**[Amanda Howell Whitehurst](https://www.cohart.com/amacieforever/profile)** is an artist and illustrator based in Jacksonville, Florida. Amanda’s work draws from a modern vintage aesthetic, reimagining the beauty and complexity of Black identity through bold, expressive illustrations. Her characters, often women and men of color, evoke a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary narratives, embodying both strength and vulnerability. With each piece, Amanda seamlessly merges retro influences with present-day reflections, inviting viewers into a world where heritage and futurism collide.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process? What materials and techniques do you typically use? 

I enjoy working across different styles, but each piece begins the same way: with inspiration and exploration. Usually in between the times I am not creating, I’m looking for and at references, like poses I want to illustrate, or maybe a scene I want to create. For digital art, I usually start by sketching the work out. I have now gotten into using a projector on larger pieces. So, if I am doing a large scale oil painting or larger gouache painting, I will project the sketch from my iPad, and transfer the work onto the canvas or paper. After that, the fun starts! Whether it's digital brushes, or oil or gouache paint, I convey my work the same.

##### What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?   

As a Black woman, my art reflects the thoughts, experiences, and identity that resonate with me. I’m also an ‘80s baby who grew up in the ‘90s—a time I remember as simpler and comforting. With so much happening in the world today, I find myself drawn to that sense of nostalgia, those memories that offer a feeling of warmth and ease. That’s what I hope viewers feel when they look at my work—a sense of comfort that only nostalgia can bring. Through the colors, textures, and references I use, I aim to evoke that familiar, happy space where memory and feeling blend. It’s a way to pause and find joy in the simplicity of the past, even if it's just for a moment. 

##### What role does spontaneity versus planning play in your creative process? 

For me, the best part of working between digital and traditional art is that I can go with whatever I’m feeling in the moment. Sometimes I’ll be scrolling through reference photos and suddenly think, ‘I want to illustrate this on my iPad,’ or I’ll find an old photo and instantly know, ‘I need to paint this in oils.’ It’s all about the feeling at that time. The most important thing is that I’m always creating, however I decide to do it. It keeps me in that flow of constant creativity, whether it’s digital or traditional.

##### Can you discuss a piece that challenged you both technically and conceptually? 

A piece that challenged me technically and conceptually was for this particular [mural](https://www.amandahowellwhitehurst.com/?itemId=uxljmduo1qji4scyh7ybrq2roj4385) I created for a Walmart store. I had to create something based off of things that were important to this community. It involved three things I don’t usually (or ever) illustrate: Animals, Buildings, and Environments. I was definitely challenged with this one, but as I always do, I was going to put my all into it. The end result was something beautiful. I was so proud of myself, because it showed me that I could illustrate the things I tried so hard to stay away from because I thought I couldn't do it.

##### Can you share a specific project or piece that holds special significance for you? Why is it important?  

My oil painting entitled “New Life”. It’s a painting of my mother and my older sister as a baby. This was the second painting I have done from a family photo, but this was the one that gave me my “ah ha” moment. This was the painting that showed me that this is the painter I want to be. This is the mood, and the nostalgia, and those old memory feelings that I want all my artwork to convey. It’s just something about it that makes you feel warm. It’s one of my favorite pieces that I’ve done.

##### How do you approach the concept of failure in your art practice?

Every piece isn’t going to come out the way I planned or envisioned it. There are even times where I literally forget how to draw! When I have those moments, I may abandon that piece. Instead, I take that time and look at more references or look at work from other artists, to get inspired. The most important thing I make sure to do, is to keep moving.  

##### What impact do you hope your art has on the community or society at large, if any?  

I’ve seen art that makes me think, ‘That wasn’t my experience, but it feels good—it makes me miss that time.’ That’s what I want people to feel when they see my work. I want them to feel good, to feel safe, or maybe to miss those times that brought them joy. My hope is to spark those happy feelings, even if just for a moment, and to bring a little positivity in these crazy times.

##### What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?

I’ve been creating art for a long time, though there was a period when I stepped away to focus on photography. Still, I couldn’t abandon art entirely; I felt pulled back in—especially when the iPad first came out. I bought one and fell in love with creating all over again. The ability to bring my ideas to life instantly reignited my passion. I believe it’s my consistency in creating and studying that has brought me to where I am today, and I aim to keep that same consistency moving forward.

##### How do you handle feedback on your work?

Thankfully, it’s been pretty positive so far. Every now and then I may see something a little negative. But, that’s how it goes. It’s easy to point out things or criticize something. I don’t feed into that. I make what I Iove, and then put it out in the world. Someone else loving it too, is a plus!

##### How do you decide when a piece is finished? What signals that to you?

I rely a lot on my instincts to know when a piece is finished. As I work, I take frequent breaks, scrolling through Instagram, for example, so I don’t end up overworking it. If I stare at it too long, I can start to overthink and overdo things. When I take that final look and feel satisfied with where it’s at, that’s when I know it’s complete.

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Amanda Whitehurst shares her art as a Black woman artist, blending nostalgia, identity, and creativity to evoke warmth and joy.

Spotlight: Amanda Howell Whitehurst’s Modern Retro Art Celebrates Black Identity

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