DPW Spotlight Interview: James Coates

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win James' painting, "Port and Peach" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From James' DPW Gallery page:

James Coates is an artist working out of a studio in Sheffield, UK. He works mostly in oil paints and finds inspiration in reflections, surfaces and textures. In his paintings he aims to celebrate and capture the simple beauty that can be found even in ordinary everyday objects.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

As a child, I was always drawing and painting. I was always the best in the class and thought for most of my childhood that I would become an artist. I am not sure what happened to that ambition. I drew and painted often even into my late teens, but I think that at some point I realised that I wouldn't be able to pursue art as a career. Things were different then, there was no internet, no Daily Paintworks! I suppose I just didn't know where to start.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn't really make any art for over 20 years. I only picked up a pencil and paper occasionally when a flash of inspiration struck. I took the traditional year out to travel the world, which lasted seven years and then returned to the UK and studied law. I worked as a lawyer for many years.

Suddenly, last year the artist inside me could not take it any longer and I started drawing in my spare time, in pencil and charcoal. Then I tried painting with acrylics for the first time, with mixed results. Some artists do wonderful work with acrylic paint, and I shall try them again one day. However, I needed more control. I needed paint that didn't dry so quickly. I work slowly.

I think the idea of working with oil paints can be quite terrifying. There is so much mystery about them. Take it from me, there is no mystery, no magic involved.

What a revelation! Now I could do exactly what I wanted and because of the drying time of oils, take as long as I needed.

Some people are surprised to learn that I started painting in oils in October 2012. On 4th February 2013 I stopped being a lawyer and became a full time painter. So far, with the support of my wonderful wife, family and friends it is going very well. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Port and Peach
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing James' interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

Not so far. Now that I have started I hope I never stop.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

As mentioned, charcoal, acrylics and oils. I tried watercolours recently which I enjoyed. As I usually work in oils I had to adapt my way of thinking for watercolours which was a challenge. I hope to do some more soon.

I love painting portraits and am hoping to expand in this area.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

Oil paints have definitely stuck. They are by far the most versatile medium in my opinion. I guess that is why they have been around for so long.

Coffee Cup
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

When it comes to materials, I am open minded. Everything has been used by artists. I often try to think of materials that have not been used by artists. Every material you think of has probably been used at some time by an artist somewhere. I really would like to experiment with as many materials as I can when I have the time. I am very keen to have a go at printmaking. In terms of genre, I would like to try some abstract painting.

Who or what inspires you most?

You could ask me that question every day and each time you would probably get a different answer. Firm favorites include Velazques, Hals, Sargent, Matisse, Titian, Chardin, Courbet, Rebrandt, Vermeer and Bacon to name but a few. I admire any painter that has mastered the craft and can also engage the viewer and successfully provoke thought or emotion. My latest favorite is Gerhard Richter. I like his figurative work and also his abstract work.

Lemon
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I'm English so it looks like a cup of tea.

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I always think it would be a good idea to plan my week in advance so I know exactly what I am painting. However, this never happens and I end up running around the house in the morning looking for inspiration. Luckily my kids are good at coming up with ideas for me. By the time I have taken them to school I usually have an idea. If not, then I go down to the shops and usually something catches my eye and hopefully it is some kind of cream cake.

Fruit Jellies
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

As above. However, I am becoming increasing fussy about the composition of my still life paintings. It can take me an hour or so to set it up perfectly.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

Every time I sit in front of a blank canvas it feels as though I am painting for the first time. I hope this makes my paintings look fresh. From a practical point of view I think that the most important lesson I have learnt as a painter is to keep your brushes clean whilst you work to avoid colours getting where they should not be.

So far, I have not had a problem with burnout. I think that composition is important to make paintings engaging. I think about composition a lot and would like to create paintings with greater narrative . This is easier to do with figurative work, which I hope to do more of, but it can also be done with still life if you choose the right objects and compose them in the right way.

Three Peaches
(click to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

Everything!

What makes you happiest about your art?

Painting is both the most frustrating and the most rewarding activity. Most of the time I spend many hours on a painting not knowing how it is going to turn out (and usually thinking that it is not going very well) until somewhere near the end when suddenly it all starts to come together.

It is a kind of magic that you can't get from anything else. There are, of course, times when it doesn't work out, but those times you have probably learnt a lesson. Other than making myself happy, I love it when my painting makes others happy. I get great feedback on my blog, Facebook page and Daily Paintworks. Keep it coming!

Thanks, James!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Mike Daymon

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Mike's painting, "Egg for One" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Mike's DPW Gallery page:

Art is my life. As a kid I arrived at the idea that I'm an artist because I make art, and I make art because I'm an artist.

