Amy's Dream:

Born on the North Shore of Chicago and raised in the beautiful, tree-lined enclave of Lake Bluff, Illinois, on the shore of Lake Michigan, I often wondered about what was on the other side of Lake Michigan, as I treasured my time on the beautiful beaches where I spent childhood hours painting, swimming, and dreaming. College years were spent in Fort Worth, at Texas Christian University, to escape the cold winters, and were followed by an advertising career in broadcast television production based in Dallas, that took me on location to Hollywood, New Orleans, and even back to Chicago, among other destinations to shoot and edit television commercials. I was in the midst of a crew of immensely talented writers and art directors and this remains one of the most creatively stimulating and fun experiences of my life.

 Living the next years in North Texas, and raising my daughters, I was always painting in my "spare" time. I spent a couple years painting murals, when my two beautiful daughters were young, and this also proved very rewarding.  More television production led to a local government position as Director of Marketing for a Texas city where I was very successful in rebranding, contributing to the cities gain of widespread recognition, commercial success and phenomenal growth.

Now, I am on the other side of Lake Michigan, near historic Leland, and my dream has come true. I have the most beautiful place to paint, swim garden and dream. ( I got the green thumb from my mother and maternal grandfather.)  I truly feel that painting with flowers is an art form, and I enjoy expressing my art in this way.  Lush gardens provide not only excellent subject matter for the artist, but, for me, an essential nurturing for the artist soul.

The most wonderful, kind, friendly people are all around here. Most especially my husband, Tom, a gift from God, who truly, made my dream come true, allowing me to pursue a lifelong dream to be a full-time artist and to live in Leelanau County.

Of course, my two talented, daughters, Courtney and Caroline, are my most outstanding achievements and blessings.

I am inspired to paint beautiful scenes of nature, with vivid hues, to share and encourage joy with the beauty of God's creation. The bright colors are stimulating, vibrant and uplifting. I love art that makes you feel happy.

Contact the artist at amyradford1@yahoo.com for more information