“Allegoria” – Amy asked her IG followers to help her name this beautiful surprise gift for her dad.
I’ve known and admired Amy Straley since she was a very young, beautifully poised, ballet dancer. So to say I was thrilled to reconnect with her years later on Instagram and find that she is quite the accomplished artist, would be an understatement. I anxiously anticipate her next unique piece of art and her clever description, often in the form of a short story. It’s obvious Amy is gifted in the arts with some very natural talent but it’s a strong sense of passion that really comes through for me in her art. When I share a 5 Heart Rating like this I wish I had a million+ followers because I think most everyone would enjoy Amy’s creations.
“February Dreaming”, 8×10 acrylic on canvas
Amy describes her style as “Fresh, Bold Art Inspired by Women”. If you like color, you will LOVE Amy Straley Art! It’s impossible for me to look at one of her paintings and not feel inspired. Sometimes I’m moved by the colors alone, or the theme, or expression through the eyes, or the cheeks, or hair style and color, or the clever and unique accessories such as earmuffs and Native American-inspired earrings as you can see here. Every single painting has a different mood. A unique expression. And like most collectible art, when you see an Amy Straley painting, you know immediately it’s hers!
I don’t know much, if anything, about collecting art. I just know what I love and Amy’s art has been one of the most refreshing styles I’ve encountered. I’m not a bit surprised that many that own Amy’s art comment that a piece simply spoke to them and they had to have it.
Amy has a beautiful website and you can also find her on Instagram. Her prices are mindblowingly affordable so if you want to purchase a GREAT gift for yourself or someone you love, I’d highly recommend you check out what’s available. She has original works and prints available. She ships anywhere! Even if you just want to take a peek, simply viewing her art will improve your day. I promise!
Here’s her website: https://www.aimstraleyart.com
PS Update: Amy has created two separate collections of notecards that are just beautiful and would make a beautiful gift! I did a separate 5 Heart Rating just for the notecards. Here it is: http://www.jeanoshima.com/amy-straley-fine-art-notecards/
Just couldn’t resist including a photo of Amy as a professional ballet dancer. Talk about inspiring!
Also published on Medium.
Hi Jean. I just have to say first that I love your blog! Such a great idea. We need more positivity and uplifting in the world today ❤️ This is such a beautiful commentary on Amy! She has always been creative and had a love for the arts. Thank you so much for sharing her work.
Robin ( proud momma ) 💕
I can imagine how proud you must be. What an incredible human being!! It was such a pleasure for me to write about her. An example of exactly why I started my blog. I don’t have a ton of followers, but it gives me GREAT joy to share 5 Heart Ratings, even if only a handful of people see it. I told Amy that one follower says that she spends money every time she looks at it. Emi and even Kazu and I have commented multiple times that we think Amy and Emi would be very good friends if they lived close to each other. You never know… maybe someday…And by the way, I remember our conversations when the girls danced together. I’ve always thought you were SO COOL. Apple doesn’t fall far…
Oh and thank you for the kind words!!
Finally reading your reply. Awe, thank you for that. We spent a lot of time together since we homeschooled and as adults became best friends. I learned so much along the way. Being a ballet mom and working with the ballet company in San Diego, I was able to see every rehearsal and performance. It was very rewarding. And yes, I agree Amy and Emi would be great friends. Miss those dance years.
I hear ya! Nothing has given me more joy than watching Emi dance. Nothing. I play her performances over and over in my head. And since we live together now, I occasionally catch her practicing these days and it just stops me in my tracks. When she went to school one of her majors was dance but Modern Ballet. I really missed Classical.
Thank you so much, Jean!!!
Are you kidding? It was completely my pleasure!! Just wish I had a million more followers to spread the word. I will say that one follower did say that every time she looks at my blog she spends money. lol
Wow ever kind of You! Amy is a GIFT and is GIFTED .The pic of Her and David is one of My Favorites!
It’s a beautiful pic. And yes, Amy is very special. I remember Emi talking about her often which was/is still very unusual for Emi as she almost never talked about other ballerinas. Both she and Amy agree that they would be very good friends if they lived close to each other. I’m happy to say they have a lot in common. I learn from both of them.