I'm drawn to a variety of styles, media and subject matter. I work primarily in acrylic on MDF.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I was in 3rd or 4th grade when I watched my mother draw a picture, and that totally fascinated me. I recall thinking, I want to do this. That was when I began drawing. A 5th grade girl showed me how to draw a squirrel using just one continuous line.

I started using oils early on. One day, in the 6th grade, I'd done a painting of the Flintstones and brought it to class to show my classmates. A few days later, a classmate also brought in a painting of the Flintstones, and it put mine to shame! It turned out that her father had painted it for her, and he was a commercial artist. I asked her what a commercial artist was. When she told me, I knew that was what I wanted to be.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

One. I developed a tremor that became so bad I could no longer paint. I quit painting for 10 years; the only time in my life that I quit. Last January I decided to try again, but I have to work differently now, and much slower, than I have in the past.

Egg for One
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Mike's interview.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Almost all of the usual favorites: oil paint, acrylic, pencil, colored pencils, pen and ink, oil pastels, pastel chalk, charcoal, gouache, watercolor, felt-tips, and silverpoint. I've also worked in collage, mosaic, clay and welding.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

I've stayed with oil and acrylic. I recently did 3 large charcoal works, my first in years. Welding is dangerous and requires a safe area to work, which is not in your garage (I still love welding but can't do it without a handy welding shop). Gouache was standard in commercial art, which I did for decades, but not lately; computer technology has replaced it. The tremor (focal hand dystonia) keeps me from doing any refined drawing, such as pen and ink, or colored pencil.

Eggplant and Fig Jam
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I'm excited to learn more about working with acrylics, more in the way of technique. And collage is a medium that I'm sure I'll come back to at some point.

Who or what inspires you most?

Fascination with art inspires me continually. When I see a work of art, or a interesting technique, I want to be able to do those things. Great painters, with Van Gogh being at the top of the list, continue to inspire me.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I don't think I procrastinate very often with art. But if you see me doing domestic chores, cleaning, housekeeping, or even paying bills, then I'm probably procrastinating, and should be painting instead.

Paris Street Singer
(click to see original image)

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I have been doing art daily for nearly my whole life. I've been a commercial artist for decades, which kept me not only doing graphic design, but also doing quite a bit of illustration work. Doing art is my default habit.

The primary underlying art of graphic design and advertising art used to be the ability to draw quickly, with style and precision. "Roughs," "layouts," and "comps" all required artistic skill. New technologies have changed commercial art, so that the recent generations of commercial artists (designers), typically can't draw at all. I saw this change in the industry firsthand, because I taught commercial art and visual communications for over 30 years as a part-time instructor at two colleges.

Anaheim and Fresco
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas come from anywhere at any time. Sometimes I see something in the world, or in a photo or painting, that challenges me to attempt to paint whatever I'm seeing. Other times I'm inspired by a movie or novel, or a person in history, and I do paintings that relate to that inspiration. And I'm inspired by things that I like and that matter to me. The "Greek Fisherman's Cap" and "No Tea," are personal items that I'm fond of.

And, of course, being a commercial artist, I've often been asked by clients to do illustrations that I never would have thought to do myself. Such as a painting to promote the opera, "Carmen," or 36 ink drawings of hearing aids. My problem is not finding ideas, I generally have too many ideas.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

Making sure to look at a lot of art. Daily Paintworks makes this easy to do, with so many artists represented. But before the Internet was around, I had collected a lot of books about art and painters, and explored art continually. Seeing a new show at the Fine Arts Center almost always gets me to try something different.

Put Me In, Coach!
(click to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

Right now, I'm learning how to paint with a tremor. Things I used to be able to do easily, I find are more difficult, or worse, impossible. So, I'm rebuilding my skills. Also, I have not done many still life pieces, so I'm making an effort to understand some of the best practices involved in still life. My favorite part of still life is lighting. I'm enjoying using light and shadow in a controlled way.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Robert Frost says in "Two Tramps in Mud-Time": "My object in life, is to unite / My avocation and my vocation."

For me to have made my way in the world, through doing art, still amazes me every day. When others are affected by my art, it's icing on the cake. What more could a 6th grade kid wish for?

Thanks, Mike!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Lauren Pretorius

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Lauren's painting, "Magic 8 Ball" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Lauren's DPW Gallery page:

My name is Lauren Pretorius. I live in the lovely state of South Dakota with my husband, two pugs, and two parrots. I graduated in 2008 from Northern State University with a degree in graphic design and have been selling my paintings online since 2005. I absolutely love to paint, take photographs, and design anything that can be designed.

My artwork is inspired by nature, music, and ample amounts of caffeine. I choose subject matter that is simple and recognizable and emphasize its defining characters to make something that is not normally considered interesting... well... interesting! On occasion, I like to involve a little humor as well. I feel it's important not to take life too seriously and I strive to never lose my childish enthusiasm. Cheers!

