DPW Spotlight Interview: Krista Eaton

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

To enter to win Krista Eaton's painting, "Bursting Forth II," go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Krista's DPW Gallery page:

Krista studied at Emily Carr and the Federation of Canadian Artists and is currently at the Scottsdale Artist's School. She's had numerous solo exhibitions and has sold to many Canadian and international collectors.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started painting when I was a little kid - then I stopped and didn't paint through my teenage years. After I got married, I was encouraged by my husband to take a painting class that was held in the back of a art supply store. That got me going.

Bursting Forth II
(click here to see original image)

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

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

I have stopped only when I gave birth to my two children. And I started as soon as I could - as soon as they were having naps that lasted.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away? Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I have experimented with a few genres, but mostly they have been a steady progression, I have always known what I like and what I have wanted to paint.

Waiting for News
(click here to see original image)

I have no idea how you can even see such fine details in the flowers you paint, much less recapture them on canvas. How do you do it?

Well, from my experience the best and easiest way is to go out and buy yourself a bouquet of flowers, set them up, then paint what you see. We have ideas in our heads of what a flower looks like - the best way is to look at them as shapes. You need to have good lighting as well, that would be the most important thing after buying the flowers.

What does procrastination look like for you? What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

I have a very busy life between my husband’s busy schedule and my two little ones, so I just have to paint through the chaos. I have sometimes set up an easel on my kitchen counter! I set my alarm clock some days so I can get something done before the kids wake up. Then as soon as they go to bed, I paint till I crash.


I am a little bit of a workaholic. My advice to moms that paint is: paint first, laundry and dishes later.

New Beginning
(click here to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I go with what grabs me and I always have ideas in my head all the time; painting or not painting. When I'm playing with my son at the park, I am always on the side, thinking of ideas. It doesn't stop for me, I think I dream of paintings.

Winter's Morning
(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? 

I guess I try new things, I look at what other artists are doing. I gather information and learn at the Scottsdale Artist's School. I keeping learning, and studying. It's hard to burn out when you keep learning. That also keeps my art fresh.

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

I feel I'm learning that like all things you do in life, you start out thinking you can do it and then you realize, once your eyes are open, it's a huge journey. So I feel that a strong hold on the fundamentals, like everything else in life, is so important. Basic, but so crucial. I'm excited about that, because I love challenges.

A Time of Peace
(click here to see original image)

What makes you happiest about your art?

I'm happiest when I'm able make something that I am surprised by. It makes me happy, because most days I am happily surprised. Plus, I just love paint.

Thanks, Krista!

© 2013 Jennifer Newcomb Marine