ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Andy Hollimon has Discovered that his Pseudonym -- Ana' Alu -- Helps Creates More Intrigue and Interest in His Work -- Who Knew?!

By Ana' Alu aka Andy Hollimon

Talented Andy Hollimon has been drawing and sketching since he was five years old. He recalls always drawing incessantly. Though he's never had any formal art lessons, sometimes the self-taught approach works well with someone as deeply intuitive and naturally talented as Andy. Working in oil and acrylic, he enjoys pitting realism against his own active imagination for a unique style all his own.

And adding to that imaginative approach, all his work is signed Ana' Alu -- why? He says it's a conversation starter adding more intrigue to the finished piece.

How does he work as an artist?

"I choose whatever subjects that I feel will entertain me first starting with a detailed sketch -- I'm very disciplined about this approach. Figurative art probably intrigues me the most. However, geometric designs allow me to simply be expressive. I like to describe it as free-flow "riffing". Also, creating florals allows me to play with nature and indulge in a vibrant use of color. Then there are the moonscapes because I love painting the full moon..."

He first became intrigued with the moon when as a young airman he followed closely the space program's moon landing. Now, when it comes to drawing the moon and its many details, he uses a dabbing brush technique utilizing a palette that includes beige, gray, white and other colors to create the appearance of craters. He also uses pencils and erasers as he fine tunes the results.

Here's how Andy has had great luck internationally selling his work using online outlets

He takes pride in prolific online selling to patrons all around the world. Through careful research, he has learned which online venues work the best for him and it has paid off.

"I don't consider myself a local artist," he says, "I like expanding my art horizons as far as I can take it. The online world gets international eyes of my work. Galleries are hard to break into so I tried the electronic approach which has led to gallery work too."

In fact, the day we chatted, his work was part of a gallery showing in Stockholm, Sweden! His patrons read like members of the United Nations -- Japan, Cypress, Spain, England, France, Germany and even Australia. These individuals have purchased based on seeing the digital imagery of his work first. Then he ships out the actual artwork to their location.

He advises artists, no matter how introverted, to engage in conversation with potential buyers. "Avoid that walk-by glance and interact instead -- there's a lot to be learned from your customers. Ask what attracted them to the piece they're observing. It's a great way to break the ice and also helps generate ideas for your future marketing."

Find him on Facebook under ANDY HOLLIMON, ARTIST and various online art sellers such as: https://www.singulart.com/en/artist/andy-hollimon-9475

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