DPW Spotlight Interview: Jane Palmer

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

To enter to win Jane's painting, "Apple and Pear" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Jane's DPW Gallery page:

Hi, My name is Jane. I live in a small village near Ruthin, North Wales, UK. I bought my first set of oil paints in June 2010, and I haven't stopped painting since! I enjoy painting small still life subjects from life. Most of my daily paintings are 7x5 or 6x6 inches, but I have recently started painting larger works and hope to paint a lot more larger works in the future.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started painting a few years ago, but it wasn't until 2011 that I would really class myself as a painter. I did a lot of artwork at high school to build up a portfolio that got me into art college where I spent three years studying Art/Design crafts specializing in glass. I then started my own business and worked as a stained glass artist for over 10 years.

Due to health problems in my early thirties, I had to give up my glass business. Having been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition and waiting for a second surgery on my hip I started painting with acrylics to pass the time. In June 2010, I bought my first set of oil paints and I loved them. I had my hip surgery in September 2010 and while recovering is when I really started painting a lot. By the following year, I was painting almost daily. My decision to become a full time painter came in early 2011 after I entered a competition as a professional artist rather than an amateur. My painting was selected for exhibition and I haven't looked back since.

Apple and Pear
(click to see original image)

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

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

As my painting career only started a couple of years ago I haven't had any stops as of yet apart from the odd week off.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Before starting with oil, I did do quite a bit with acrylics. My acrylic paintings were mostly folk arty and a lot of mixed media was used on them including adding paper and cloth collage, stitching and buttons. I also did a few semi-abstract textured landscapes. Over the years I have used many mediums from pencil/coloured pencil, watercolour, pen and ink, and pastels. I hadn't painted a still life since art college until I started painting with oils.

Lemon Coke
(click to see original image)

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

Oils and still life have definitely stuck. I loved using oils straight away and I like the simplicity of still life. I still do a few folk art paintings when I have the time. Watercolour is the one thing I have given up on totally. I have to admit I am hopeless at watercolour!

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I have recently started to drive again so I am looking forward to getting out and about more and doing some local landscapes around North Wales.

Who or what inspires you most?

Hmm that's a hard one, but I think I would have to say the colour of nature inspires me most at the moment. Before I started painting, a plum was just a plum. Now, I see all the fantastic colours in just one plum and it makes me want to paint it.

Strawberry on Cloth
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Lol, Facebook and Twitter!

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

As painting is now my job, I feel I have to make time for it. It's great being my own boss though, so I don't have strict painting times. With my pain condition and bad hips, I have had to learn to pace myself and take lots of breaks. I tend to deal with sales and packaging and other day to day jobs in the mornings, then I have the rest of the day to paint.

Egg #4
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

For my still life paintings my ideas really come from whatever is around me at the time. If I see a lovely looking pear in the shop or Mum is baking scones or at this time of year I go down to my Dads garden and see what fruit or vegetable is ready to be picked and painted.

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

I think I have avoided burn out so far as a painter as I am still learning so much with each painting. I very rarely use reference photos, I prefer to paint from life so I spend quite a lot of time setting things up and changing things around. I have recently been trying out how different types of brushes add a different texture to my paintings' finish. Even though I have painted the same subjects many times, I haven't tired of them as each apple or pear or whatever is different. I like the imperfections on each fruit or vegetable that makes them unique, I even like the little stickers on them that most people take no notice of.

Glass Marbles
(click to see original image)

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

I am still learning a lot about colour mixing. I am learning to have more patience and not rush things.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The many people from all over the world who have purchased a painting and left fantastic feedback makes me very happy as without them, I would not be able to do what I do as a career. Also the great comments I receive via Daily Paintworks, my Facebook page, and my blog make me smile every day.

Thanks, Jane!

© 2013 Sophie Marine