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I can remember painting as a very young child with my 'kid friendly' water color kits that my parents were ever so great to purchase for me. My mother has always been a painter, and I attribute a large part of my ability to her. I remember trying to paint like her with my goofy plastic kid brushes on watercolor paper. My paintings were nothing close to being a masterpiece by any means, but my parents treated them like it! I recall entering drawing contests in Elementary school as well... I began to win a few of the contests and got really great prizes (mostly little trinkets and books) which really sparked my interest in the subject. I was having fun!

Magic 8 Ball
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Lauren's interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

When I began college I pursued a degree in pre-med which allowed no time what so ever for my artistic endeavors. During college, I slowly realized that what I was going to school for wasn't quite my calling. After my second year of pre-med, I completely switched gears and changed my degree to the opposite end of the spectrum... Art! To be more specific, graphic design.

There was only that short span of time where painting wasn't in my life--- it was a pretty lack-luster and boring time to say the least! Ever since I charged back into the art field, I have been painting. I graduated from Northern State University in 2008 with my degree in graphic design.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have tried almost every single medium at some point, except gouache. To be honest, I have no idea what gouache even is or even how to pronounce it for that matter!

Painting, however, was definitely my medium. Acrylic was really great for a while, but then I was introduced to oil paint and have never turned back. There is something about the buttery consistency of the paint and the capability to move the paint around if you need to without it drying.

As for a painting surface, I prefer a hardboard panel. I don't like to have the texture of canvas to paint on. I like the smoothness of hardboard, but I do like to add a little 'tooth' to the surface by gessoing with a foam roller. This gives the board a very uniform texture without strokes which I have come to love.

Dew Drop Tulips
(click to see original image)

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

I have dabbled in landscape, animal, and still life painting. Still life painting has really been the genre that has stuck with me the best. I am still exploring a bit, but I think I have pretty much found my niche. I will leave the landscape and animal art to my other love... photography.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I think I have attempted almost every genre and have always gone back to still life painting. If something new comes up, I will definitely give it a try.

Who or what inspires you most?

I get the most inspiration from the people that surround me. Friends, family, and people in the art community inspire me to continue to create new works of art that stand out and that are unique. I also am inspired by the vast number of artists that are currently in the art community. It is amazing to see new ideas and techniques that other artists are using. Having the ability to see other artist's work always keeps ideas fresh and inspires me to shoot for new things.

Old No. 7
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Procrastination is a terrible word! I have never been much of a procrastinator myself. If I know I have something that needs to be completed, I will make sure that it gets done when it needs to get done. Knowing that there is something on a checklist that needs to be checked off keeps me going. It is impossible for me to relax unless its done!

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I adhere to a pretty strict schedule. I set certain hours for myself during the week to dedicate to my art. I also try to make sure that I reward myself with the weekend. The weekend is my time to do what I want to and when I want to; it helps me recharge to be creative again during the rest of the week.

Avocado Slice
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I go shopping! I love to go on a shopping trip in order to get 'prop's for a photo shoot to use for future paintings. The grocery store is usually my number one 'idea' place as I love to paint any type of food. But I also love to hit up antique stores and even community 'rummage sales' to find unique items to bring out their character. My last 'prop' shopping trip involved the purchase of various vegetables, children's play marbles, a magic 8 Ball, a yo-yo, and a bottle of wine. I can only imagine what the cashier was thinking.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

I like to paint things in a different light. For instance, imagine a painting of a pear. Normally, a pear is quite an interesting subject to paint with its color, slight texture, and slightly bumpy appearance. But, I like to take it one step further--- slice it horizontally and stack it back together--- or bake it and drizzle it with maple syrup. Different is the key for me.

Goldfish Lightbulb #3
(click to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

Art is an ever-evolving medium. I will never know all there is to know about art--- every day there is something new to learn. If there is something that I have learned from in the past it would be to never take things too seriously. Art is about creativity, expression, and above all else, having fun.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Honestly, the best part about creating my art is the last few moments I have with it--- After someone has given me the honor of being it's new owner. The oil paint has finally dried and one last coat of protective varnish has been applied. I prepare my little painting for it's greatest journey ever--- to a different place in the world, knowing that it should hopefully bring a few smiles at it's final home for years to come.

Thanks, Lauren!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Cecilia Rosslee

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Cecilia's painting, "Late Afternoon Roses" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Cecilia's DPW Gallery page:

Cecilia Rosslee is originally from South Africa where she studied Fine Arts. She has for ten years been publishing her art work on a large range of stationery and has many clients across the world, including Sun International Hotels, Planet Hollywood and many private collectors.

Cecilia now lives in picturesque Carmel, CA with her husband and three wonderful kids, where she is inspired by the natural beauty of the Monterey area and all things French! Her work is inspired by the contrast of warm light against interesting shadows and she works in high quality oil paints on canvas.

