We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Osgood and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ann, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp is one of many books that I have on my shelf. Most are art books for visual ideas by painters I admire. This book is a book for those times you need to remind yourself about the creative process. Tharp covers lots of factors in the life of a creative and gives you practical suggestions like the rituals that help you start. She lets you remember failure IS an option. She really digs into the factors that are part of being an artist, dancer, writer in a practical way that really appealed to me.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
From my earliest memory my identity was that of an artist. All through school I focused on art and got my degree in drawing and painting. Life intervened with motherhood and a teaching career. I gradually regained my focus on my work so that by the time I could retire I was ready for full time dedication to my art. I have several times of work I am known for including large landscapes, floral mixed with gold and silver leaf as well as large abstract expressionist works. Painting from models is also an interest. All of these genre are expressed with an emphasis on color and using brushwork in gestural ways. I have had the opportunity to show my work in various group shows as well as several solo exhibits. Creating a body of work for a show is an exciting challenge that really helps an artist push their work. I find that the way these things happen are by working on your craft and working on friendships with people in the art community. Having integrity when dealing with others, following through with what you say, and being supportive of the arts in your area are part of finding success.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends are going to end up looking at art when they visit Phoenix. If it is First or Third Friday would take them to the Ice House Gallery and the galleries on Grand Avenue where they could meet some of my artist pals. I would bring them to the Heard and Phoenix Art Museums for more looking at art. Dinner at Malee’s Thai restaurant before heading to Royce Contemporary in Scottsdale is a great Thursday evening. We would of course hit some of the many hiking trails in the city and take in lots of Mexican food, probably Valle Luna, Barrio Cafe and Los Dos Molinos. Each has it’s own special flavors. Grinder’s Coffee Shop is a nice way to start a morning with a bit of caffeine before any adventure. Finishing the evening at O’Connor’s Irish Pub with some Guinness and some local music is always fun.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Arizona Artists Guild is the artists’ organization that really helped me jumpstart my artist career after retiring from teaching. I attend life drawing sessions there and attend member meetings. Along the way I have met so many great artists who have become friends. This network of support has led to opportunities to exhibit my work. Being with like minded people helps you gain knowledge and confidence in your work.
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