Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Moore.
Hi Anita, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a classically trained opera singer and visual artist, painting portraits, landscapes and still lifes. From childhood, music and art have been the dual passions that have shaped my life and guided my path.
I grew up in Oklahoma, but jumped in a U-Haul and drove to New York City right after graduating college. I lived there for 19 years while pursuing my dreams. I adore NYC, and love the energy of the city, but I eventually longed for a simpler way of life for my family—something similar to the environment where I grew up. I also found myself feeling stuck creatively and in need of a fresh start.
Relocating to the DFW area gave me exactly that: renewal, energy, and a sense of purpose that allowed me to reconnect with my work. I’ve now been in Texas for nearly five years, and I absolutely love it!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been an easy path. I chose two of the most challenging careers to pursue—art and music. Building a life in the fine arts is certainly not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Many people don’t realize the dedication it takes—the countless hours of training, practice, and persistence behind every performance or work of art.
In many ways, it is far more demanding and challenging than a ‘traditional’ profession, yet what keeps me going is the joy of creating and the impact the arts have on others. For me, it’s not just work—it’s a calling. I know firsthand the discipline, resilience, and passion it requires and over the years, I’ve found ways to make it work. That perseverance has given me a livelihood and a life filled with art. I never wanted to do anything else.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For many years, my focus was on performing and teaching music to children, and my painting often took a back seat. While I’m still fortunate enough to perform regularly—I currently sing with the Dallas Symphony Chorus—I’ve chosen to scale back my music teaching studio in order to devote more energy to my own personal artistic goals. Today, I’m dedicating more of my time to creating new artwork and exploring new directions in my painting.
I also give lectures to nonprofit women’s groups, where I highlight trailblazing female artists throughout history and the powerful way they’ve shaped culture in a field long dominated by men. Sharing their stories alongside my own creative journey feels so natural, connecting the past with the present while opening up conversations about the role of women in the arts.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy? (This was the question I was emailed)
That’s a tough one—so many things bring me joy, but one of the biggest, not surprisingly, is music. I truly couldn’t live without it. I listen to all kinds, from bluegrass to rock, but there’s something especially magical about choral music. All those voices singing in unison, the harmonies blending so seamlessly together—it creates a sound that feels almost otherworldly.
Of course, I may be a little biased, having sung choral music for so many years, but there are moments when you hear it performed at its very best, and it just takes your breath away. I’m especially excited about some upcoming performances with the Dallas Symphony this season. In January, we’ll be performing Madama Butterfly, one of the most beautiful operas ever written and also Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 later this spring, famously known as the “Symphony of a Thousand.” It’s one of the largest-scale choral works in the classical repertoire, and being part of it is truly extraordinary.
Pricing:
- I often take on painting commissions, working with a wide range of themes—from pets and children to a favorite vacation spot, nearly anything you can imagine. Pricing for these custom pieces depends on several factors, including size, level of detail, and subject matter. Before beginning any painting, I meet with the clients to talk about their vision in detail. Together, we develop a plan for the piece, and I provide a quote based on all the information we’ve discussed. This ensures that each commissioned original painting is tailored to my client’s vision and expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anitamoorestudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitamoorestudio/
Image Credits
Richard Hill Studio
Grant Wigler
Anita Moore