Cecilia Rosslee's work reflects scenes from her immediate surroundings, whether it be special object d'art around her, figurative work or beautiful French inspired floral studies.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I think very soon after birth! My entire family is creative, and I just happened to be fortunate enough to have grown up with easels, canvases, sketch boards and pottery wheels around me! I thought the entire world could paint, until I went to school and realized I was the only little girl in class that knew how to paint a river like it really looked and everybody else's... well, let me not comment, but I remember being shocked at the thought that painting wasn't a natural ability for everybody.

Late Afternoon Roses
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Cecilia's interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

As it later turned out, I realized that painting might have been the only talent I had! Therefore, I could not afford stops and starts in my painting career! I remember being pregnant, balancing on scaffolding planks, painting Tromp l'oeil images on ceilings for The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, breast feeding my newborn baby onsite, while painting Planet Hollywood at the Waterfront, and I'm still painting everyday, picking my kids up from high school covered in oil paint.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

There is maybe not a thing I haven't tried! Water colors... too unpredictable; acrylics... too quick drying; murals... too labor intensive; landscapes... too bad for words; so I decided to stick to my beloved oils!

Dappled Light
(click to see original image)

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

I guess, like everything else in life, everything works together at the end of the day, and so I have taken something away from everything I have ever set my hands to, and apply it to what I do today. I am so blessed that I have had the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, styles and paint mediums. Also, it helps to know what not to do, and when to stop painting!

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

In my opinion, oil painting is really a science as there are so many different colors to work with and so many millions of combinations to reach. I'm guessing it will take me the rest of my life on this earth to really get to know it all!

Orange Study
(click to see original image)

Who/what inspires you most?

For starters, I love looking at all the new DPW paintings that come up everyday; what a wonderful inspiration to see what all the other artists are up to! But mainly, Ovanes Berberian, Sorolla and Sargent are my ALL TIME FAVES!

What does procrastination look like for you?

Balancing my elbows on the back of my garden chair so as not to shake the camera too much while it's on the longest shutter speed because there are only two more rays of light in the day to capture my daily painting for that night's posting!

French Chair
(click to see original image)

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

Getting dressed in my paint clothes: it kind of reroutes my ADD type personality back to the easel!

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

From pealing potatoes at the kitchen window and catching a glimpse of sunlight through a glass vase in the window sill to going through an old American Artist magazine before falling asleep at night... I guess I find it all around me all day long. When I am having a conversation with someone, I often find myself observing their skin tone, thinking of what colors I would mix to paint their face!

Roostafel
(click to see original image)

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

Going back in time and referring to the old masters is what does it for me.

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

The different degrees of temperature in oil colors and how to juxta position it so as to increase the emotion I want to convey when a viewer looks at my art.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The fact that I am able to use my God given talent to earn money to support myself, my kids and be a blessing to others.

Thanks, Cecilia!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Cathy Engberg

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Cathy's painting, "Morning Joe" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Cathy's DPW Gallery page:

My name is Cathy Engberg and I currently live in the Chicagoland area, painting a slice of everyday
life 'almost' everyday. I’ve loved to draw for as long as I can remember, and being good at it was something I was proud of as a child. As I got older this translated into the love of painting and I’ve had the honor of working with some great teachers.

My artistic path has not been a straight one. There have been a many detours along the way. After 11
years in corporate web development I have once again started to follow my original dream in fine art. As of December 2011 I am painting full time and loving every minute of it.

I have been inspired by many of the masters. I am also inspired by today’s Daily Painters. Working small and often makes complete sense to me and I see my work evolving. I try to post several times a week on my blog “Color Notes” which shows my journey.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I've always had this dream, ever since I was a child, that I was standing at an easel painting a figure. I remember painting each stroke in the dream. I still have similar dreams. I drew a lot as a child. My mother encouraged each of us kids to have a sketch pad and draw during rainy days and on long trips. It wasn't until I was in my mid-30's that I had a chance to take some formal courses in drawing, color and design, oils and watercolor. After my first class, I was immediately hooked and I kept signing up for others. My love for oil painting started during this time.

Morning Joe
(click to see original painting)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Cathy's interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

Yes. In the 90's when I was in school, I was not exposed to much direction on how to take your art to the next level and make a living. While I was taking the art courses at the local college, I noticed that some new classes were being offered in a strange new thing called HTML. That's when I started to get involved with computer art, HTML, CSS, JavaScript. I discovered I could earn a paycheck in that field and all my focus went to that for the following 11 years. My major creative outlet during those 11 years was learning photography.

Then I noticed all the incredible paintings that people where selling online. I was so thrilled to see people making it work. I was especially drawn to the daily painters Carol Marine and Karin Jurick. I credit them for inspiring me to come back to what I wanted to do since I was a child.

