Alicia Armstrong

Alicia’s work dances between abstract and representational, always led by rich texture and joyful color. She moves fluidly between the analytical and the intuitive—left brain and right brain in conversation on the canvas. Her ongoing animal series is a heartfelt nod to her love of the natural world. When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find her volunteering at animal shelters or fostering rescued bunnies (yes, really). Alicia brings a sense of wonder and whimsy to her subjects—whether it’s a curious black bear, a gentle elephant, or a wide-eyed pup—inviting us to see the playful spirit in all creatures.

Being immersed in nature is where Alicia draws inspiration for her work. “When I am outdoors, whether in the woods or on the beach, I feel like I breathe differently, I see differently. I feel expansive and small at the same time. My current work is about reconciling and breathing those feelings onto a two-dimensional surface.”

My work is driven by curiosity and an intuitive exploration of color, texture, and form. Through the use of brushes, palette knives, and brayers, I layer and manipulate oil paint to create compositions that evoke the essence of natural landscapes—blurring the lines between abstraction and representation. These pieces aim to capture the fleeting impressions of light and atmosphere, much like the sensation of viewing a distant meadow or a hazy horizon. I paint on both canvas and wood panel, as each surface offers distinct qualities: canvas provides a subtle texture and flexibility, while wood panel offers a smooth, rigid foundation that allows for intricate detail and rich texture. This experimentation with different surfaces enhances the depth and character of each piece. Each painting is an invitation to pause and reflect, offering a space where viewers can find their own connections and meanings within the interplay of color and texture.