Q&A With Artist Toni Perry

Toni Perry is an artist who specializes in abstract paintings and is recognized most by her colorful commissions. We got the opportunity to chat with Toni and ask her all about her artistic process, her thoughts on home trends, and her advice on purchasing art for the home.

Tell us about how you got started as an artist.

Well, it started all at once in 2017 with the emptiest of empty nests and deep desire for my downsized life to truly reflect me. I painted my first two paintings ever. Both were large canvas signs. “Jump” the silhouette of a girl leaping represented my enthusiasm for all the possibilities the future held, and “Just another thing” was a play on society’s view of a 50-something-woman starting from scratch. Both still hang in my home, both are still me, and I am still proud of that. The feeling of releasing myself onto the canvas was immense and I was hooked on painting instantly.

What type of art do you specialize in? How would you describe your style?

I am an abstract expressionist. I learned along the way while experimenting with colors and mediums that as long as I stayed true to the thoughts and feelings that were driving the process, I was being true to myself. For me, that means expressing all of that in many different styles from thick heavy colorful canvases to smooth rich inks and bold panels with a thick acrylic glass coat that reflects the world. So, I guess you could say I’m all over the place, and I love it.

What is the best part of your job?

The very best part is when someone is looking at one of my paintings and I see their eyes focus, the corner of their mouth perk or their head tilt the slightest. Seeing someone feel something of my work is like watching one of my kids or grandkids stand on a stage at school for their kindergarten graduation. It melts me every time.

What’s your advice for someone who wants to purchase art, but doesn’t know where to start?

That’s easy, find what you love and buy it. Original art is not home décor. No one else will have what you have. It should feel a bit like it was painted just for you. Original art is an investment in your home. It is a reflection of the collector. Surround yourself with things you love.

What are some of the current trends you’re seeing in artwork for the home?

In so many ways I have no idea. From what I have noticed, over the last year people now feel a little more “me” driven in their nests. My clients, even my corporate clients, and collectors are all looking for art they connect with and love. They are somehow seeking something more “them”. Which makes perfect sense given how much the world has changed in its last lap around the sun.

What is your commission process like?

Great question! My goal is to make things as simple as possible. I always start with a site visit to establish the perfect size for the space. The collector and I will talk about the styles of my work that speaks to them, and of course colors. I also think it’s important to note that there are no surprises. I use standard pricing by the square inch based on materials, and I set the deadline. The set price is the set price and I have never missed a deadline.

To contact Toni about a commission piece, email her at [email protected] and be sure to follow her on Instagram!