Mad Dash
(click to see original painting)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I've always been creative even when I wasn't drawing or painting. I enjoyed fiber art and had a rug loom at one time. I would weave rugs and sculpt baskets from collected woods and fibers, and then sell them at local art/craft fairs when my children were small. I've experimented with pencil, charcoal, conte, ink, pastel, oils, and watercolor. More recently, I have found quilting to be another creative outlet that I can do in the evenings. It lets me play with color and contrast which I love so much in painting.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

Oil is definitely my favorite. I still quilt in the evening and I'll use pencil & charcoal for sketching. I'm still playing with photography because it is related to my paintings. I never thought my photos were complete. I always felt they needed to be painted.

Scratch & Peck
(click to see original painting)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I'm pretty focused on oil painting right now. I just went to the Picasso exhibit at the Art Institute this last weekend and he had done some clay tiles that started a small spark in me. It involved carving through layers of color to develop a design. Hmmm...

Who/what inspires you most?

Color and contrast attract me first. I like to paint happy moments in life, a sip of coffee, or someone relaxing in the sun. My art doesn't have a hidden meaning. It's all about shape and feel.

I'm inspired by many many artists. The list grows every day.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I'm very self motivated. I can get myself into the studio on most days. I found that if I plan my paintings too far in advance then I tend to drag my feet starting them. But if I choose my image on the day I paint it, I'm gold.

Underwater
(click to see original painting)

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I found it close to impossible to be creative and paint while I was still doing web development. All I could think about was painting so I ended up taking in less and less web work so that I could go into painting full time. I set goals each year and modify them throughout the year depending on how things are going. So far, it's been working well.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Since I'm interested in everyday moments, ideas are everywhere. I'm living an everyday life! I have my camera with me most times. I use 2 cameras. One is small so it's easier to be subtle while taking photos. The other is larger and allows me to snap quickly and zoom from long distances.

Topsy Turvy
(click to see original painting)

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

I change my painting subjects often. I enter online challenges like the ones on Daily Paintworks. I've also created my own personal challenges on my blog. I finished one recently called The Portrait Project. Choosing the image I paint on the day I paint it keeps things fresh and impromptu.

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. It's my mantra. I tend to get too fussy. I'm always working on this. I'm also working on design. One of my favorite parts of the Picasso exhibit was studying his sketches. He would draw the same motifs over and over and would modify the subject into better design elements. Better shapes. I think this is key to successful composition. Which is a lesson I'll be practicing for a looooong time.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Once in a while, and it doesn't happen on all paintings for me, I hit the absolutely correct value and color and drop it into the shadow. The shadow almost disappears. Happiness is in the shadows for me. This is what I love.

Thanks, Cathy!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Gerard Boersma

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Gerard's painting, "Classic (Coca Cola Can)" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Gerard's DPW Gallery page:

I am a professional artist and have been internationally recognized for over 10 years. I’m a master of acrylics with my own distinctive style of realistic painting. My art is in museums, galleries and private collections worldwide. Paintings were shown alongside some of the biggest names in art history at leading art fairs in Europe and the United States. I live and work in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

As a kid, I first got interested in graffiti. You could say my use of color still stems from this. Later on, I moved from graffiti towards painting because I felt I could say a whole lot more painting than I ever could doing graffiti. After high school, I made a conscious decision to do what I love to do best, no matter what; that was painting. I decided to study to become an art teacher. Got the diploma, but never really did anything with it as I was fortunate enough to paint full time right from the get go.

Classic (Coca Cola Can)
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Gerard's interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

After graduating at art school in 2001, I started painting full time and have never stopped. The only stop I can imagine is when I'm so old I can't physically paint anymore.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I experimented with all mediums and genres during art school. The only exception being oil paint. I can't stand the smell of both the paint and turpentine. Plus, to me, it takes too long to dry.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

All, except acrylic on masonite. And of course realism as my genre.

Pick And Choose - Painting Of Woman In Bookstore
(click here to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

None. I don't feel the need to explore any new materials nor genres. I'm pretty much settled on realism and acrylic. That's all I need to make the art I like. I do, however, always love to explore my subject matter. That's way more important to me than my materials.

Who or what inspires you most?

Modern people and todays society. I love to paint people on the streets, in public transport, stores and museums, or zoom in on popular brands for my still life paintings. I feel it says a whole lot about who we are, how we see ourselves, interact with each other, or are influenced by modern developments, in many ways. I observe it, enlarge it and paint it. That way, our fast and busy lives are forever captured in a moment. Finally ready to be observed quietly.

