Well, isn’t this a familiar face around here?
My name is Haley McAndrews, my studio name is Red Stone Art Studio, and I currently live in Denison, IA. The most common word I use when describing my art is “varied” (the second most common word is probably “toaster”), but I think it all generally falls under the category of illustration. I haven’t focused on one signature “thing,” instead wanting to try ALL the things! I can at least narrow it down a bit: I am definitely NOT a musician, sculptor, potter, or glass artist.
"Aviators Never Go Out of Style" 8"x10" pencil drawing on paper, colored digitally
My favorite mediums to use are acrylic and watercolor paint, colored pencils, pens, markers, and random collaged bits (including but not limited to: various papers, book pages, leaves, sand, fabric, buttons, plastic gems, pencil shavings, etc.) I love mixing and layering different items to create a more interesting piece. For many years, I was mainly working digitally, and digital painting still holds a place among my favorites.
It may not be educational, but it's definitely entertaining.
My next project will be finishing up my Toaster Haiku book. It’s a silly poetry book for both children and adults, and I’m loosely aiming for a publishing date of early 2024. I’ve been hired to illustrate another children’s book (I’m not the author) and I’m REALLY excited about that! I’ve also got a few art fairs and events booked for this year, and I’ll be getting ready for those soon. I’m also still working on my blog (obviously) although I’m only posting every two weeks now that I’m working full-time now. I do have a fantasy novel that I add to every so often, but it’s nowhere near completion. I’m still drawing and painting too, and hope to join in Acrylic April (every day in April you paint in acrylics.)
In addition to selling my art, writing, and illustrating, I do occasionally teach classes! Most recently, I taught a couple Kusudama (medicine ball) origami flower classes. I also developed a 4-week class on digital photo editing, where I teach participants how to use Adobe Photoshop/Photoshop Elements – but it’s been some years since I’ve done that one.
What’s my favorite art tool? The first thing that came to mind is my paint water jar – it’s a former pickled okra jar (I do love pickled okra!) that I’ve used for paint water for probably 20 years. I love the history I have with it, all the layers of paint, and will probably cry if it ever breaks. The coolest art tool I have is definitely my Gaomon digital tablet. I had to replace my old tablet in 2021 after using it for 17 years, and I couldn’t be happier with my new one! It has a large screen, which is amazing to use, plus it was extremely reasonably priced when compared to other brands.
A big issue for me as an artist is imposter syndrome. I look at other artists whose work I really admire, and then I look at my own work and struggle to feel adequate. Do my toasters belong in the same gallery as stirring political photography or gorgeous watercolor landscapes or even photorealistic pastel artwork? This blog is a prime example; even though I’ve been blogging about art for a year now, I’m hesitant to tell people (even art people, MY people!) about it. The imposter syndrome still hits me randomly – like when I was on the Moms Who Create podcast for the second time to promote and talk about my second children’s book. As I’m talking to Kelli (the really awesome host, who has actually become a friend) you can hear me catch myself, like “Oh yeah I guess I made a thing and….” The whole reason I was on the podcast was to talk about my work! To fight the anxiety, I remind myself that I am the expert on my own artwork. I know how I created it and why. The audience is just curious about what I have to say. It’s not like someone is going to jump in and interrupt me to tell me I’m wrong!
My message to artists starting out? Your art is valid, you ARE a real artist, and both you and your art have a place in the world. There is an audience out there for your work. The internet, different art websites, and social media can help you find them – but don’t forget that Likes and Followers don’t necessarily equal success or sales.
And finally, I want to say thank you to everyone reading this. The Red Stone Art Studio blog is a combination of my many artistic loves: writing, art, and the stories and experiences of artists. Life for me looks a lot different than it did a year ago when I started blogging, and I wonder how it will look next year. Regardless, I will still be overly excited about ALL of the art things, and look forward to sharing them here with you. ❤
An older photo, but I still heart vampires.
In addition to selling my art, writing, and illustrating, I do occasionally teach classes! Most recently, I taught a couple Kusudama (medicine ball) origami flower classes. I also developed a 4-week class on digital photo editing, where I teach participants how to use Adobe Photoshop/Photoshop Elements – but it’s been some years since I’ve done that one.
There's no mixing these two tools.
What’s my favorite art tool? The first thing that came to mind is my paint water jar – it’s a former pickled okra jar (I do love pickled okra!) that I’ve used for paint water for probably 20 years. I love the history I have with it, all the layers of paint, and will probably cry if it ever breaks. The coolest art tool I have is definitely my Gaomon digital tablet. I had to replace my old tablet in 2021 after using it for 17 years, and I couldn’t be happier with my new one! It has a large screen, which is amazing to use, plus it was extremely reasonably priced when compared to other brands.
"Dancing in the Storm" 10"x8" acrylic paint on canvas
A big issue for me as an artist is imposter syndrome. I look at other artists whose work I really admire, and then I look at my own work and struggle to feel adequate. Do my toasters belong in the same gallery as stirring political photography or gorgeous watercolor landscapes or even photorealistic pastel artwork? This blog is a prime example; even though I’ve been blogging about art for a year now, I’m hesitant to tell people (even art people, MY people!) about it. The imposter syndrome still hits me randomly – like when I was on the Moms Who Create podcast for the second time to promote and talk about my second children’s book. As I’m talking to Kelli (the really awesome host, who has actually become a friend) you can hear me catch myself, like “Oh yeah I guess I made a thing and….” The whole reason I was on the podcast was to talk about my work! To fight the anxiety, I remind myself that I am the expert on my own artwork. I know how I created it and why. The audience is just curious about what I have to say. It’s not like someone is going to jump in and interrupt me to tell me I’m wrong!
"Atypical Redshirt" 9"x12" Watercolor, acrylic paint, marker, and gel pens
My message to artists starting out? Your art is valid, you ARE a real artist, and both you and your art have a place in the world. There is an audience out there for your work. The internet, different art websites, and social media can help you find them – but don’t forget that Likes and Followers don’t necessarily equal success or sales.
"Poof" 9"x12" watercolors, colored pencils, and pens
And finally, I want to say thank you to everyone reading this. The Red Stone Art Studio blog is a combination of my many artistic loves: writing, art, and the stories and experiences of artists. Life for me looks a lot different than it did a year ago when I started blogging, and I wonder how it will look next year. Regardless, I will still be overly excited about ALL of the art things, and look forward to sharing them here with you. ❤
Nice! A fitting one year blog. : )
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI loved reading this, Haley. You are very talented!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jolene! ☺️
DeleteYou are super talented. Looking forward to your future work.
ReplyDelete🥰 Thank you!!
Delete