Today we’d like to introduce you to April Moffatt.
Hi April, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began seriously painting about 3 years ago. I am mostly self-taught as an artist, although I took some art classes in high school and college but didn’t do much with that knowledge for many years. For 25 years I homeschooled our four children and taught 6th-grade humanities at a classical hybrid school in Charleston. When my youngest was in high school I decided I was ready for a big change and painting was something I had always wanted to do. I was inspired to just paint a hundred paintings and not worry about the results, instead just enjoy the process of learning. I painted a lot really bad paintings but I also learned a ton in that process. As my style and paintings started to improve much to my surprise, I started selling those paintings. I started selling giclee prints of my originals as well and have shipped both my paintings and my prints all over the world. In 2021 my husband and I decided to sell our house and travel around in our travel trailer as a short-term adventure. This has allowed me to paint the landscapes of many places in-person including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and West Virginia. This summer we plan to go out West where I will paint many new landscapes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I had a relatively encouraging start compared to some artists’ journey. I had many of sales and interest from early on. The impact of Covid has definitely taken its toll as supply chains and shipping has been disrupted so heavily. I think I will always struggle with making time for just painting as there seems to be so many hats a sole proprietor has to wear. I spend way more time on a computer than I would prefer editing photos, marketing, and maintaining platforms for selling. I’ve learned to paint in big chunks of time and batch work on jobs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I definitely paint landscapes the most. I have always loved clouds and the dramatic changes in the sky, especially during the “golden hour”. South Carolina has the prettiest cumulus clouds and of course, the marshes are a favorite view for me personally. I don’t only paint landscapes though. My horses have been very popular and I love painting spiritual pieces as well. I often get to paint at my church during the worship service and I absolutely love sharing those pieces. I am still very young as an artist so I think I am still finding my voice. I paint very loose and energetic and fast. I will never have the patience or interest in photo-realism as a painter, but rather strive to capture the light and the energy of a place or subject. Personally, I am always drawn to art that can capture so much in just a few brushstrokes.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband and my family have most definitely been my biggest cheerleaders. They have encouraged me and been very supportive of me. I have also had many friends who have been encouragers. One of the greatest compliments is when a friend commissions me with a piece. I feel like you really have to trust an artist to pay for a commission. You may know that you like their style but you are willing to trust their judgment and give them freedom to create something just for you.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@aprilmoffatt.com
- Website: www.aprilmoffatt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilmoffatt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprilmoffattart/
Image Credits
April Moffatt
Steven Hyatt
