DPW Spotlight Interview: Laura Buxo

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

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

From Laura's DPW Gallery page:

Creating art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Traditionally, my paintings have been on the larger size. However, I have found that creating a small painting almost every day gives me the opportunity to explore design, color and style without fear. Most of all, I try to have fun and not get too serious about the process or my subject. I hope you enjoy watching my journey! Please let me know what you think. Laura is represented by the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville in Greenville South Carolina.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

As a child, I loved paint-by-number kits. In school, I took every art class available. But what really started my journey was buying my first art book, “Watercolor, You Can Do It!” by Tony Couch.

Blueberries and Melon
(click to see original image)

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

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

I painted off and on during my career in the computer software industry. When I left the corporate world in the early 2000’s, it was my “now or never” moment. I had always wanted to be an artist so I decided it was NOW!

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

My initial focus was watercolor, painting landscapes and seascapes. I love the loose washes and interactions of colors you can only get with watercolor. Oil is my current medium, painting alla prima.

Bowl Full
(click to see original image)

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

Both watercolor and oil have continued to “stick” with me.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I am not sure where my journey will lead me. I am fascinated by mixed media and encaustics. However, I feel that I still have so much to learn with my current mediums that I do not see a jump anytime soon.

Who or what inspires you most?

The effect of light on an object intrigues me. Making the flat canvas appear to hold the three dimensional subject is my challenge. There are so many wonderful artists that inspire me. Two off the top of my head are John Singer Sargent and Richard Schmid.

Nosey Birds
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

My computer can be a time vampire. It is a great aid in viewing other artist's work and can be a source of inspiration. It can also steal valuable painting time.

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

I paint first thing in the morning, after taking the dogs for a walk and having breakfast, but before getting involved in any other activities.

Afternoon Tea
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas come from my everyday life, flowers from my garden, pets, local landscapes and items in the grocery store. Being a member of DPW has been a wonderful source for ideas and encourages me to stretch my abilities.

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

My paintings are either still life setups in my studio, plein air excursions, or photo references from family trips. As with most artists, I get bored very easily. Changing between studio and outside painting helps to keep me excited in this journey.

End of Red
(click to see original image)

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

Let go, paint loose and above all, have fun!

What makes you happiest about your art?

Just painting makes me happy. I do get a thrill when my plain, white, flat canvas magically transforms into a subject hit by light. And all I had to do is place just the right color in just the right place. Sounds easy, right?

Thanks, Laura!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine Cruse