DPW Spotlight Interview: Carole Mayne

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

To enter to win Carole Mayne's painting, "Not Here... Here!" go to go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing Carole's interview.

From Carole Mayne's DPW gallery page:

​Carole Mayne has been painting in oils since she was 15. She attended college briefly and then searched for mentors and studied directly with many notable masters.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting. Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career? 

I have been painting in oils since I was 15. Although I've had to support my painting career with other art-related endeavors, I've never abandoned it for any length of time.

Not Here... Here!(click here to see original image)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? 

My first love has always oil painting. I have had superior teachers along the way and began painting in the style of the Old Masters in my 20's, with monotone underpaintings, glazes and scumbling in a very tight, photo-realistic manner. I worked this way for many years, then found I wanted more expression and personality to my work.

My most significant teacher, Sebastian Capella, taught me alla prima painting and color theory. I also have a great love for art glass and built leaded glass windows for decades. I have a kiln for painting and firing porcelain tile and glass. I still design stained glass windows for a few designers.

Green Flash
(click here to see original image)

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

I am now painting with transparent oils and mediums for my underpaintings with an alla prima layer on top, with thanks to Dreama Tolle Perry. It's almost the exact reverse of the way in which I started painting in the Old Masters' style!

Which mediums and genres are you looking forward to exploring? 

The goal for me has ever been, 'One beautiful, conscious stroke per observation.'

There is such a dreamy, ethereal quality to your work. What can you share with us about what you're drawn to painting and the feeling that you want the viewer to experience?

Thank you!  I love the quote: "Painting is a collaboration between God and the artist and the less the artist has to do with it, the better." When beauty flows through an artist, it goes through the viewer, too. It's a wonderful challenge to make the object of a painting about the light and shadow patterns and let this introduce the subject, then there is depth or drama or color that keep the viewer's interest.

Koi for the Pisces
(click here to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?  

Procrastination comes from perfectionism and I learned early that's not something I could afford to indulge in very much. I have been self-employed and worked from my studio my entire life, while being home to raise two daughters and spend time with our grandsons.

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

I have kept my life simple and treasure the day light hours to paint in. I don't beat myself up for choosing other activities that have provided me a balanced life, which is very important.

Hot & Sour
(click here to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings? 

I am more naturally drawn to dramatic landscapes, skies, flowers, and sunlight and the main themes or concepts should be thought out first, no matter how simple they may be; if it's an apple--what about the apple is worth elevating?

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

My interest in a variety of subjects never lacks and I have been on an amazing journey with fabulous mentors and teachers in this life. I've been to Italy seven times and find endless inspiration there. My quest has been to follow the footsteps of the great teachers and painters and ultimately make my own work my favorite! My husband and I are going to Thailand next March and I have loved to travel with my pochade box around the world.

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

I am learning to be a clearer 'conduit' for beauty, harmony and light.

Flying Home
(click here to see original image)

What makes you happiest about your art? 

I am so grateful to be able to do what I love.

Thanks, Carole!

© 2012 Jennifer Newcomb Marine