February 2021
It is a privilege to finally share a close-up of this commissioned piece, “gracious”, that was collected in December 2020.
Artist’s thoughts:
Thank you for excusing my lack of a January blog post. I intentionally wanted to pause during the holiday season to make sure that I wasn't spread too thin for the sake of my family and myself. After all, life is a marathon, not a sprint. I hope that you too had a holiday season that you felt thankful for, focusing on the things that are most important.
My primary focus has been the storyboard for my children’s book, "Why does Mommy say NO?" For those of you who might be just starting to follow me; this is a remake project that I have undertaken to upgrade a children's book that I wrote over 12 years ago. A Publisher has expressed interest in it for publication just recently. In light of this exciting development, I immediately determined that it was time to update the illustrations according to where I am at currently as an artist. I am immensely enjoying the ride and I hope that you are too, for those of you who follow me on social media platforms. I am on Instagram, FaceBook, and LinkedIn. Most active on FaceBook.
My hopes as I share this project with you is that you will see again through the eyes of our little ones; remembering how exciting yet confusing the world can be. They see boundaries set by their parents as obstacles that they truly wish to overcome because they lack the understanding of why they are being denied something. I love using the simple exercise of logic to help connect the dots for these little minds to replace their frustration with illumination and a realization that these boundaries are actually all because they are loved.
My children (one also on the Autism spectrum) grew up LOVING this book and I hope that someday, families everywhere will be able to enjoy this book for themselves as it helps them and their young ones to share in understanding, security, and love.
-Amanda
February Autism Spotlight
Annie Beth's colleagues and employees can always count on her exceptional intelligence and attention to detail.
Meet author, Annie Beth Donahue. She is on the Autism Spectrum. Annie Beth demonstrates an excellent understanding and command of language not only in her middle grade mystery book, “No Clues, You Lose” (set for release by Bandersnatch Books in late 2021), but in many other areas of life.
Annie Beth uses her categorization ability to practice excellent organizational skills in her management role at her workplace. Her colleagues say of her, “Annie Beth is our idea person who is good at brainstorming the strategies and keeping us focused in ways that will push our business forward”.
Annie Beth’s mix of logic and creativity play a key role in her success. They also inspired her to launch a nonprofit organization. The organization connects special needs students with free adaptive and medical equipment. It also provides a commercial café space for students in the public school system to practice a plethora of life skills!
Annie Beth’s analytical mind is always finding ways to improve processes. The children’s program that she organizes and leads with her husband through volunteer is no different; she is always finding ways to improve and meet the changing needs of unique children.
Annie Beth demonstrates empathy. She has been known to relate to others very effectively based on her own life experiences and overcoming challenges. It wouldn’t be unusual to find her calming down a flustered person with some caring, reflective listening.
In her literary work, the unique perspectives of Annie Beth’s characters are refreshing and quite groundbreaking. Learn more and follow what she is up to on Instagram annie_beth_donahue !
Annie Beth says of Amanda Hebert Hughes – american artist: “The art of Amanda Hebert Hughes is immediately recognizable for its clean lines and rich texture. Each carefully selected color evokes a specific emotion. Like good literature, the work of Amanda Hebert Hughes is not meant to be merely seen but interacted with. You come away different than you were before the encounter.”
*Do you know an amazing individual on the Autism Spectrum? Email: AHH.americanartist@gmail.com for a Spotlight opportunity. Individuals are not fiscally compensated for spotlights.
Available Pieces
“emeralds”
Jewels collection
Mixed medium on canvas
19” x 36”
"accelerated"
Mixed medium on canvas
18" x 24"
“pink planet”
Mixed medium on canvas panel
7” x 9”
“If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.”
-Andrew Hopper