What am I in most people’s eyes?
A nonentity or an eccentric and disagreeable man
somebody who has no position in society and never will have,
in short, the lowest of the low.
Very well, even if this were true,
I should want my work to show what is in the heart
of such an eccentric, of such a nobody.
Vincent VanGogh
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About the Artist
Amanda Milke was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick.
She likes to say that her first artistic endeavours began when she was four years old and discovered that crayon was a fascinating medium,
and walls allow for a large amount of artistic expression. At least until her mother caught her.
Amanda has used more traditional media since then with explorations of acrylic, watercolour, chalk, pastel, ink, and charcoal.
Her favorite medium is acrylic, and it is in this medium that much of her most distinct work is done.
Many people comment on her vivid use of colour. T
his colourful method, combined with a unique, bold brush style, leaves many amazed at what this talented young artist can do.
Amanda has a degree in English and History, and in getting that degree, she did some studies at the University of Oxford in England.
She lived in Japan for two years, where she taught English as a second language (naturally using the opportunity to study Japanese calligraphy).
Amanda uses her art as a way of releasing emotion.
She feels that there are things you can say in images that words cannot adequately express.
As a result, one finds a raw emotion in her work that captures to a minute degree the moments of her life.
Amanda now resides in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta with her husband, Jonathan.
Commissioning information
If you see a piece you’d like or have an idea for a commission simply drop the artist an email at themilkeway@gmail.com
All acrylic paintings are done on 100% cotton triple primed acid free canvas.
Canvas is back stapled with smooth, staple free sides painted a solid color meaning, no framing required.
Twice sealed with varnish to protect from UV and dust. Larger canvas’ have wooden stretcher bars for support.
All artwork is original. All paintings come signed on the front and back of each piece.
Please note that each piece is copyrighted and as a buyer you are purchasing the actual work and not the rights to the image.
If you require the rights for advertising or business purposes please let me know and we can discuss the details.
Within Canada, shipping is included in the price. If you are outside of Canada, contact me and I can provide you with a shipping quote.
Commission Base Price
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required on all commissions.
Acrylic Paintings Base Price: Length x Height x 1.75*
Watercolor/Word Art: (See “Life Simplified” series for examples) Length x Height x 1.5*
Other: Drawings, etc Length x Height x 1*
*Commission price may vary, depending on complexity.
Art Prints
8″ x 10″ prints are available for all artwork and have a white border.
They are printed on archival quality glossy paper.
Prints are mailed internationally in a “stay flat” mailer and come signed and numbered on the back and are $20 each.
Recently Seen at
- 2009 Axis Professional Building (Art work on display): Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
- 2009 Fort Saskatchewan Art Walk: Downtown Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
- 2008 Shop in the Fort: Dow Centennial Center, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
- 2008 Arts & Crafts show: Legion building, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
- 2008 Edmonton Jam Space Music Studio: Edmonton, Alberta
What people have said
- Your work is very joyful and full of life. I see someone who has a lot to express. Keep the flame burning
- Awesome stuff out there in your gallery and I should say that the abstract gallery rocks
- I like your work! It’s bold and diverse!
- I love your stuff, it is a style that I really enjoy.
- Your watercolor paintings are like fingerprint whirls, each one unique and beautiful.
- I can’t believe you’re self-taught!
- I love your use of color, so daring and expressive.
- Interview with the artist can be found here.
- Mr. Doug Geivett article on “Guitar-The Colour of Music” piece.





Hi Amanda,
Thanks for commenting on ArtBozeman. It’s fun to find you in Iwate; I lived 3 years in Miyagi (Sendai) and really enjoyed it. Hope it’s going well for you. I’m curious: how did you happen to find ArtBozeman?
Cheers,
Steve
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for visiting Ducky’s Ducks & leaving your nice comments. I also, have an art blog, Perceptions at word press. You can find it by http://deenie.2007.wordpress.com Please stop by for a visit.
I’m also Canadian. Just looking over your site now.
Have a good day.
Thanks for leaving me a comment. i really wanna go see Canada, it’s a nice place as i heard. Keep the good works.
Thanks for sharing
Amanda,
I appreciate very much your comment made on my Rob The Robot ! As you I am a self taught artist as well, Hope u enjoyed the rest on my work as well. Your work is very joyful and full of life. I see someone who has a lot to express. Keep the flame burning
Cheers from Canada as well
Love&Light
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting!
Amanda,
Thanks for the kind words. It’s great to have met a fellow art lover so quickly after establishing my own space. I hope you’ll check back sometime – I’ll gladly do the same.
Keep up the great work!
Hi Amanda,
I find your picture on digg. You’re a great artist!
Marco M.
http://www.mellart.com
Awesome stuffs out there in ur gallery and i should say that the traditional gallery rocks…..!!……*headbang*…..!!…..Keep up the good work and 3 cheers…..btw u r in my blogroll…….:)
Hello there.
Just found your site. Great job!
I like it much.
India Art Summit 2008! Be There!
I like your work! It’s bold and diverse!
I explored some and I will back to see more, and I’m looking forward to seeing all your future creations too.
Good and creative energies to you!
Hi Amanda! I am excited that you commented on my blog and I now have a chance to see your work. I love your stuff, it is a style that I really enjoy. I will keep checking in from time to time to see what you are up to!
[...] on a Guitar—The Milke Way Amanda Milke imagines musical instruments in the bright colors of acrylic. Maybe I should say she re-imagines [...]
I love your site. Keep it up !
I think your work is exceptionally unique, inspirational, and beautiful. And Kurt Vonnegut is one of my favorite writers. I’m especially interested in your painting “Salvation,” and I would like to use it, only with your permission of course, to introduce each segment of my serialized book, “Salvation Diary,” on my blog, at: joycestake.blogspot.com If you agree I would like to post a link back to your site. Hope to hear from you. R Joyce
Dear Amanda
I love your watercolor, “Lovers Embrace”.
I have a small project which is a music CD with 6 of my own tracks on it. I thought your painting would look perfect inside the CD booklet to accompany the lyrics of one song called, “The Timing Was All Wrong”. I was hoping you would be interested in allowing me to use the artwork in the booklet. I was also hoping that you might allow me to do this at no cost in exchange for me acknowledging you and printing a link to your website.
This is my first music venture and I am an independent artist, so no signing yet and so I have no idea if or how many this CD will sell.
What do you think to my proposal? My email is below.
Kind wishes,
Gavin
gavin@gavinadamwood.com
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
Thanks for stopping in!
You know what else ruins clothes? ,