Self Portrait With QR Codes
(click here to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Doing the minor things last. I do the important stuff first, every other little thing can wait. That's the only procrastination I do. I love to paint and I can't get to my studio fast enough. Anything that gets in the way or keeps me from doing just that I see as an unwanted form of procrastination that needs to be eliminated fast. Once at my studio, I start painting and don't procrastinate whatsoever. It's just too much fun to waste any time!

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I'm doing this full time, so I always have time for my art. I love to keep regular hours, almost like a 9-5 job. That feels right to me; plus, the light is best during those hours. As a painter, you have to have self discipline. I like to remind myself that an appointment with myself is just as important as an appointment with somebody else. And I should keep it, but as I love my work, it really isn't an issue to me.

ATM - Street Scene Painting Of Man WIth Bike In Front Of ATM Machine
(click here to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I don't think I ever came up with anything. This might sound strange, but it always just sort of happens. I have the intention to do it and then ideas seem to pop up in my head effortlessly or I happen to see a wonderful scene by accident while taking a stroll, for example. All I have to do is notice it. That's the hard part, noticing it all.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

I never try to do tomorrow's work today. I like to close the studio door behind me at the end of the day and not think about art for a while. It doesn't always work out that way, but I try. I need enough time for play and relaxation. There's more to life than painting. In my spare time, I try not to look at too many other artists, as I've discovered that when I do, I often (unconsciously) end up trying to paint like they do and not like myself. I also like to take a step back every now and then and look at what I created over the past few months. That's also a good way to keep things vibrant.

Fountainhead - Still Life Painting Of Books By Ayn Rand
(click here to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

It's not really learning I guess, but I'm struggling to accept (and at the moment I don't think I'll ever be able to) that art just doesn't have that big of an impact as I believe it used to have on public discourse and society. I'm afraid art is becoming more and more like a show business with its own celebrities, red carpet events and what not. I can't stand it. Art should give people what they need, rather than what they want.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I'm the happiest when somebody tells me my art has had a positive and profound impact on their lives. That's what it's all about.

Thanks, Gerard!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Diane Klock

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Diane's painting, "Shopping in Chinatown" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Diane's DPW Gallery page:

I am a self taught artist who divides her time between New York City and Litchfield, Connecticut. I started out as a plein air painter in oils and then found the excitement of watercolor. I love to paint cityscapes, landscapes, boats and florals with a few cows and roosters thrown in the mix now and then. I also enjoy both plein air and studio work.

I love to travel and will carry my sketchbook and my plein air kit with me whenever possible. I have been painting seriously for about 15 years and am so grateful to God for the wonderful workshop teachers He has placed in my path and the beauty of His creation, a gift for any artist.

I have a blog called Created With Joy and would love for you to join me there as well as visiting my website. You can also see my work at The P.S Gallery in Litchfield, CT and The Artisan Loft in Pultneyville, NY. I currently have two books on Blurb.com: New York City In Watercolor and Litchfield In Watercolor.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I am a self taught artist and grateful God has placed wonderful teachers in my path. I always loved to draw and paint as a child, but did not really start painting till my children were little. Folk Art was my first introduction to painting; painting little boxes and stenciling. We moved often with my husbands job and when in Texas, I decided we needed some paintings for our house so I took a class and started oil painting.

As I grew and moved to Kansas I decided to attend a plein air workshop at the Scottsdale Artist School. I was hooked. That started my journey and my first teacher's, Charles Sovek's, advice to me was, "find a teacher you like and stick with that teacher and learn as much as you can" and I did. I now live between NYC and Litchfield, CT and painting is my passion. My life priorities are God, Family and Painting.

Shopping in Chinatown
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Diane's interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

I would say once I started taking workshops at Scottsdale Artist School, I became more and more serious. I have been painting seriously for the last 15 years and am now starting to teach others.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I started out doing plein air oils and some acrylic. When Charles Sovek passed in 2007, I was deeply saddened and decided I needed a change. God once again placed a wonderful watercolor teacher in my path, Pat Weaver. I am now focused mostly on watercolor and my goal this year is to get more proficient doing watercolor en plein air. I love plein air painting and am excited to get back to it!

Plein Air In Venice
(click to see original image)

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away? Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I enjoy working in all mediums. When I get bored or stuck with one, I can get rejuvenated with another. My latest is sticks, ink and watercolor. I found some sticks, sharpened them with a razor and added watercolor. This is so much fun, you all have to give it a try.

Who/what inspires you most?

I love the beauty of the world God has given all of us and I hope the joy I have for painting shows through in my work. I love the excitement of the city, the peacefulness of the country. I love color, boats, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and little cafes. I love the excitement of painting my impression of the day as I travel.

Rockport Habor 2
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

We all need to get the iggly wiggles out right? I fiddle and clean as I find it hard to paint when my apartment or studio is not in order. Then I just go for it and enjoy my time with my brushes and paint.

