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