Artistic homebird with wandering tendencies

Hiya!! I’m Amy and although I live here in Ohio, I am often situated elsewhere (ideally with dog in tow!). 

Yes, Ohio is home and has been off an on for my entire life, but I have also lived in Canada, Philadelphia, Guatemala, Maine, Florida, Washington DC. 

As friends in Ireland have put it, I’m not one to gather moss. 

Forever is composed of nows — Emily Dickinson

Be the slowness you wish to see in the world…

Amy in sunglasses on a boat
Amy Bogard signature

While I have been an artist my entire life, I didn’t grow up in a world where art as vocation would have been considered a viable option.

(I went to teaching school for my first round of university studies.) 

So you might say I came to the art world a bit late, attending art school as an adult, often with my own school aged kids in tow to my studio classes. Although I majored in sculpture (somehow this felt like “real” art, elevated in a way.) I was always doodling in my sketchbook, taking stock of the little things that made up my day to day. 

These sketchbooks were especially rich and vibrant when I was traveling - from camping trips to family vacations.

I often heard comments about my sketchbooks, during school and afterward, that they were “fun” and “different” and eventually, the “you should teach a class!” suggestions led me to put together a course at a local community arts program. 

And the rest is history!  I’ve now been offering my place-based workshops for nearly 20 years!

Press & Appearances

Sketchy Talk - Slow Down and Observe
an interview with artist, illustrator and avid sketching enthusiast, Christina Wald  

Cultivating Creativity
Enthusiasm Diaries podcast with Michelle Bunch

Meet Amy Bogard
Article in Voyage Ohio

Artist Profile
from Urban Appalachian Coalition

Featured Work

I love to make things. Paintings, gardens, storied illustrations. You can find a sampling of these things over on the gram!

Sometimes a tiny little sketchbook is all the souvenir you need. #guatemala #sketchbook #traveljournal #antiguaguatemala #sketch
While the pollen is slowly trying to kill me, the flowers in paint bring solace.
✨ Sketching the Myths of Ireland ✨ Join me, Amy Bogard, for an unforgettable travel journaling workshop in the southwest of Ireland this August 2025! We’ll explore ancient landscapes, folklore, and music, capturing our journey through sketchi
✨ Sketching the Myths of Ireland ✨ 🇮🇪☘️🪄 Ireland is one of the most inspiring places to make art!! 🎨🎨🎨 Join me for an unforgettable travel journaling/sketching workshop in the southwest of Ireland this August! We’ll explore ancient land
A few recent sketches in my travel journal from this recent-most trek to lovely Guatemala 🌋🌋🌋 Drawing a bit in my book each day helps me stay grounded in my travels and is a great way to remember specific moments captured along the way. You CAN

I’d love to connect! 

Sign up for my Substack and/or Patreon page for class announcements, or reach out on Instagram sometime! 

It would be lovely to hear from you and see some of what you are working on too!

Testimonials

  • "In a word Amy Bogard is MAGICAL! The time you spend learning, creating and being with her stays in your heart and mind forever.  I  have personally learned so much  through her guided  watercolor and journal   adventures  that  I   now cannot imagine going a year without one or more of her adventures/classes.  If you're a beginner (as I am) these are the classes for you.  Amy will  just make you better  in her patient,  kind and loving style!  Just pick the  class and destination that speaks to your soul and GO! You will NOT regret it!"

    Cathy Y.

  • "I have participated in Amy's workshops in Taos and Ireland.  She chooses settings that are essentially  OF their places, yet delightfully off the beaten path.  Gentle and encouraging , Amy accepted and taught us from wherever we were artistically.  She also demonstrated accessible methods, ideas and joy that helped us to capture our experiences of those unique places, that I still  love to reexperience in revisiting my sketchbooks."

    Melissa M.

  • "I've attended over five of Amy's art journaling workshops, and each one is a refreshing experience that connects you deeply to the present moment. Through creative expression, her workshops help you truly engage with your surroundings in a grounding and transformative way. After attending one, you'll leave with a fresh perspective and newfound artistic inspiration."

    Tara M.

  • "Amy is continually learning and growing and shares that with us on each travel adventure. She also seizes opportunities as they present themselves and is flexible at fitting in great opportunities for attendees."

    Jo. D.

  • " I am especially impressed with Amy's guidance of beginners and tentative artists. I have created journals that are treasured mementos of my travels, her workshops and beyond."

    Astrid O. M.

  • "Amy provides opportunities to make are that  can be  as personal as you wish- grand scale or tiny scale.  She meets each  participant at his/her ability and provides  meaningful suggestions and tips.  I  have  taken four of amy's workshops and always learn something that takes my art to the next level."

    Penny G.

  • "Amy teaches with gentleness, encouragement and good humor. My confidence is shaky when it comes to drawing and painting, and she always helped me to feel capable as I was learning."

    Mary Oliver H.

  • "My time with Amy is not 'just an art retreat'. It's a time for me to be present mentally, spiritually, and creatively in stunning locations that touch all my senses."

    Amy P.