Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Tutschek.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I spent several years in the modeling industry, traveling constantly and most of the time living out of a suitcase. I knew that I wanted more out of my career and didn’t feel particularly satisfied with the path I was on. I always knew I build something and work for myself. Whenever I’d be in LA, I’d find myself painting in my spare time. It was my creative outlet. I ended up selling a piece…and then another…and that’s when everything started to figure itself out. I dropped modeling and got my first art studio in LA. It was just a few months into that when a group of women asked if I could host them for a “Paint and Sip” bachelorette party. I started hosting regularly and now years down the road, “The Painted Peach,” my Paint and Sip business, is one of the top activities and team-building events in LA.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from smooth, but bumpy roads often lead to the most beautiful places. Having your own business and building it ground up is not particularly easy. There’s been a lot of sleepless nights, but none of which I’d take back because I’m always continuing to learn and grow. Business can go in waves and for me, that’s been the hardest part to adjust to. I remind myself to be humble during the highs and patient during the lows.
Aside from that, creative blocks are a real thing. I used to try and fight through these times, which never resulted in anything good. I’ve learned to just take a step back when this happens. And on top of that, I’ve learned to not feel guilty for stepping back. Instead, I’ll eat some tacos, walk through museums and galleries, put my feet up, and patiently wait until I get a kick of inspiration.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in large-scale abstract paintings and have pieces hanging all around the globe. For me, the thought of having a piece of art hanging across the world on a wall for others to admire, or fall in love with, or absolutely dread brings me so much joy. Everything I paint has a story and holds a special place in my heart, so to move someone in some kind of way through my work means the everything to me. And to think it was all made with my two hands, a little pigment, a canvas, and a whole lot of heart, is pretty neat.
When I started teaching classes and growing “The Painted Peach” business, I did so to remind others to be free, for “the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.” We so often forget how to get back to our childish ways when we’re wrapped up in the hustle bustle of our lives. I wanted this to be a place for people to come and be creative and let go. Our classes take place outdoors at my art studio, surrounded by plants and art, which immediately sets the tone for an authentic experience.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think people would be surprised to learn that my art career actually begun when I was 12 years old. I grew up in Vancouver, BC and our family friends lived on Saltspring Island, which is just a few hours away by ferry. Each Sunday they’d have a huge local market full of art and ceramics and colorful fruits. I fell in love with it. So much so that I painted my own Saltspring postcards with ducks and cows and lakes and sheep and had them printed. I’d get dropped off on Sunday mornings and set up my little table and chair and sell my postcards. Not much has changed 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: paintedpeachla.com
- Instagram: @paintmypeach
