Amy Florence

I grew up in East London and moved to Florence, Italy to study classical painting when I was 18. I wanted to expand my creative vocabulary and learn to paint. I trained at a small atelier where I went on to teach for 5 years. Eventually I felt frustrated by the restrictions enforced at the atelier and decided to leave. Over the years I went from a shared studio space to my own private studio. Every time I thought about leaving Florence, an opportunity would arise that would convince me to stay. My studio is a purpose built painting studio from 1876, high ceilings and a large north facing window. I lived in the studio for a number of years, before moving to the countryside, and keeping the studio as a workspace. I’ve always felt an affinity for nature, and forever out of place in a city. I spent large parts of my childhood in London in the garden or in my attic bedroom drawing and looking out of the skylight.

I live in an old farmhouse between Florence and Siena with my partner who is also a painter, and our dog. I paint almost every day, inspired by the life around me and my own curiosity. Painting is an endless task, always searching and always learning, but one that I am committed to.