By Sheridan Robbins:
SNOHOMISH, SEPT. 10: Art has always been a preferred hobby for Annika Elizabeth; however, it wasn’t until 2014 when social media became popular that Elizabeth made her art public for the first time.
Elizabeth joined social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram and created accounts to share her talent. Since then, her career as a local artist has rapidly grown.
Elizabeth is an abstract artist residing in Snohomish Country specializing in watercolor and acrylic painting. She kicked off her journey as a professional artist selling pen illustration coloring books at local farmers’ markets.
Eventually, she got the opportunity to sell her illustrations and paintings online and in galleries.
The benefit of abstract painting, Elizabeth says, is that it doesn’t require a specific strategy.
“I like to just go with the flow while in front of the canvas. I don’t like having a set plan,” Elizabeth said.
Abstract painting is an outlet that allows Elizabeth to clear her mind, express emotions, and channel her energy into something positive. Elizabeth who struggles with anxiety, has found that painting helps her dismantle heavy emotions such as loneliness, self-doubt and stress.
“I let my emotions come out while painting. Sometimes I can see when certain emotions appear in a painting, other times it is completely random,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth enjoys using vibrant colors of all shades, however yellow and blue tones are her favorites and most commonly appear in her works.
One of the struggles Elizabeth faced while first showing her art in galleries was comparing her abstract style to other realism artists.
“I would look at other artists’ work that had more detail and planning and would sometimes feel insecure, but I eventually realized there is beauty in all art, and I should be proud of my uniqueness,” Elizabeth said.
Now, Elizabeth immerses herself in artists from all backgrounds within the Snohomish art community.
Whether it is brainstorming with one another, giving advice, or looking for the next opportunity, Elizabeth said members of the Snohomish art scene actively work to lift each other.
“The support you experience from other artists is very rare and hard to find anywhere else,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth’s experience with becoming a local abstract artist has allowed her to connect with a variety of different people she would not have otherwise met.
“Sometimes I can be very introverted and it’s difficult for me to put myself out there and have conversations with strangers,” Elizabeth said.
However, when she is live painting, doing classes, or presenting her art in galleries, conversations come easy.
“One of my favorite parts about showcasing my art is seeing how viewers connect with the piece and the emotions that my art brings out in them,” Elizebeth said, “I often discuss with those viewing my art how it makes them feel, what they see in the painting and how they feel about art in general.”
Elizabeth participated in the annual month-long Street Tunes Project in Everett. The project allows local artists to publicly display their art throughout the city by decorating a piano during the month of August.
Elizabeth said she placed her piano in front of the Imagine Children’s Museum because she enjoys engaging with children artistically.
When decorating her piano, Elizabeth painted with the children outside the museum while listening to music.
Elizabeth encourages those wanting to begin their artistic journey to reach out to fellow artists in their community for advice or guidance if they have something holding them back from starting their creative journey.
“Many people have said they wish they could do art, but have worries or fears about failing, Elizabeth said, “However, the truth is anyone can do art, everyone has their style and strengths, you just have to take the first step and start.”
Elizabeth will host ‘Blend and Flow: Watercolor Cards’ at 4 p.m. Sept. 9 and Sept. 23 at the Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop, 19505 Hwy 2, Monroe.
Those interested can visit here.
You can find pictures and videos of Elizabeth’s art on her Instagram and her Facebook, @annikaelizabethart. Elizabeth’s art is also available for sale on her website.
