Vibrant abstract art created by a strong southern artist makes happy.  

My latest Instagram find is no exception for my Artist Spotlight Series. 

Enjoy getting to know

Gwen Gunter 

Grayson, Georgia

What is your training?

My BA degree is in English Literature (due to parental requirements) but I was determined to be an artist so I have studied at the Atlanta College of Art and SCAD (Atlanta) as well as with Fran Larsen, a wonderful artist and teacher based in Santa Fe, NM.

What inspires you and your designs?

At the onset of my career, I was a representational painter –landscapes, portraits, still life – and about 20 years ago I began transitioning to a more non-objective painting style until I became totally abstract. Several years ago I took advantage of an intensive painting seminar where I was encouraged to explore drawings that I had collected in sketchbooks for years. These were simple drawings primarily of shapes in a minimalist style. I had never considered these drawings could be paintings, but I consistently made them over the years and kept them in books because making them felt so connected and authentic. Once they were brought to life as paintings, I have never looked back. This has become my language, my exploration and my joy. The insights and discoveries of all that is possible within the parameters of shape, color and line keep me engaged and challenged.

What is your favorite piece? 

I have several that are special to me as more and more expansion takes place within these simple parameters.

Here and Now 20”x15” Acrylic                 

Who Knew Truth Could Dance

Dog and Pony Show 40”x30” Acrylic

    

Rock My Soul 24”x30”                                         

What is your favorite restaurant in Grayson?

I live in Grayson, a small community in Metro Atlanta, and my favorite right now is a small neighborhood family owned Mediterranean restaurant – Sam’s on Main -that features local produce and quality ingredients prepared right before your eyes. The atmosphere and the love this family pours into this endeavor keep us coming back,

What is your favorite cocktail?

Not a cocktail in the usual sense but I love a cold Pellegrino on a hot day.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I am at a point in my life now where I enjoy the freedom to paint all day every day. There is not a lot of balancing required with this fantastic arrangement! And for this I am oh so grateful.

Dream trip?

Paris to look at the art from the perspective of age and experience. The last time I was there I was too young to really take it all in.

Dream commission?

I would love to paint one of my compositions on the side of a very large building!

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

That depends on the hostess – it might be flowers, a book or a sweet treat – just so it is something I feel would be meaningful to them.

 

Who is your style icon?

Artistically there are so many: Carmen Herrera, Ellsworth Kelly, Ciao Fonseca, Ad Reinhardt, Anne Truitt, Karl Benjamin, John McLaughlin, Sophie Tauber Arp, Shirley Jaffe, Stuart Davis

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Since I began using Instagram for art sharing I have been introduced to so many tremendously talented artists. Two that are on my radar right now are Ashlynn Browning, a terrific abstract painter from Raleigh, NC

and David Hytone, a master of color and composition from the west coast.

What is your most treasured possession?

A crystal perfume bottle that my husband gave me when we were kids.

 

What are you reading?

The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer

and The Liar’s Club, a Memoir by Mary Karr

What are you listening to?

I listen to On Being with Krista Tippet, This American Life, The Side Hustle podcast, Marianne Williamson’s weekly lectures from NY city and NPR on and off all day.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

My favorite on-line publication is Brain Pickings by Maria Popova,

and Seth Godin’s daily blog.

Check out Gwen Gunter’s vibrant portfolio & follow her on Instagram. 

REMINDER to VOTE in the Annie Selke & Apartment Therapy Design Challenge:

Voting kicked off July 6^th and is taking place on Annie Selke’s Instagram. The voting period will last for two weeks and end on July 20^th, so make sure to spread the word with your friends and family and encourage them to vote. I would be ever so grateful.

Simply follow @AnnieSelke on Instagram and vote away! The ten designs that receive the most votes will win and move on to production. You can learn more about the challenge here.

Positano: The beautiful blues of the Italian sea translated through a detail of marbled paper.  

To vote click HERE and double tap to like the image. 

Milan: Chic diagonal stripes reminiscent of high fashion on Milan (this could be done in various color ways) 

To vote click HERE and double tap to like the image.

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 Please feel free to contact The English Room if you are interested in our interior design services.

 

 

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