Ashley Marie Richiez is a self-taught artist based in Austin, Texas. Her artistic journey began at a young age, but it was the pandemic of 2020 that prompted her to take a significant leap in her career. During this period of reflection, she realized that creating art was her true passion and joy. Ashley finds nature fiercely beautiful, making it a constant source of inspiration for her work. Using acrylics on canvas, she aims to capture the profound emotions evoked by nature's embrace. The outdoors and her explorations of new places serve as powerful catalysts, enabling her to create fresh narratives with her paint, bringing forth something beautiful and organic that hadn’t existed before.
Ashley aspires to translate the essence of her surroundings onto canvas, capturing their rhythm, movement, and core in an abstract and expressive form. In doing so, her paintings become visual expressions of fleeting moments, offering a unique and interpretive perspective on each encounter with nature. With every brushstroke, she aims to transcend the constraints of time and unveil a new moment—a fresh story in an ever-evolving narrative.
Awakening Memories and Emotions
CB: Your paintings are inspired by nature. How do you translate the beauty of nature into an abstract expression of yours?
Ashley: My work is inspired by moments I experience, many of which occur in nature. I naturally absorb and hold onto specific moments, translating them in my mind into distinct colors and compositions. Whether it's the simplicity of everyday life or the intensity of travel experiences, each moment carries a particular emotion or memory that I strive to capture. Working with a fluid medium allows me to begin spontaneously, letting each layer guide the next. It's a process of reaction and intentionality, with each brushstroke adding depth to the narrative. Ultimately, my goal is to create something organic and new—a visual expression of moments that previously existed only in my mind.
Endless Sources of Inspiration
CB: What do you hope your audience takes away from looking at your work and how they feel about nature, earth, and the environment?
Ashley: My work is inspired by moments I experience, many of which occur in nature. I naturally absorb and hold onto specific moments, translating them in my mind into distinct colors and compositions. Whether it's the simplicity of everyday life or the intensity of travel experiences, each moment carries a particular emotion or memory that I strive to capture.
Working with a fluid medium allows me to begin spontaneously, letting each layer guide the next. It's a process of reaction and intentionality, with each brushstroke adding depth to the narrative. Ultimately, my goal is to create something organic and new—a visual expression of moments that previously existed only in my mind.
A Calming Invitation
CB: What role would you like your art to play in today's society, is there a specific message or perspective you wish to share?
Ashley: My art serves as a gentle invitation for viewers to slow down, embrace moments of tranquility, and simply let go. When people step into my studio, they often tell me how calming and serene they find my artwork. I love hearing this feedback because, for me, creating art is a meditative practice—a way to disconnect from the chaos of the world, shed perfectionism, and immerse myself in mindful painting. I hope this sense of slowing down and fostering inner calm extends to those who experience my work, allowing them to appreciate the value of taking a pause in such a fast-paced world.
Nature's Influence on Recent Works
CB: How has observing nature influenced one of your recent artworks?
Ashley: Observing nature plays a significant role in each collection I create and in every piece I paint. This is most recently showcased in my latest collection, titled "LOVE LETTERS TO MEXICO." Inspired by the vibrant hues and textures of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, and Mexico City, this series of paintings is a heartfelt homage to the essence of Mexico's landscapes and traditions. From the earthy tones of stone and clay to the vivid pigments of cacti and flora, each painting reflects the beauty and richness of Mexico's natural environment. The sun-drenched beaches and the deep spectrum of blues spanning from the ocean to the lagoons are captured in my artwork, serving as a testament to the pure magic of inspiration drawn from Mexico’s nature. Each piece in this collection is a personal journey, weaving together experiences and sentiments into a visual narrative that celebrates the nostalgia, special memories, and emotions evoked by this beautiful landscape.
CB: What inspires you the most these days to create your artwork?
Ashley: Nature is a constant source of inspiration for my artwork. Whether walking through the lush greenbelt in Austin, Texas, hiking a mountain in the Lofoten Islands of Norway, or sipping mezcal in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca, I’m continuously inspired by moments surrounded by nature’s embrace. I'm also inspired by the creativity of many artists, such as Helen Frankenthaler, Mark Rothko, Kenneth Noland, Heather Day, and Maja Długołęcka. Each artist brings their unique flair and influences my creative process, inspiring me to explore my own work. Among them, my great aunt, Mildred Holly, holds a special place in my heart. Though we never met, her artistic presence surrounded me in my nana’s home. Her impressionistic paintings, which adorned my nana’s walls, used bright colors to create abstract depictions of flowers and nature. I am fortunate to own two of her original pieces now, which are displayed in my home. I continue to appreciate and admire them each day.
CB: What is the best part you enjoy about creating the complexities of the layers and curves in your artwork with the flow of colors?
Ashley: The best part is the freedom of self-expression. It lets me express myself without any rules holding me back. Instead of focusing on making something look realistic, I can dive into my emotions and experiences, letting them guide the paintbrush and color choices. It's like taking a journey into my own mind, where every layer and curve on the canvas tells a story that's uniquely mine. I can be spontaneous and trust my instincts, explore, experiment, and express myself authentically, making each artwork a reflection of my inner world.
CB: How has traveling and living in various parts of the world impacted your artistic vision?
Ashley: Experiencing different parts of the world has brought a fresh perspective to my work. My color palette is constantly changing from collection to collection, inspired by the places I’ve visited. Whether it's the vibrant energy of Mexico City, the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic, or the rugged landscapes of the Nordic countries, each destination has left a lasting imprint on my artistic vision. Closer to home, I've explored the diverse landscapes and cultures of the US, from the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the sun-drenched deserts of West Texas. My art, in a way, reflects the kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and emotions I've encountered on my travels—a visual journal of the world as I've seen it, captured on canvas.
CB: What are three things in your studio that help you regain your energy, stimulate your thoughts, and finish a piece?
Ashley: Oh, great question! I would have to say palo santo, my studio journal, and Rick Rubin’s "The Creative Act: A Way of Being." Before I even reach for my paintbrush, I’ve established a routine in my studio. I begin by lighting some palo santo, allowing its aroma to fill the space and clear my mind. Then, I spend some time journaling, pouring out my thoughts and ideas onto the pages of my studio journal. Finally, I turn to excerpts from Rick Rubin's book, which never fails to inspire and ignite my creative spark. This ritual helps me relax, let go of the day's distractions, and fully focus on the creative process ahead.
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