Featured Red Raven artist Margaret Speer paints from intuition

Fargo’s Red Raven currently features the work of local artist Margaret Speer. She has been a painter for over a decade and now manages Unique Intuition. Here she details her creative process, her inspirations, and her victories on the way to earning recognition.

When did you start painting?

I started painting when I was 19 years old. A girlfriend I had at the time knew I had a lot of built-up energy and handed me a paint brush and a canvas and told me to focus on painting. That first painting is at the Red Raven—it’s the biggest framed painting there.

What inspires you to paint the images you do?

I get these images and colors in my mind and I paint abstract with oil and acrylic paints.  My dining room is my art studio. Lately I started to paint on glass as well.  My inspiration comes from my intuition and it is all unique, and that how I came up with my name for my art business.

Have you ever had your art displayed anywhere before?

I have had booth space at the RiverArts last summer and at the Makers Market at the Red Raven. I have also participated at the Freedom Resource Center’s Annual Art Show at the Dakota Medical Foundation. This year I won second place and received a red ribbon (top of page), and also one of my other paintings received a green ribbon.

Are there any other places you hope to have your art displayed?

In March, I have the opportunity to have my paintings up at the Starbucks in West Fargo across from Walmart. There will be about 19 pieces there.

Are any at the Red Raven for sale?

My paintings at the Red Raven are for sale. Brian at the Red Raven is supposed to put up their titles and prices for me—not sure if he has done that yet it. There are a couple of paintings that are 12 years old that are not for sale.

Have you sold any paintings?

I have sold about 5 or 6 so far. That is exciting, knowing people like my artwork and want it in their homes.  I am always working on new ways to paint. In college next semester I’m taking a pairing class, so sky’s the limit on learning new things, and my major is paralegal.