Rising Stars: Meet Avery Price

Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Price.

Hi Avery, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Austin, wanting to be an artist since I could hold a pencil. And that stayed the case all the way to college, and I enrolled at Texas Tech as a studio art major. I had to step away, though, after my freshman year because I had my daughter, Tate, at age 19. So I put a pause in my art studies, moved back to Austin, got married to my wonderful husband and changed my priorities towards motherhood. Two years go by and I had not touched anything art-related, I enrolled at The University of Texas. However, since I transferred in the spring, the art program was not open for transfers, so I became a liberal arts major.

I stayed at UT for a year but then had a moment when I felt it was time to revisit my love for art. So I dropped out and decided to pursue art (best decision ever). When I dropped out, though, I had no idea what kind of art I wanted to create or even the medium I wanted to specialize in. I started an Instagram account (back then, I was working under the handle @fleamarketfunky) and started to explore and experiment! I had never used watercolor really before, but it was ideal for getting back into the swing of things because it requires little supplies and little clean-up. So I kept exploring for two years with watercolor and oil paint to find my niche.

Also, during this time, I started learning more about the Austin small business world. My in-laws are involved in the startup/ tech space here in Austin, so through them, I started learning all of these stories behind the businesses here in town that I love. I learned what these business owners had to go through to make their establishment thrive and who is connected to what and the ideas behind their business and I became obsessed. I would also snap photos of these businesses that I thought were cool just to have for myself. Then about 2 ½ years ago, on my 24th birthday, I was sitting at Barton Springs by myself and I had the idea of what if I put art to these stories I loved learning about? What if I started to paint these photos I was taking of Austin? And that is how Coloring Austin started! My first painting was Pool Burger and June’s All Day and I haven’t looked back since! I rebranded and set out to learn and paint as many stories as possible! I also found that by painting these establishments, I am also inviting the viewer to share their own personal stories from these places and being able to put art to them! I love it so much, and I strive to honor the Austin community through my art and to keep Austin weird!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Haha, definitely not. To name a few struggles: Finding my niche in the art world. Figuring out how to run a small business and teaching myself skills that don’t naturally come to me. Finding the balance between motherhood/ family and running a small business. Having confidence as an artist.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a watercolor artist painting establishments and businesses of my hometown of Austin, Texas. I honor the local community through my art and put art to the stories of Austin, whether that be the stories behind the businesses or the stories that people have at these establishments.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the art and creative community growing even more in Austin in the upcoming years. Austin has always been a creative hub but in recent years, I have seen such a growth of talented artists, studios, events, and it has been such a blast! There is already art on every corner in Austin (quite literally), but I am seeing creative communities growing at a rapid speed. Also, I think after the pandemic, people are starting to find hobbies outside of work to invest in, so I have seen a rise in workshops and classes around the city. People want a creative outlet and I love it! I think we will see Austin explode with art, especially as Austin grows.

Pricing:

• 5×7″ prints $20
• 8×10″ prints $30
• 5×7″ original paintings $200
• 8×10″ original paintings $375

Contact Info:

• Email: avery@coloringaustin.com
• Website: coloringaustin.com
• Instagram: @coloringatx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coloringaustin/

Image Credits
Courtney Cope