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Featured Artist at Atlantic Beach Arts Market

By Ame Cowan / Denise Wood on 8/20/2019 11:32:12 AM - Comment on this

Featured Artist: Denise Wood

Getting to know Denise better through this write-up is exactly why I wanted to do these Featured Artist's articles in the first place. We always chat and catch up briefly when we cross path's at The Atlantic Beach Arts Market but I never would have known any of her major accomplishments with out this!

Most recently she was an exhibitor at International Artist Show, Marina Village - Christophe Harbour, Saint Kitts in February 2019. Prior to that in January, she was one of the Muralist on the Cove in Bloom Mural Project, Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs, Fl. with Beth Haizlip and Sophie Dentiste. Other notable career highlights are Former President of The Jacksonville Artist Guild, Jacksonville, Fl. and the former Owner of First Street Gallery, Neptune Beach, FL!
Denise's tomato painting is featured on PBS Emmy award winning television show, " A Chef's Life" with chef Vivian Howard. Season 3, 4 & 5. She is also a former Board Member of the Art Guild of Orange Park, Fl. It would have taken years to get to know all of her expansive art knowledge and years representing other local artists at First Street Gallery. Here's a little bit more about our Featured Artist...

Why do you do what you do?

Painting for me is not just a passion it is also an addiction. It makes me happy and I can't go too long without spending time in front of my easel. I also love creating because it makes me part of a larger tribe of like-minded people. I thrive on the camaraderie with everyone in The Atlantic Beach Arts Market, The Jacksonville Artist's Guild and The Art Guild of Orange Park.

Where is your work space and what brings out your creativity?

I have a home studio with a large window that is my sanctuary. My studio has one wall filled with my latest series of cocktail and drink inspired portraits. I also have several Art Nouveau pieces that I have collected sitting around that spark joy in me every-time I look at them.

Do you have a favorite piece you'd like to talk about?

My favorite piece is always the piece that I am working on at the moment. Right now it is a large oil painting titled, "Cuban Pleasures". One morning I took a picture of the inside of my stove top espresso maker. That became the spark of creativity behind this painting and I have been hooked on strong coffee ever since.

How is your personality reflected in your work?

I'm not sure how other people view my personality but my paintings are colorful and cheerful. I like to see someone smile when they look at my work.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

I like to visit local art galleries and Florida museums. They always make me feel like I need to get back to work. Some of my favorites are The Charles Morse Museum in Winter Park which is filled with a large collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany, The Cummer Museum in Jacksonville and the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala.

Are there any spaces or designers that have inspired or influenced you?

There are multitudes of artist and people to thank for their influence and inspiration, all of which I am truly grateful. I will however mention the latest quantum leap in my process which occurred this past April. I had the good fortune to be instructed by plein air artist, Bill Inman. His painterly approach with longer, looser brushstrokes as compared to my illustrative style has fundamentally improved the way I paint.

Please come see our Featured Artist and 90+ other vendors at The Atlantic Beach Arts Market located at 1805 Mayport Rd. Open everyday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Much Love,
Ame Cowan