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

Like I said earlier, I have simplified my life. My priorities are God, Family and Painting. I now give myself permission to say no to things that do not fit. My goal is to paint everyday, but if I don't, I no longer beat myself up about it and instead, look forward to the next time I can.

Traffic
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas for paintings go back to things that inspire me. "You need to paint what you love and love what you paint." I can't remember who said that but it is so true. When you paint someone else's idea, it shows in your paintings. You can tell by looking at a painting if the persons heart is in it. I paint what I am drawn to.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

This goes back to answer four and my friend Charles Sovek. His advice to his students was to try all mediums. When you get tired, bored or stuck with one, try another that will challenge you. This has been sound advice for me all these years.

Walking Home From Work
(click to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

Right now as an artist, I am learning to enjoy where I am. To enjoy the painting process and the joy that comes with that journey. I am excited to start teaching and share this process with others; to inspire and encourage new painters.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Sharing it with others and encouraging new painters to give it their best and enjoy the process.

Thanks, Diane!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Leslie Macon

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Leslie's painting, "Kramer" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Leslie's DPW Gallery page:

I am an oil painter living and working in Archer Lodge, North Carolina. I have painted professionally since 1994. My art career began as a wood carver in 1984 when I started carving duck decoys from basswood and tupelo. I eventually apprenticed under a world class cajun decoy carver and that was where I first discovered painting with oils.

I switched from carving to painting in pastel and oil mediums in the early 1990's. It was during this time that I competed in national and international competitions as a wildlife artist winning awards and selling through art galleries.

In 2001 I decided to experiment with other subjects and explored floral and still life. During that time I worked for a fine art publisher and had several collections published for the home decor market. I paint floral, still life, historic portraits, wildlife and visionary/fantasy art. My art is also licensed on products as fine art posters, bookmarks, and art tile installations.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started my art career as a decorative wooden duck decoy carver in 1986. I was fortunate to study under a Cajun carver that taught me to paint my decoys with oil paints.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

No, I have pretty much have done art since 1986. I had times I had to supplement my art income and work as a custom picture framer, but I always kept actively working as an artist. I think they call that burning the candle at both ends.

Kramer
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Leslie's interview.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have carved in wood, done beadwork, worked with pastels, painted with oil paint, done tile mosaics, laid ceramic tile, and worked with sheetrock. I am one of those creative types that can see something demonstrated on the DIY Network and I am sure that I can do it too. Monkey see, monkey do. As a result I can dismantle a house and put it back together... except for plumbing and electrical. I leave that to my husband. I am self taught in everything including art.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

Oil painting is the only fine art focus I have right now but I am always doing home renovation. I look at pastels in the art store and get that longing feeling but then loose it real quick when I remember having to sharpen them every three seconds. I also wish I had kept up with carving duck decoys, but I am an old woman now and there are only so many hours I can stay awake.

Siesta
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Oil painting is my only focus as far as art is concerned. I have so many other interests and I am always exploring life. I love to paint but I need to balance out my obsession with oil paint with other things. Painting is a tangible creative expression of my day to day experience. I need to do other things and have things happen to me to have something to say in paint. Yesterday, I was hauling grass clippings to the compost pile for my husband and a bird pooped on my head. That is how memories are made and paintings develop.

You are able to paint an incredible amount of detail on a very small canvas, how did you hone this skill?

I grid my reference to a half an inch and work down the page left to right. I am blind in my right eye and use reading glasses and an optivisor from my old carving days to be able to see what I am doing. I have been working this way for twenty years so you could definitely call it honing my skill.

A Joyful Noise
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I have never had the luxury of procrastination. If I don't paint, I don't eat and I like to eat.

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I am disciplined and keep a tight schedule. I am up around 3:30am and I paint Monday through Friday from 8am until 3pm, fix dinner and feed the pups, and usually fall asleep while watching Nascar Race Hub on the Speed Channel.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I have Mother Nature to thank for all of the ideas I get. I have spent most of my life outdoors gardening and working with animals like horses and birds. When I am outside I am tuned in and my sixth sense is turned on. There is always something to observe and appreciate.

The Sentinel
(click to see original image)

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

I have only experienced burnout twice in my life and both times I was working for someone that was "art directing" me; in other words, telling me what to paint. Because of those experiences, I learned that authenticity is more precious than gold when it comes to creativity. Finding DailyPaintworks was the best thing that ever happened to me as an artist. I can finally paint what I want. Freedom to paint what I love inspires me, feeds my soul, and is the key to my existence.

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

How to feel comfortable and confident marketing my art to a very large audience. I am used to the gallery system selling my art so art auctions are still new to me. The art galleries I worked with never gave me information about who bought my art so I was disconnected from the people that collected my art. That all changed when I joined DPW and I have to say there are some incredibly nice people out there.

In the Pink
(click to see original image)

What makes you happiest about your art?

