Daily Inspiration: Meet Alexis McDowell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis McDowell. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since childhood, I have had a desire to become an artist but the thought of being a professional artist seemed totally unreal and intimidating. Only really successful artists can call themselves that or live as artists. I didn’t feel like I could ever possibly do that. I was always told you had to be “really good” to succeed in the art world. So, with little encouragement and lack of confidence, I steered myself away from the desire to create. As a settlement, I earned a degree in communications and a minor in art. Then I worked in graphic design but it didn’t fully satisfy my yearning to produce my own artwork. 

After working for several years, I had children and stayed home raising them, being there for them. Eventually, that artistic desire to create came creeping back and I couldn’t help myself, the art sought me out. Finally, I decided it was time to answer the call and I took that step down the “official” art road and entered art school. 

Now, the path seems to be forming in front of me: I am making art. I am creating. I am inspired and infused with ideas. It is who I am meant to be – no more denying it – I am an artist! 

I am a multi-disciplinary artist creating everything from landscapes and scenery in the digital medium to watermedia political paintings in response to the war in Ukraine. I also am crafty and make junk-to-art paper bouquets from recycled paper and blooming stix that are reclaimed sticks painted to blossom in their own special way. I truly see art everywhere – my only limitation is hours in the day. I wish I didn’t need to sleep, I need to make up for lost time! 

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?
Struggles along the way have been very purposeful, as a tree is being pruned. I believe that everything that happens is part of a plan that God has for me. My life hasn’t been easy, but no one’s life is. 

Left by my dad at birth, stepdad dies when I was thirteen of leukemia, sister with borderline personality – these things are hard. I struggle to deal with life sometimes, but I know that these things make me stronger. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist. Nature is my biggest inspiration. I feel so much awe by the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Morning, afternoon, and evening, rain and shine the landscape of Colorado provide us with a kaleidoscope of scenery that is unmatched. The flowing hills, the ebbs, and flows, the beautiful colors. I love it all and want to share the way I see the landscape with others. When I look at the valleys and rippling hills with their watercolors and textured slopes and I can’t help but feel the urge to create. 

Acrylic and canvas have been my media for a long time, but it was not until recently that my love for vintage travel posters and iconic sites combined in my mind. That is when I began to create posters of special places around the area. I also love the city of Denver – it is in my heart and I want to share the scenes around Denver through the travel-style posters as well…coming soon are a series of iconic landmarks in Denver. I can’t wait to share them with my fellow Denverites! 

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I work alone but my family, friends, and community all support my work.

However, I am always open and amenable to collaboration and working with fellow artists. I love new ideas, being inspired, and meeting new people who feel the same. Denver is such a rich environment for the arts and there are so many creatives here. I love being a part of that.

Pricing:

• Posters $50 each
• Posters $175 for set of 4

Contact Info:

• Email: drawsandpaints@gmail.com
• Website: www.alexismcdowell.art
• Instagram: @alexismcdowell.art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexismcdowellartist 

Image Credits
Alexis McDowell