Who would have guessed that one would be able to capture the magic of diamonds on a canvas painting? Well Angie Crabtree is the One. Through her art, she offers a new and exciting way to admire diamonds. Stare in the eye of a diamond long enough and you will see so many colors and ways the light shimmers and sparkles. Angie takes note of all of them to create the most amazing diamond portraits. We sat down for a short interview to meet the woman behind the art.
I saw in your bio that you started to paint at 4 years old. It’s obviously your passion but when and how did you realize you could make a living out of it?
When I was in elementary school, I knew I was going to “be an artist” when I grew up. My parents have always been very supportive of my career. I sold my first paintings when I was 12, and bought my website angiecrabtree.com when I was 13. At 16 I apprenticed for a local artist who made a living from his art, so it helped me solidify my own vision. Throughout art college and for 6 years after, I taught art full time while developing my work and showing in galleries. In summer of 2015, I decided to focus on my art career 100%.
Aside from commissions, what needs to happen between you and a diamond for you to feel inspired to paint it?
I’m drawn to diamonds that capture light and movement in a dramatic way. When I look at them, all I can see are geometric shapes and patterns. Even though I’m a realistic painter, I create them like abstract paintings. Balance, symmetry and reflections are what inspire me most.
You have amazing style. Your sneakers, your home and studio colors down to your nail polish (can you reveal the brand and hue?). How important is it that your personal style connects with your art and vice versa?
Thank you! I’ve spent a lot of time developing my color palette so it is very important to me. My paintings represent me and I find that they crossover pretty naturally. When I moved into my new studio last year, I immediately painted the walls gray and bought black and white furniture. Being surrounded in these colors creates a safe place for me to develop my work. And my nails… they’re almost always powder blue. I don’t actually know the name or brand because it’s referred to #35 at my nail salon. They recently started teasing me about picking a new color. Not quite ready yet!
Do you think you’ll always paint diamonds or do you feel that like Picasso and his blue period, it’s your Diamond Period?
I’m definitely in a Diamond Period. I tend to be a very strategic person so almost everything I do is thought out in advance. I have a very clear vision of what I’ll be doing next, and after that.
Engagement/Holiday season is starting soon but some of our ladies in waiting of a proposal might have to wait until next year to get engaged. Can you pick out 3 Angie Crabtree gift ideas that they could add to their wish list?
In addition to the prints and greeting cards currently in my shop, there are 3 fun things releasing this Winter: hand made diamond pillows, pebbled Italian leather diamond totes and clutches (a collaboration with Paige Gamble and jewelry with my paintings in the gems (a collaboration with Spencer Fine Jewelry).
A little bird told us you are shopping for an engagement ring. How is that going?
I’m loving it! There are so many talented designers out there, and too many diamonds to choose from. I have a clear vision so it will be created as meticulously as my paintings.
Angie is so popular that her e-store runs out of stock super fast. Treat yourself or someone you love with one of her prints here. And make sure you follow her on Instagram @angie-crabtree.
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