When I first saw the work of Atlanta-based artist Parrish Hoag, I was immediately drawn to the color palette. There was something so peaceful and calming about her work with its mixture of blues, greens, and neutrals.
In this interview, Parrish shares how she turned her passion for creating art into a business, the inspiration behind her Landscape and Botanical Collections, and the most exciting part about creating her latest scarf collection.
When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?
As a little girl, I loved spending time in my “craft room” creating, painting, and making a mess with all my art supplies. Creating has always been a part of me and painting, specifically, my favorite outlet of expression.
Fast forward to adult life: several years ago, my wonderful husband (Chris) encouraged me to turn my deep-seated passion for art + creating into a business. Thanks to his encouragement (and the support of so many others), I have the honor of creating artwork for wonderful clients, and I love what I get to do.
What do you consider to be your greatest source of inspiration?
I’m constantly inspired by the wonder of Nature’s patterns and rhythms, and I bottle up glimpses of these expressions by spending time outside and traveling. Hiking through a lush forest, taking my Goldendoodle on a walk around my neighborhood, visiting a new city. Each of these things serves as an avenue of inspiration and constantly reinvigorate my work.
In your artwork, you use acrylics and charcoal for your work on paper and for your work on canvas you use a combination of acrylics, charcoal, and pastel. What do you consider to be your favorite medium to work with?
I love working with a combination of mediums to build up layers in my art. While good ‘ole acrylic paint is my go-to and most used medium, I really enjoy working with charcoal to add a bit of contrast and add depth to my work.
Your studio is located in the Drewry Street Studios. What do you enjoy the most about your studio space and how does a typical day in the studio begin?
My studio is currently located in a quaint, old converted warehouse building on the Atlanta Beltline & in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta. It’s a few steps away from my home, hosts beautiful exposed-brick walls, and is a hidden gem nestled between Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park. However, this sweet season at Drewry Street Studios is coming to a close at the end of 2019, and I’m excited to transition to a new studio space a little further down the Atlanta Beltline.
Tell me a bit about the inspiration behind your “Landscapes” collection.
My recent “Landscapes” collection was inspired by recent travels, my love for the outdoors, and the peace I feel from spending time in nature. I love to take in those picture-perfect moments when time itself tends to gently sit still.
I think we treasure these portraits of nature so highly because of the truth they display so deeply. The deep, authentic, overwhelming joy each of us feels when stunned by the canvas of color from a sunset, rolling hills cascading into the horizon, & the stillness of a mighty mountain valley beckons us to cherish the truly rich things of life and so often simultaneously stills our stirring souls.
I hope that my “Landscape” paintings lead viewers to pause, recall a memory in a special place, or even trigger humble awe of what’s around us.
Standing Tall
What inspired the color palette you used for your Botanical Collection?
I created my latest “Botanical” collection at the start of the spring season; the excitement from warmer weather and all that comes with spring heavily inspired my color palette. The vibrant colors beginning to bloom around my studio, sights in lush gardens, and the palette of my farmers market bouquets all show up in my botanical paintings. My hope is that my paintings from the Botanical Collection bring to light, energy, and sweet refreshment into their new homes.
At what point during the painting process do you decide on the title of the piece?
Most of the time I name my pieces after they’re completed. Sometimes titles are based on the subject or sentiment of a collection, sometimes a song I listened to while working through a piece, and sometimes a person’s name. A lot can influence a painting’s title.
What is the largest commission piece that you’ve ever created?
The largest commission painting I’ve created is 60×72”. It’s currently hanging in a collector’s dining room, and my husband and I had the honor of delivering and installing it in the collector’s space. I love the freedom that comes with painting on a large canvas.
When you create a new piece do you have an idea of how you hope the viewer will feel when they see it for the first time?
Anytime I create a new painting, my goal is for viewers to feel freedom and refreshment through my work. Painting brings me peace, nudges me to live freely and be reminded of the everyday expanse of beauty around us. My hope is that followers of my art may share in that refreshment and peace.
You are launching a new scarf collection this November. What was the most exciting part of creating wearable art?
I recently launched a new collection of scarves inspired by my original paintings! One of the scarf designs is from an original painting from my “Botanical” collection in early 2019, and another design is inspired by the scenes of beautiful Highlands, NC. I think wearable art (like my scarf collection!) is a fun way to enjoy an artist’s work, and a unique way to accessorize. It’s interesting and tells a story; Plus, wearable art makes great gifts 🙂
Website: https://parrishhoag.com // Instagram: @parrish.hoag
All photos in this post were provided by Parrish Hoag.
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