Check Out Anna Goodwin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Goodwin.

Hi Anna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Anna Goodwin. I was born and raised in Kansas City. I am a visual artist specializing in acrylic painting. I graduated from Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in KCMO, majoring in Visual Arts. My love for art was cultivated at Paseo, but that’s also where it remained until 2016. Upon graduating in 2004, I attended UMKC for Nursing but didn’t finish the program. I now know there was a reason for that. It’s not that I gave up on Nursing, but I know it wasn’t my true passion. It was just what I was told to do to have a stable career.

I could go to the Art Institute, but I didn’t want to be what some would label a “struggling or starving artist.” I was discouraged from fully pursuing art in a world before social media and online opportunities. Fast Foward to 2016, and guess what? It all came full circle. I now had a decent job and family, but something needed to be added. I didn’t have a true passion or “calling.” I was scrolling on Facebook and saw an amazing painting that inspired me to sketch again. I then found my love and passion for art again. Sketching then turned into experimenting with painting after seeing a watercolor kit at Ikea. From there, I tried acrylic paint and have yet to stop since. I have created over 100 paintings. I’ve completed 2 murals for local businesses and have hosted private paint parties. I’ve been fortunate to be featured in art shows and exhibitions across the city.

Sometimes, I sit back in awe that people admire and appreciate my art, which I just did for fun. I am entirely grateful. I hope to have murals all over the city, in restaurants, buildings, and schools! I know everyone can appreciate art in some form, and I love that it is a form of self-expression and therapeutic. My love for art runs deep! I get excited seeing all the murals in our city. I find beauty and art in nature. Colors in nature are the purest form of art to me. I want to inspire others as other artists have inspired me. I have considered becoming an art teacher! Education is important and limitless! School is where I discovered my passion. And although I am still learning, I would love to teach young and aspiring artists. My 2 sons (8 and 10) are both blooming artists, which is amazing! We can run from our gifts, but they will always follow us until we realize them and see that we must live in our purpose. Art is my purpose. I can’t escape it. It is the gift I was given, and I shall put it back into the world. After all, artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been a lot of self-doubts and even art block. There have been times when I last painted over a month ago. There just needed to be more time in the day. I yearned to paint all day, but I still had to work full-time as a mom and wife. I had to find a happy balance. It’s all about time management. Less scrolling on social media helped (Lol). Also, sometimes we think we aren’t doing enough because of the perception of things we see online. However, we all have our journey. Comparison is the thief of joy! I appreciate my growth and know I’m only in competition with myself. I use others’ accomplishments as inspiration. The support of my art community is amazing!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I specialize primarily in acrylic canvas art but also do mural work. My subject matter can range from abstract to landscape. My favorite subjects to paint are women. There is no limit to an artist. We create what we feel. We also feel what we create. I started off sketching and then began working with paint. I enjoy experimenting with different mediums. I am most proud of my growth in my art. It has been a journey! My use of color in my work separates me from others. I love colors and vibrant hues!

What matters most to you? Why?
Painting is my peace. I am being inspired and inspiring others to live in their purpose. Attaining yourself to your purpose and pouring your God-given gifts back into the world is essential.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/agoodwinart?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063508362537&mibextid=ZbWKwL