DPW Spotlight Interview: Jordan Avery Foster

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

To enter to win Jordan's painting, "Three Pears" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Jordan's DPW Gallery page:

Hi, My name is Jordan Avery Foster. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. At age 14 I was involved in a five car collision, which left me bed bound for a year. When I recovered I found out I had a condition known as Interstitial Cystitis.

I was accepted into The University of the Arts in Philadelphia with an artist award but due to the health complications, I was not able to continue. After returning to Florida I began attending classes at The University of North Florida and after some struggles, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

My work has been exhibited nationally in juried competitions at Harvard University, Princeton University, and Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. I have also been commissioned by museums and hospitals. Recently I was featured in an article in the Lake George Mirror, while doing a residency at Shelley's International Gallery of Fine Art in Bolton Landing NY. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

One of the first things I remember is painting a mural on my bedroom wall. My mom is an artist and always encouraged me to be creative and express myself.

Three Pears
(click to see original image)

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

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

Yes, I moved to Philadelphia to pursue my career and get my degree, but had to leave because of health issues. I feel like my career has taken a lot of twists and turns. I was painting more expressionistic, emotional work up until the last year or so, when I began painting small still lifes to increase my skills.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I paint with acrylics mostly, but I love watercolor, pencil and pen and ink as well. About a year ago, I started working primarily with open acrylics and began using glazing mediums which helped me blend and layer my paint.

Cherries in a Teacup
(click to see original image)

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

I still use regular acrylics, because the opens sometimes are too transparent. I love the Golden glazing medium. I love street scenes (something that tells a story)... two examples are "Hats" and "Birdies".

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I also love painting and drawing self portraits and portraits, which I've gotten away from, but hope to get back to. I would also like to start working more in oils.

Sake House
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Procrastination for me usually comes in the form of a blank canvas. I have so many ideas I want to carry out, but at times get overwhelmed and put off sitting down in front of my work area.

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

I've learned that no matter what I have to keep painting. I make it a priority, even when I'm frustrated, I make sure I paint for several hours a day.

I Enjoy Being a Girl #3
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I'm always thinking about ideas for paintings. There are several series I'm working on. Right now, mostly still lifes and street scenes.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging? Who or what inspires you most?

My inspiration may come from something I'm experiencing emotionally or may be built up from a movie I've watched. You never know when or where inspiration is going to come from, but I think the most important thing is to keep painting. Sometimes I do get burned out on my still lifes, but I try to keep it fresh by mixing it up. For example, my perfume bottle series is an escape for me. I also know that constantly practicing keeps me focused and is important.

Red Apple and Grapes
(click to see original image)

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

I'm always looking to improve my skills and broaden the range of what I can do. I want to keep growing as an artist and explore a more diverse body of work.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I enjoy it when I I feel like a painting has gone well... the technique, composition, etc. It's also exciting to me when I make a painting that I feel captures a vision I have or an emotion I'm going through.

Thanks, Jordan!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine