Ashlie Blake

Hi, my name is Ashlie Blake and I'm a folk artist! I enjoy painting all kinds of whimsical folk scenes and imagery but have a particular love of Halloween!

I specialize in painting with acrylics on canvas, but you can also find me in my studio painting boxes and other assorted wood items. Halloween has always been special to me. From the days as a child trick or treating... filling my pillow case to the top with candy... now trick or treating with my family and still getting that eerie feeling as we walk past a small family plotted graveyard on our way.

I would like to say that I did all this on my own, but I wouldn't be where I am now at such a young age without the constant support of my husband and parents... and of course my 2 1/2 year old son Brighton who proudly shows visitors to my studio each painting I've done with a big smile and a 'mommy did it!'.

Q. How long have you been an artist or doing art?

A. I have been creating art ever since I could pick up a pencil, or so my mom says! But I started painting for me and the ideas in my mind during high school when I was 15 years old.

Q. What started you in your craft?

A. After trying all sorts of art, such as oil painting and collage I settled into folk art. I had always been doing folk art in a way I just needed a push. That push came from the admiration of my family. It became only natural for me to paint things that made me feel like home.

Q. Are there certain things that inspire you to create?

A. Everything inspires me... other artists inspire me, nature, my garden, and of course my children!

Q. Do you have any tips for other artists who are just starting out?

A. Don't stop would be my advise, persevere. Try everything and find what feels the best.

Q. What is your favorite medium or tool used in your art?

A. My favorite medium is acrylic paint on canvas, which is hilarious because for years I swore I'd never paint in acrylics... that oils were better. I was being foolish obviously, my problem was I had never given them a chance... and of course now it is my only choice of paint.

Q. How did you come to be interested in Halloween art?

A. I never became 'interested' in Halloween art. I just always was! Interested in the holiday, interested in painting pumpkins and witches and anything spooky! My Halloween art consists of saltbox house scenes with big yellow moons and pumpkins a-light. I also paint pumpkins and the occasional witch, moons with calm smiling faces. I love to put my images on canvas but also love to paint boxes. I paint these things because again, they remind me of home. I am surrounded by farms and pumpkin patches, here in upstate NY in the fall there is apple picking and hay mazes.... indian corn and the smell of fallen leaves.
 

Email Ashlie and visit her website at:www.ashlieblake.com - her pages here on HalloweenArtists.com and her ebay auctions.