Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.I started doing decorative painting and murals as a business about 10 years ago, but my business quickly evolved into refinishing furniture, selling antiques, writing, and photography. It was only recently that I decided to pursue fine art painting and I am hooked! I still have so much to learn and so many areas where I need to grow. I don’t claim to be a great artist, but I do claim to love it and commit to becoming the best I can be.
Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?
I just started selling my artwork in the fall of 2017, so I would say I’m just getting started! My blog audience has been very encouraging and supportive and I have received a warm welcome from the art community as well.
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| Untitled (click to view) Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Marian's interview. |
What mediums and genres have you experimented with?
I started with watercolor, but I fell in love with oils last fall. I’m currently working on graphite sketches, watercolors, and oils.
Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?
I have not found a love to pastels as of yet! Oil is definitely my favorite at this point.
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| No. 46 of #100oilstills (click to view) |
Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?
I am very excited about exploring watercolor more. I love and hate how hard it can be to control! I hope to get a handle on it through lots of practice.
What does procrastination look like for you?
I’m a go-getter, so I don’t procrastinate very often! When I do, I usually just pick something else to work on that is more exciting to me.
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| No. 33 of #100oilstills Series (click to view) |
What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?
I have let my family know it’s important to me, so they are good about giving me the time I need in my studio. I also fit it in whenever and wherever I can. If all I can do is paint for 15 minutes, then I’ll set up an apple to paint (which is why I’ve painted so many apples!) It is a commitment and I know I need to take it seriously or it will keep getting pushed to the back burner.
How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?
I’m inspired by nature, as I think many artists are, and I also love faces. I find portraits very compelling, especially bringing old black and white photos to life. I am definitely still passively searching for my style, though. I can see my work evolving, but I don’t know where it’s going, yet.
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| No 23 of the #100oilstills Series (click to view) |
How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?
When I feel like I’m stuck, I try painting or drawing something to me that I’ve avoided, because I think it’s beyond my skill. Some of my favorite paintings and sketches are ones that were difficult for me. It gives me confidence to keep pushing forward.
What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?
I am focusing on the fundamentals of color, values, perspective, etc. It’s easy for me to get frustrated with myself when a piece doesn’t turn out at all the way I envision and I know having a good grip on the fundamentals will really help to correct those mistakes in future paintings.
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| No. 24 of the #100oilstills series (click to view) |
What makes you happiest about your art?
I love that it’s changed the way I look at the world. My eye is constantly searching for shape, values, and colors and I find myself pondering those things as I study everyday objects or look out the window on a road trip. And, I will admit, I love art supplies! I enjoy shopping for and trying out new supplies almost as much as I like creating something!
Thanks, Marian!
© 2018 Sophie Marine
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