We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alanna Peters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alanna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As an artist and painter, I find resilience in the act of creation itself. The process of painting, particularly working with water and figures underwater, teaches me about fluidity, adaptability, and the beauty of transformation. Water, with its ever-changing nature, serves as a reminder that life is in constant motion, and we must learn to flow with it. Every brushstroke is a chance to embrace uncertainty, face challenges, and trust in the process, even when the outcome is unclear.
Resilience comes from the willingness to explore, to make mistakes, and to evolve with each piece. It’s about pushing through moments of doubt and frustration, knowing that creativity is a journey. The practice of painting offers a space to reconnect with my purpose and reminds me that there is always room for expression and finding beauty in the unexpected.
In this way, my art becomes a reflection of my own resilience, a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the strength that lies in embracing both the calm and the chaos.
I find resilience in life by embracing the idea that challenges and setbacks are not obstacles but opportunities for growth. Much like the process of painting, life requires patience, adaptability, and the courage to face uncertainty. I’ve learned that resilience comes from accepting that not everything will go as planned, but within that uncertainty lies the potential for discovery and transformation.
Staying connected to my passions, especially my art, gives me a sense of purpose and direction, even when things feel overwhelming. Painting teaches me to be present, to let go of perfection, and to trust that every layer contributes to the bigger picture.
I also draw strength from my support system of family, friends, and the creative community. Sharing my journey, both the highs and the lows, reminds me that I’m not alone and that resilience often comes from leaning on others when needed.
Ultimately, I find resilience in knowing that the journey is more important than the destination and that every experience shapes me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As an oil painter, I create works ranging from small to large-scale pieces, where I explore the dynamic interplay between the abstract qualities of the environment and the detailed realism of the human figure. Inspired by the idea of impermanence, my work aims to freeze fleeting moments, creating a sense of stillness amidst the relentless motion and noise of life. My paintings invite the viewer to pause, reminding them of the importance of being present and finding peace within the chaos.
A recurring theme in my work is the female form immersed in water. I use oil paint on aluminum panels to focus on light and movement, examining how these elements distort and interact with the human body. Before I begin painting, I conceptualize the emotions I want to evoke, often sewing the models’ dresses myself and capturing reference shots underwater. My paintings are built through many thin layers of oil paint and glazes, allowing the underlying colors to interact with those above. This technique creates a dialogue between intricate details—such as the figure in lace or floral garments—and the reflective, metaphysical qualities of water. I strive to convey a sense of weightlessness and reflection through illusions of transparency.
I am deeply fascinated by the human figure and the shared beauty of our humanity.
Beyond exhibiting and selling my original works, I also offer limited edition prints of select pieces, teach online and in-person workshops, and host creative retreats. I take on commission projects for clients seeking personal, customized paintings.
My paintings are authentic expressions of my desire for human connection. There’s a raw, unfiltered quality to painting that speaks intimately and directly, making it a powerful form of communication.
To follow my artistic journey, participate in workshops, or learn more, visit my website at www.alannapeters.com or follow me on Instagram at @alanna_peters.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that I feel have been impactful are persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously learn.
Persistence has been crucial in my development as an artist. A career in art often feels like a roller coaster, filled with both successes and setbacks. Rejection is a frequent companion, and developing a thick skin becomes essential. There were times when progress felt slow, challenges seemed overwhelming, or self-doubt crept in. As much of the work is a solitary endeavor, it can be difficult without others to motivate you, offer support, or act as a sounding board for your ideas. However, it was consistently showing up and pushing through those tough moments that allowed me to grow, improve, and ultimately reach my goals. For those early in their journey, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or periods of slow progress. The most important thing is to keep creating, even when it feels difficult. Set small, manageable goals and celebrate every step forward. Remember, growth often happens in the moments when you feel like giving up.
Adaptability has allowed me to evolve as an artist and navigate the unexpected twists and turns that come with a creative career. Being open to change, exploring new techniques, and responding to challenges with a flexible mindset has enabled me to expand my artistic practice. Embrace experimentation and be open to exploring. Adaptability means being willing to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, even if it means facing uncertainty. The more you allow yourself to adapt, the more you’ll discover what resonates with you and your work.
The willingness to learn continuously has been a cornerstone of my journey. Whether it’s exploring new painting techniques, studying other artists, or gaining knowledge about the art industry, this search for learning has kept my work fresh and has driven my growth. If you are starting out, remember to invest time in developing your skills as it will never be a waste of your time. Learn from others, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Embrace a mindset of curiosity, and view every experience as an opportunity to learn something new.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As an artist, I love collaborating with others because it pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, explore new techniques, and view my work from a fresh perspective. Collaboration is powerful because it opens up opportunities, ideas, and perspectives that I might not discover on my own. It’s a chance to combine strengths, skills, and experiences, resulting in innovative outcomes that are often more dynamic and multifaceted than what can be achieved individually.
Collaborating also broadens my network, exposes my art to new audiences, and fosters both personal and professional growth. It’s not just about sharing the creative journey, it’s about expanding it in ways that elevate the work to new heights.
I’m open to collaborations that involve creating commissioned pieces for individuals or public spaces, developing exhibitions with a specific theme or goal, teaching workshops, or working together on new projects.
If you’re interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out through my website at www.alannapeters.com or connect with me on Instagram @alanna_peters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alannapeters.com
- Instagram: @alanna_peters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlannaPetersArt
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