DPW Spotlight Interview: Vincenza Harrity

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

To enter to win Vincenza's painting, "Winter Out My Window" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Vincenza's DPW Gallery page:

Vincenza Harrity is an artist who lives in Cleveland. Formally trained in fashion illustration, she has always sought to develop her skills as a painter with classes and workshops. For more than 10 years, she has focused on capturing essences of objects and landscapes through still life and en plein air using oils. Her work has been displayed and sold in galleries and exhibitions throughout Ohio and Kentucky.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I had studied to be a Fashion Illustrator when I was younger. After raising my family I wanted to paint. That was about 13 years ago, however my move to Cleveland really got me going and raised the artistic bar.

Winter Out My Window
(click to see original image)

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

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

Life can get busy for me. I'll take a break from painting, but its not long before I feel my studio or an outing to paint "en plein air" calling me.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I've tried pastels, acrylics and watercolor, however, I always go back to oils. I really just focus on landscape. Occasionally, for fun, using colored pencils, I'll design a label for my friends craft beer.

Snowy Birch Trees
(click to see original image)

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

Right now, I'm only interested in working in oil. I love the way it moves on the canvas and the colors I can mix.

Who or what inspires you most?

The beauty around me is what inspires me most often. I've also had a lot of opportunity to travel and see great art and beautiful vistas that add to my drive and inspiration. As well as having the privilege to paint "en plein air" along side some great artists here in Northeast Ohio. They often inspire and spur me on to be better.

Brecksville Path
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I can easily get distracted from painting when I find other projects to do. However, I've come to realize that procrastination is often fear. Afraid that I can't really make that painting sitting in my studio better, so procrastination is what I'll do.

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

I try to have a plan in place for each day, being flexible as different things come up. Being flexible I think is important because if I'm not, frustration can be a greater obstacle to creativity then procrastination. I also paint with a group of artists each week while weather permits en plein air.

San Francisco Bay
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I see something in the landscape that catches my eye and imagination. It could be a vast field, a barn in the distance, the swaying of some trees, reflections on the water or a strike of light on the grass or snow.

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

I like to look at other artists work, from the old masters to local artists and everything in between, there is a lot a good art out there. Going to workshops and watching instructional DVDs also help.

Tor Bay
(click to see original image)

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

I am working on just being better. Also, creating a mood or emotion in my art.

What makes you happiest about your art?

When I've succeeded in creating that mood by capturing the light of that moment.

Thanks, Vincenza!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine