dated (5/29/07) on back and front.

Exhibited at:
3rd International Women's Peace Conference, Dallas, TX, July 2007

Maiden with Flowers 5

2007-05-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper
3.7" x 5.2"
Signed and dated: 5/4/07
$10

Maiden with Flowers 4

2007-04-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper
3.7" x 5.2"
Signed and dated: 4/26/07
$10

Maiden with Flowers 3

2007-04-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper
3.7" x 5.2"
Signed and dated: 4/26/07
$10

Maiden with Flowers 2

2007-04-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper
3.7" x 5.2"
Signed and dated: 4/26/07
$10

Maiden with Flowers 1

2007-04-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

watercolor on coldpress paper
3.7" x 5.2"
Signed and dated: 4/26/07
$10

I was sketching, just foolin' around, and drew a young maiden basking in the bliss of some daisies... trying out somewhat different hair stayles and colors, just to see what would happen. I really love the results - a series of 5 maidens. They remind me of brides or bridesmaids. In any case, they are adorable!

I wonder what would happen if I gave a couple of them wings...

In The Garden

2007-04-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

acrylic and oil pastels on stretched canvas
18" x 36" x 1.5"
(47.5cm x 91.4cm x 3.8cm)

Red, Green, Yellow, Purple, Violet, Blue
Finished with permanent acrylic varnish
Gallery wrapped canvas, painting also covers edges -Ready to hang!

This whimsical piece is so delightful to gaze at. I started with the idea of creating faerie or elven houses on a little hill and all of a sudden these brilliant flowers started sprouting!

From far away and in just the right dimmed lighting, the purple rose in the upper right corner begins to resemble a woman's hair in a loose bun, and you begin to see her neck and the outline of her flowing victorian dress. Turns out there were more than just faeries and elves living in this garden!

Exhibited at:
Point Loma Nazarene University's Lifestyles for a Sustainable World Conference, April 2007.

Organic Tangelos are the Key

2007-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
6" x 6"
Completed: April 2007
$22

Exhibited at:
Point Loma Nazarene University's Lifestyles for a Sustainable World Conference, April 2007.

How do we save the earth? How do we save ourselves? How do we save art?
Organic Tangelos are the Key.

The rays of the sun, a half keyhole, and netting from a bag of organic tangelo stapled to the back are both the simplicity and complexity wrapping this painting in a nice little bow for your wall.

Hear it crying out to you... "Remember the Tangelo!"

Mermaid Reflections

2007-03-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper

Painting Dimensions: 4.25 x 6.25 inches (10.8 cm x 15.9 cm)
Viewable Area: 3.5 x 5 inches (8.9 x 12.7 cm)
Mat Dimensions: 5x7 inches (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

Signed and dated (3/20/07) on the back.
$14

I love the whimsical thoughtfulness of this colorful mermaid. She sits at the lakeside, viewing her own reflection in the clear water. Surrounded by sky, she looks within to find her truth.

Matted and ready to place in any 5x7 inch frame, or remove from the mat and simply leaning against a wall or other upright surface. Since it's also postcard size, you could also drop it in the mail. No matter what you do with this beautiful painting, it is sure to remind you of your own inner truth and beauty.

Abundance

2007-03-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper
9" x 11"
Created: 3/1/07
$15

Priestess

2007-03-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
4"x 6"
Created: 3/1/07
$10

Mermaid Presence

2007-03-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

watercolor on cold press paper
4.5" x 9"
(SOLD)

Signed and dated 3/1/07
Series: Dancing Goddess

Mermaids are my newest favorite thing to paint - they are so vibrant, mysterious, and present.
This mysterious mermaid is overflowing with a sense of patience, centeredness, and vast calm. I like her lots.

Intention

2007-03-01T09:26:00.000-08:00

My intention for this blog is to create an attractive, functional, searchable portfolio of my artwork.

In addition to this space, you can also visit my Art Gallery and Etsy shop.

Dancing Goddess Window

2007-02-16T22:18:00.001-08:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
6" x 6"
$22

Exhibited at:
Point Loma Nazarene University's Lifestyles for a Sustainable World Conference, April 2007.

Now Faerie

2007-02-15T22:14:00.000-08:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
6" x 8"
$24

Exhibited at:
Point Loma Nazarene University's Lifestyles for a Sustainable World Conference, April 2007.

Limitless Love

2007-01-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

140lb Fabriano Artistico Cold Press watercolor paper
4 1/8" x 6 1/4"
10.5 cm x 15.9 cm
(SOLD)

Series: Dancing Goddess
Signed and dated (1/3/07) on the back

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

I love the sweet, shyness of this heart shaped goddess of love. She approaches with grace, dancing full of gratitude and joy. Overflowing with love, she fills up the Universe, for it is limitless.

Additional Photos

Snake Charmer

2006-11-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
4" x 6"
$15

A Little Wave

2006-11-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

watercolor on 140lb coldpress paper
3" x 3"
Fall 2006
(SOLD)

Sacred Spaces

2006-10-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
24" x 30" x 1.5
$400

Exhibited at:
Red Door International, San Diego, CA, December 2006
Springfield College Community Gallery, San Diego, CA, February 15 - April 27, 2007

Secret Mary - Limitless Love

2006-10-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

acrylic on gallery stretched canvas
24" x 30" x 1.5"
SOLD

Exhibited at:
Red Door International, San Diego, CA, December 2006

Earth Faerie

2006-09-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
18" x 36" x 1.5"
$400

Exhibited at:
Red Door International, San Diego, CA, December 2006
Springfield College Community Gallery, San Diego, CA, February 15 - April 27, 2007

Dancing Under The Faerie Moon

2006-09-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

acrylic on gallery stretched canvas
18" x 36" x 1.5"
$400

Exhibited at:
Red Door International, San Diego, CA, December 2006
Springfield College Community Gallery, San Diego, CA, February 15 - April 27, 2007

Synchronicity

2006-08-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas
24" x 30" x 1.5"
$400

Exhibited at:
Red Door International, San Diego, CA, December 2006
Springfield College Community Gallery, San Diego, CA, February 15 - April 27, 2007

Allison's Angel

2006-08-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

acrylic on gallery stretched canvas
18" x 36" x 1.5"
(SOLD)

Crater Lake

2006-03-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"
(SOLD)

Created for as a house warming gift for a wonderful friend of mine who absolutely loves the magic of Crater Lake, Oregon.

Vallarta Church

2006-03-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"
(SOLD)

Using a photo I took of a church in Puerto Vallarta, I created this piece, which was supposed to have the leaves of a tree on the left "blank" side. The buyer liked it so much as it was, she bought it unfinished.

Three White Flowers

2006-02-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 6"
Created: February 2006

Exhibited at:
Fresh Hair, Jamaica Plain, MA, February - March 2006

Five Blue Flowers

2006-02-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 6"
Created: February 2006

Exhibited at:
Fresh Hair, Jamaica Plain, MA, February - March 2006

One Blue Flower

2006-02-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 6"
Created: February 2006

Exhibited at:
Fresh Hair, Jamaica Plain, MA, February - March 2006

The Pru

2006-02-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 12"
Created: 2006

Exhibited at:
Fresh Hair, Jamaica Plain, MA, February - March 2006

Purple Flowers

2006-02-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 12"
Created: 2006

Exhibited at:
Fresh Hair, Jamaica Plain, MA, February - March 2006

Flatland Flower

2006-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 12"
Created: 2006

Exhibited at:
Fresh Hair, Jamaica Plain, MA, February - March 2006

Yellow Flower

2006-01-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"

Self Portrait

2005-12-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
16" x 20"
Created: 2005

Moon Goddess

2005-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
9" x 16"
Completed: 2005

Public Garden

2005-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
16" x 20"
Created: 2005

I just can't get away from Boston's Public Garden... I love this beautiful space and all the inspiration it provides me.

Red Globes

2005-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
20" x 20"
(SOLD)

Public Garden

2005-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
20" x 20"

I just love painting scenes from Boston's Public Garden. The bridge, pond and beautiful landscape are such incredible subjects and offer so many shapes and colors to play with.

Autumn Tree

2005-11-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" 24"

Inspired by an Autumn photo taken at the Boston Public Garden.

Blue Vase

2005-10-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas board
8" x 10"
Created: 2005

Truth's Beauty

2005-10-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
20" x 20"

Inspired by a photograph I took of a statue outside the NYC Public Library.
I really love creating paintings using variations in tone/hue of a single color, and purple felt truly appropriate for capturing the coolness of the stone, and the mystery of the statue.

Rainbow Swirl

2005-10-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
20" x 20"

An ode to gay pride.

Just A Face

2005-10-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"

Created from a photo an internet friend sent me of someone she was pretending to be. I don't often do portraits, however, I really loved the photo. It was difficult to capture the angle from which the photo was taken, but I think I did a good job.

The Back Room

2005-09-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"
(SOLD)

Except that it wasn't blue, this was what my art studio in Boston looked like. Yes, I know, there is nothing but a chair and guitar... that's all there was. The paints were next to me.

Desert Sun

2005-09-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"

Inspired by Loony Toons - I always loved the way they painted the desert in the Road Runner cartoons. Very simple, with vibrant colors and even a Saugaro cactus.

Shadow Cat

2005-08-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
16" x 20"
Created: 2005
(SOLD)

Inspired by DB's cat Shadow and our summer time as housemates.

Motorcycle

2005-07-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

mixed media on canvas sheet
9" x 12"
Created: 2005

I absolutely love this piece. I layered images from fancy magazines over acrylic paint, using acrylic varnish as an adhesive.

The Weaver

2005-07-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas panel
12" x 24"
Created: 2005

Public Garden

2005-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"

I'm pretty sure this is my best landscape painting ever - it's certainly my favorite Boston-themed creation.

Sun Rays

2005-05-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"

This is one of my most favorite paintings - I even use it as my logo and on my business cards, and have printed postcards with the same image. I just love the vibrant colors and depth from the layering.

I created this from pure inspiration, with nothing to guide me but my imagination of warmth and bright beautiful sunshine.

Red Flowers

2004-12-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on three stretched canvases
Created: 2004
(SOLD)

Peace Lily

2004-12-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on three gallery stretched canvases
Created: 2004
(SOLD)

Suzy's Iris

2004-08-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
20" x 20"
Created: 2004

One of my dearest friends, Suzy, absolutely loves Irises. Before I moved to Boston we were roommates and lived next to this abandoned house that was for sale. In their front yard grew a dozen beautiful Irises. Suzy and I would sneak over and pick the Irises! I used a magazine print of an Iris as visual inspiration for this piece.

Public Garden

2004-06-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
8" x 10"

Circa 2004

Public Garden Bridge

2004-06-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
8" x 10"

Circa 2004

Fruit and Roses

2004-06-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
8" x 10"

Circa 2004

Using a scanner to capture watercolor images creates interesting effects, but doesn't capture the richness of the original or the quality and life the paper adds.

Fruit

2004-06-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
8" x 10"

circa 2004

Faeries

2004-05-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"
Created: 2004

You can really see why I do very little "realistic" paintings - my strengths lie elsewhere. However, I really wanted to create some faerie imagery, and this was one of my first attempts. Not too shabby.

Self Portrait

2004-05-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
8" x 10"

Circa 2004

I'm a single color kind of gal. I like using just one color when I paint. Adding depth with darker and lighter spaces, carving into the paint (when I'm using acrylics, not watercolor), dabbing away color and adding more.

Priestess of Avalon

2004-04-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
18" x 24"
Created: 2004

Inspired by the cover of Marion Zimmer Bradley's book of the same title.

Flower Goddess

2004-01-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas panel
12" x 24"
Created: 2004
(SOLD)

Jade's Peonies

2004-01-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
20" x 20"
Circa 2003 / 2004
(SOLD)

I love flowers. I don't particularly like paintings of flowers, but for some reason I am so drawn to painting them. Must be my faerie nature!

The Green Monster

2003-12-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
16" x 20"
Circa 2003

Before the Green Monster seats were installed in Boston's Fenway Park.

Spontaneous

2003-12-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
16" x 20"
Circa 2003

An attempt at being incredibly abstract and without any particular subject. Not amazing, but still interesting. I'm actually not sure if I kept this piece, donated it, or recycled it. I'll figure it out next time I'm in New England and let you know.

Prudential Sunrise

2003-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas panel
12" x 24"
Circa 2003
(SOLD)

The Fens

2003-12-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

acyrlic on canvas sheet
16" x 20"
Created:2003

One of my favorite Boston paintings, I used to walk by this beautiful bridge routinely when I moved to The Fens from my home state of Washington. I photographed this place and eventually painted it.

Reflection

2003-12-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
24" x 24" x .75"
Created: 2003

A favorite inspired by a dream and a mural I photographed in San Fransisco the spring of 1996. This piece actually has an incredible meditative quality. It's difficult to see in the photograph, but the sun is a subtle yin/yang symbol.

Archetypal Provence

2003-12-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
24" x 24" x .75"
Created: 2003
(SOLD)

I absolutely adore this piece. I had wanted to created something using the beautiful colors I remembered from the wheat fields in college. The golden wheat touching the bright blue sky. However, I didn't really want to paint wheat. Sunflowers emerged as something that could include additional colors (browns, oranges) and offer more depth. Beautiful!

Wildflowers

2003-08-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
6" x 6"
Circa 2003
(SOLD)

Moon Prayer

2003-08-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
12" x 12"
Created: 2003
(SOLD)

Yellow Whimsy

2003-08-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
5" x 5" x 3/4"
Created: 2003

I may still have this little one around in storage, but I think I painted over it. Can't remember! In any case, I was experimenting with colors and goofing off.

Blue Ghost

2003-08-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
3" x 8"
Created: 2003

Space Needle

2003-07-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

watercolor on paper
8" x 10"
Created: 2003

I absolutely love this piece. I merged two photos in my mind to create this painting of Seattle's Space Needle. One photo was of the Space Needle in the evening, and the other was of a red tubular scupture nearby. I love the colors, the contrast, and everything about this watercolor - it is by far one of my most amazing creations.

Patchwork Primary

2003-07-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
12" x 12"
Created: 2003

Patchwork Blue Green

2003-07-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
12" x 12"
Created: 2003

Patchwork

2003-06-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

acrylic on stretched canvas
12" x 12"
Created: 2003
(SOLD)

Torso

2003-06-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
8" x 10"
Created: 2003

Swan

2003-06-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
8" x 10"
Created: 2003

Flower

2003-06-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
8" x 10"
Created: 2003
(SOLD)

Playing with color.

Street Cleaning

2003-03-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas sheet
16" x 20"
Created: 2003
(SOLD)

The view from my condo in downtown Boston.
The streets are so empty of life during "street cleaning." Street cleaning, sanitization, removal of anything unwanted or unacceptable. It's a deadening of any unwanted life. Vacant, emptiness. That was how the street looked to me on street cleaning nights.

Origin

2002-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
12" x 12"
Circa 2002
(SOLD)

Green Muse

2002-12-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
12" x 12"
Circa 2002
(SOLD)

Titling Vase

2002-12-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

acrylic on canvas panel
11" x 14"
Circa 2002
(SOLD)

I tend to paint my vases tilting. A quaint quirk that I truly enjoy.

Red Goddess

2002-06-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

oil on canvas panel
5" x 7"
Circa 2002

Beauty

2002-06-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

oil on canvas panel
5" x 7"
Circa 2002
(SOLD)

Because real women have real curves and eat real food.
Big IS beautiful.

Martini

2002-06-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

acrylic on canvas panel
11" x 14"
Circa 2002
(SOLD)

One of my first pieces to sell. Little dots of color make up this piece which I created in complete spontenaety, from my imagination/memory and without the aid of a martini.

Red Woman

2002-06-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

oil on canvas panel
8" x 10"
Circa 2002

I'll Always Believe

2002-06-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

mixed media on stretched canvas
18" x 24"
Circa 2002
(SOLD)

One of the very first pieces I created and sold. I used torn pieces from greeting cards I'd received over the past couple decades, deciding it was time to transform and release them... like a butterfly.