Conversations with the Inspiring Tracy Miller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Miller.

Tracy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been an artist my entire life. Starting as a young girl, my parents recognized my talent and bought my art supplies and always encouraged me! Of course, throughout K-12 schooling, I took every art class you can imagine and once I became a freshman in high school I knew I wanted to major in Art in college. My father consented as long as I also got a business minor. (Thanks Dad!)

My degree is in Applied Design with minors in Art History and Business from Metropolitan Stater University in downtown Denver. After taking a couple of jobs in hotel sales right after graduation, I had the opportunity to work for Gallery One as an art consultant. Not only did I get to put my knowledge of art to use, but the sales experience from the hotel business really helped me for my entire career. I spent 1989-1994 working for the gallery then my husband was transferred to Colorado Springs.

We had a young son (Sean, now 28) at the time and it was a great opportunity to stay home and do my art full time. I originally painted on silk back then. I developed a beautiful line of scarves, ties, ruanas, purses, and pillows using Native American Petroglyphs as my images. (Those images were influenced by all the road trips with my family out here in the West.)

I sold at Art fairs, the Indian Market shows and then, I found reps at the Merchandise Mart who helped me get into many stores including the gift shops in the National Parks!

Flash forward to 2008, after burnout on the silk and wanting to explore another medium and subject matter, I
went back to acrylics. I started to develop my bold colorful animals that I’m known for at that time. In 2011, I opened my namesake gallery in Manitou Springs Colorado where I eventually represented 24 artists and the theme was curated as “Art of the New West”.

I closed the gallery in December of 2018 to focus on my own art again. I’ve been fortunate to have some good success in the licensing market which has brought me work from all over the world!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
An art career is never a straight roadmap, Be ready for a roller coaster ride at times. It can be very good and then all of sudden, nothing sells. Be prepared when times are good to save some money. Be prepared to be flexible. I have not painted the same exact thing over my lifetime career. I have switched gears many times. I watch the market for trends in designs, colors, movements, etc… be authentic with what you paint, don’t copy others, it’ll be obvious to the buyer.

Follow some good people in this business to get guidance and advice. I like to recommend Barney Davey and Alyson Stanfield (who lives in Golden). Remember, if you want to earn an income, treat it like it’s a business, step outside your own emotions so you can look at your art from the client’s perspective.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in animal paintings. That runs the gamut from both Western Wildlife to African Wildlife and everything in between. At this point in my career, 70 percent of my income comes from doing dog commissions and the royalties I receive from my licensing.

I’m known for my bright colors and bold brushwork and ability to capture an animal’s eyes that the viewer can stare into and sense humanity in them. Even though the colors are crazy, I layer them in a way that still defines muscle structure, face shape, etc… so the form is clearly readable.

I’m most proud of my licensing! Wow, I never would have thought my prints would be sold in Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Home Sense of Canada and many other smaller retailer and gift shops. They end up in private homes, veterinarians offices, dog salons, etc… and from that, I get contacted by people from all over who commission to paint their best friend.

It’s such a personal and wonderful interaction to have with my clients to paint their cherished pet in a way that is bright and joyful as the majority of these portraits are for dogs and cats that have passed away.

I think I have set myself apart because I’ve been doing this for 11 years. I know my market, I keep my prices reasonable so even younger collectors can afford to purchase. I make the process easy, understandable and guarantee their satisfaction.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Well, my Mom for one and my Grandmother. Both strong Irish women! I think I get my fortitude from them.

As for art role models, to the past, I look to Georgia O’Keefe who lived her life as she saw fit and never compromised her vision of her art. Emily Carr from Canada who painted during the victorian era and did things no other woman in that place and time would have done, my goal is to get to her museum at some point! I adore her art and highly recommend the book about her, The Forest Lover.

I have many contemporary painter friends who inspire me every day and we all encourage each other in our respective careers. They know who they are! Lots of conversations over coffee or wine (if it’s an evening). And sometimes we simply get together and quietly paint side by side. I appreciate their friendship and support!

Pricing:

• originals priced from $300-$3200
• commissions priced from $300
• I occassionally do some special $100 painting series, sign up for my newsletter

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tracymillerfineart.com
• Phone: 719-650-0827
• Email: tracymillerfineart@gmail.com
• Instagram: @tracymillerfineart
• Facebook: facebook.com/tracymillerstudiogallery
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyemiller/

Image Credit:
Eric Murphy, Brie Lobdell, Emily Fair

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