STORY OF AN ARTIST

About Riley Anne

Riley Anne Williamson was born in Ogden, Utah. As a young child her parents divorced, and her mother began working full time and pursuing an education to support their family. This allowed her Williamson and her siblings to spend much of her time after school with her great grandparents. Williamson’s grandfather had been an artist in his younger years, exploring abstract expressionism. He favored geometric shapes and patterns with a minimalist style and warm bright colors. His own love of art was something he passed down to Williamson. From a very young age Williamson showed an interest in art. She was constantly drawing, coloring, and creating. Williamson’s grandfather strongly encouraged this. Looking at her drawings, giving affirmation as well as critique, taking her to museums and galleries, even bequeathing her with his own art supplies. She too found strong inspiration in the world of abstract expression, soon working primarily as an abstract painter. His death in 2012 greatly affected Williamson, and she found great comfort in continuing his legacy as an artist.