It gives me peace and balance. I can paint and wash a load of clothes at the same time. I can work at home and not have to leave my pups. I can take breaks and walk in my garden. It keeps me motivated and engaged in life. Now, it gives me a connection to the world outside of my small acre of land, thanks to DPW art auctions.

Thanks, Leslie!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Katharine Cartwright

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Katharine's painting, "Monhegan Cottage" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Katharine's DPW Gallery page:

Living along the coast of Maine allows me to explore the beautiful rocky beaches for shells, rocks, and scenes that reflect this glorious environment, which is the muse for many of my paintings. I've been an artist all my life, specializing in painting, and studied fine art at three universities. These days, I not only paint and exhibit, but I also instruct artists in creativity and technique.

My work appears in hundreds of private and corporate collections, and also in notable books and magazines in this country and abroad. In national and international juried competitions, I've won top awards, and am a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Missouri Watercolor Society, and the Northeast Watercolor Society. Although my academic training is in oils, I've learned to love watercolor just as much and work in both mediums. Painting daily, for me, is as important as breathing.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Before I entered kindergarten, my parents identified me as an artist and provided me with lessons in color theory and design. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing and painting.

Monhegan Cottage
(click here to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Katharine's interview.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

There was only one time when I stopped. Previous to that, I had studied fine art at various academic institutions, including three universities, and enjoyed making art. By the time I was forty years old, I wanted to learn more about the landscapes I was painting. So, I returned to college to study geology, climatology, and oceanography. I completed both the undergraduate and graduate degrees in six years and just didn’t have time to paint.

However, as soon as I finished those degrees and landed a faculty job at a college, I returned to painting and managed to teach and paint for a number of years. I retired from college teaching four years ago when I found that my career in art demanded more time. At this point, I can’t imagine ever stopping again, short of the grave.

Cairn
(click here to see original image)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

My initial academic training was in oils, acrylics and various drawing mediums. Eventually, I picked up watercolors and gouache on my own. Interestingly, when I attended college decades ago, the art professors didn’t consider watercolor to be a serious medium and I received no academic training in it. Although I did study sculpture, I’ve always preferred painting. The genres I’ve experimented with include both objective and non-objective across the spectrum of possibilities.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

Just about everything has stuck since I use it all in one way or another depending upon which series I’m painting. Each concept that I want to express requires a particular technique and medium to best express it. I like to be flexible.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

This is a tough question to answer since I’m so focused on what I’m doing now. However, creating art is an exploration all by itself and I’m certain that new pathways will be found as I continue this daily practice.

Nested
(click here to see original image)

Creatively, have you always been drawn to the ocean?

In fact, yes I have! I fell in love with the ocean as a child and even spent a few years as an adult living on a sailboat. Presently, I live by the ocean and can’t imagine living anywhere else. However, most of my paintings over the past five decades have had little to do with the marine or coastal environment. It’s only been recently, the past five years, that I’ve revisited the theme. Because I walk to the ocean every day, it speaks to me and I must express that.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I don’t procrastinate when it comes to painting. I love it and work in my studio every day if I’m not traveling. When I go away, I take along a sketch pad or even some paint supplies. When I’m not painting I’m thinking about painting. I guess you could say that I’m obsessed with it!

It's What's on the Inside That Counts
(click here to see original image)

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

The real problem is making time for everything else aside from art. Painting is a lifestyle that emerged from the lifelong habit of showing up every day in my studio. For me, being an artist means doggedly pursuing artmaking. It’s a discipline.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I paint in a series and spend a great deal of time formulating the concept for a series before I begin it. Often, I’ll stick with a series for five years or more. I’ll also paint more than one series simultaneously. Presently, I’m painting one series in oils and another in watercolor. Additionally, I teach artists from all over the country about how to formulate concepts for their work and how to develop their own “voice.”

Although my ideas for paintings of the Maine coast are derived from my environment, I seldom paint what I actually see. Rather, I paint what I remember and reinterpret. This transforms reality into “art.” My other ongoing series, “The Laws of Nature” (which may be viewed on my website: www.kacartwright.com) is done entirely from my imagination with no external references or models.

Beach Assembly
(click here to see original image)

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

Because I work in a series, I find that when I have nothing more to say or contribute to that series I stop and move on to another series. This always keeps it fresh. The shortest series I’ve ever painted was only twelve paintings. The longest was sixty paintings before they became redundant and I had to stop. Additionally, it’s easy to avoid burnout because I’m always using my imagination rather than imitating someone else. Our minds have an endless number of ideas and they’re exciting!

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

To trust my imagination and intuition. This is the only way for me to produce unique and meaningful art and avoid imitation.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The privilege and joy of making it, and the privilege and joy of teaching others how to make it.

Thanks, Katharine!

© 2013 Sophie Marine