Hello!

Why Hello There!

I'm Amanda Sains. I recently graduated from WVU with a BS in Public Relations. I'm currently working toward a MS in Integrated Marketing Communications at WVU, online. (Always a Mountaineer, baby!)

I started painting in 2010 but I realized my forte was on PR side of the spectrum (I'll share my paintings periodically- also, see the "my journey" tab). The only formal schooling I had in art was in high school but I enjoy doodling, painting, and taking photos on instagram. I'll leave the rest up to you guys ;) The mission of my blog is to find out who's "arting" and help artists gain exposure by sharing the endless amount of talent to the world! I love art and anything creative I come across.

If you're an artist or you stumble across some interesting artwork, please share! 

Shoot me an email: amanda.sains@gmail.com 

Follow me on Twitter: @AmandaSains  

Heidi Keyes

"In my past life as an artist, I was caught up in the excruciating details. I insisted on perfection; I obsessed over the unrealistic notion of how I was convinced things should be. I found that over time, this caused a loss of creativity. Art became hard. I have always loved blind contour drawing, and one day, in a fit of frustration, I began to draw wildly with a paintbrush, with an emphasis on technique rather than end result. I was pleased and surprised at the level of sophistication achieved through the use of simplistic lines and connected forms. The figures I created were uncertain, unsure, and often pensive, but my lines were confident and bold... "

"The Joy of Life" -Matisse, 1905-06

I love the spontaneity in Keyes' work- from the color selection to the relaxed brushstrokes. The selection of bold contrasting colors and fluid lines make for dreamlike images. As a former flight attendant, she shares the many destinations and experiences through her paintings. She allows the watered down acrylic flow down the canvas and embraces its fluidity. You almost get a sense of anxiety when viewing Keyes' art because we recognize the landscape and the figures but the false use of color tricks the mind. Absolutely Brilliant! Personally, I'm reminded of the famous Henri Matisse's work during the Fauvism period in the early 20th century.

"A Rainy Day at St. Sofia"

"Rocky Mountain Hike"

"Bonnaroo"

"The Wide Weird World from my Balcony"

"Pillbox Hike, Oahu"

"View from the Rialto Bridge"

"Acqua Alta"

"The way I look at painting is the way I view my life– nothing is ever certain, and often the best results come from mistakes."

Check out more of Keyes' work at her website
Follow her on Twitter: @heidikeyesart

How you like them Oranges?

I'm currently obsessed with the iphone app, Instagram. After last night's Mountaineer Orange Bowl victory I instagram'd the flying WV. Don't the filters just make everything look better? <3. Sorry Clemson, you got juiced!

Download instagram here in the itunes App Store

*I'm not getting paid for this, I just really love the app and you should too :)