I was given a watercolor of Amy Logsdon's as a gift from my real estate agent a couple of years ago when we purchased our Goleta home. It was a custom watercolor portrait of my family in front of our new house. It was heartwarming, a framer.
You'll spot Amy's Moment Maps around the area and beyond. From pet portraits to travel maps, her work is memorable and accessible. A wife, mother, and artist, Amy Logsdon sees the special in everyday people and places and their milestone moments that hold hope in the heart. Learn more about Amy and her watercolor world.
Did you paint growing up?
As a child, I often painted at home on the weekends, putting ideas onto paper, making holiday gifts for my parents, and turning homework assignments into extra credit by adding more artwork, almost always with pencils or watercolor. I was quick to start new projects at the kitchen table or my bedroom desk. Art was always my favorite subject in school. I used to get so excited to go to the art store on Victoria or get new supplies at Christmas. Blank paper still makes me giddy.
Did you study art in school?
I took a few art classes in my earlier education, including a couple SBCC classes, then chose a college major in Graphic Communication at Cal Poly, which combined graphics with printing. I knew learning how to execute my artwork in a world where technology was growing would be critical.
Knowing how to turn my artwork into print properly has been beneficial, as I can work on various projects, from wedding invitations to printed merchandise. There is an art studio in Ventura called VITA, which has teachers from the best art schools in the country. I wish I had taken more classes when I was younger; it may have saved me a lot of trial and error!
Why do you work with watercolor?
One thing I have always liked about watercolor is that it’s fairly easy to begin using, unlike oil paints, which are difficult to mix. Watercolor is affordable and doesn’t take up a lot of space. You can travel with watercolors, paper, and some brushes almost anywhere. I prefer softer, more muted colors, and like to build my paintings as I go. I’m less bold initially, and adding color as I go gives me more courage.
What artists influence you?
I was always inspired by Degas and his free-flowing compositions, which captured so much emotion. Van Gogh’s color combinations stood out like no other artist. Georgia O’Keefe’s flowers found so much beauty in the natural world around us.
More recently, one of my favorite artists has been local artist Karen Bezuidenhout. I absolutely love her calming color palette and nature-inspired compositions. In the watercolor world, I love Caitlin McGauley, who paints the sweetest scenes without using a pencil. Donald Robertson is another painter who uses fun, bold colors with busy but brilliant compositions. He adds personal touches, which I also incorporate in my commissioned pieces. In pen and ink, I adore the chic, witty illustrations of Carly Kuhn.
What inspires you?
Nature, social scenes, leisurely lifestyle, fashion, people spending time together. I love people-watching at outside gatherings. When I go for long walks to clear my head, the best ideas come to mind—that’s something I need to do more regularly.
What is your most popular artwork?
I don’t make many prints, but I once painted a map of California for a gift basket company, and it sold well over 200 prints. In custom watercolor, I mostly do family portraits and Moment Maps—a collage painting of the best moments leading up to a wedding—or the most significant moments in a couple’s life together for an anniversary gift. Clients love creating these with me, finding the photos to include or remembering the memories to capture.
I’ve been creating Moment Maps with clients since 2007, and the idea never gets old. People like getting something personal and unique, especially when we buy so much of what we need on Amazon, and it appears the next day. An element of surprise is gone, but with custom, personal artwork, no one can buy that without putting in some time and effort. The result is always special.
Describe your custom art process.
I like artwork to be personal and unique—custom all the way. For the Moment Maps, the more details, the better. When I work with clients, I ask questions about what moments or subjects might make good illustrations. I balance scenes for the overall composition. Small illustrations in the artwork might be a hobby or interest, such as hiking or cooking. Family members, locations, and pets are generally painted bigger to stand out. A milestone theme, such as a wedding or anniversary, is usually incorporated. One of my favorite products is the 12x16 watercolor portrait, perfect for gifting. It focuses on the person more and less on the place.
How did the collaboration with Apolis come about?
Occasionally, I have been invited to paint as a pop-up vendor in the Montecito Country Mart. I was doing custom watercolor portraits there and created one for one of the Apolis owner’s family members. We started chatting more about what I do and Apolis’ reusable bags, and how watercolor might work on their bags. They had various ideas, and I had always wanted my artwork printed for the masses, so we tried it. It’s been a wonderful experience.
What's next for you?
Exploring my style in the form of large-scale paintings on canvas, highlighting family portraits into larger, more colorful paintings for the home, offering acrylic and oil painting in addition to watercolor. Black pen illustration has always stood out to me, and I’d like to collaborate with more companies on their packaging and stationery suites. Travel is another passion. Getting out in the world is inspiring, and creativity always follows.
Our custom "Santa Barbara Coast" cover art is available for purchase on Amy's website: www.momentmaps.com
Contact Amy for custom artwork: amy@momentmaps.com