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