DPW Spotlight Interview: Debbie Shirley

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

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

From Debbie's DPW Gallery page:

I am a New England-based artist who was raised and educated in the Midwest. After painting my way through college, I moved to Massachusetts where I worked as a graphic artist and art director for a number of years in the printing and advertising industries before settling down to raise a family. Now that my very active boys have all started school, I have returned to painting with a renewed passion for sharing my perspective of the world around me through my art. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started painting as a small child. My oh-so-patient artist grandmother would squeeze out bits of her precious acrylic paints onto styrofoam meat trays, lay out canvas panels and let us "create". She took me to an open studios event in the Little Italy section of Cleveland in the late seventies. I clearly remember being in awe, and thinking to myself that this was a world that I really wanted to be a part of.

Eternal
(click to see original image)

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

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

I painted in college (studio art was one of my majors) but pretty much stopped when my "real world" job got too busy. I started to get back to painting shortly before my first child was born, figuring I'd be able to work when the baby was napping or sleeping at night. Ha! I was blessed with a child who never slept, and I didn't touch a brush again until he and his two younger brothers were in school. At that point I pretty much jumped right in and began to pursue painting as a full-time career.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I paint in acrylics and enjoy drawing with ink, charcoal and graphite. In college, I painted large abstracts. Currently I paint small realistic pieces.

Spectrum
(click to see original image)

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

I re-visit abstraction from time to time when I have an image or idea in my head, but for some reason realism really appeals to me right now.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I really want to try watercolors. I am a little intimitated by them - maybe it is a fear of losing control? I'm intrigued by pastels as well, but I am not sure that I would ever make that jump

Stepping Out
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you most?

I am inspired by light and color - the way light can change even the most common object into something spectacular, and how colors can act together to affect what we see and feel. I am also inspired by a sense of history - and how memories can be tied to certain objects and places, and how the same objects can be connected to such different memories for different people.

What does procrastination look like for you?

Social media. I can start out with a specific task but find I really need to give myself a strict time limit or else I find it way too easy to go "down the rabbit hole".

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

It is what I do, so I make sure that I make the time every day when the kids are in school or asleep or otherwise occupied. In the summer, I get up super early to get in a few hours of painting before everyone is up and moving. I'll squeeze in whatever bits of time I can - I can't afford to wait for a large block of time or for inspiration to hit, or else I'd never get anything done!

Wednesday in a Cafe
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Sometimes it is just the way that light hits an object that makes me want to paint it. Sometimes I have an idea or image in my head and will set something up from that. At other times, when I have the perfect light coming in the window, I will take a few objects from my vintage collection and move things around until an idea or connection forms. If I am really stuck, I bring out my camera. The act of composing and cropping in the viewfinder will sometimes spark an idea from a different part of my brain.

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

I tend to work in small series. When I am no longer excited to start the next painting, I move on to a different subject matter. I find that eventually I return to most series at a later date with fresh ideas.

Whir Pool
(click to see original image)

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

Everything! To be an artist is to learn. Every day I feel I learn something new - sometimes it is about technique or color or light. Sometimes it is about the business side of things. Besides painting every day, I also read a lot, so there are always new things to learn, techniques to experience, subjects to try.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Making connections with the viewer. I love to talk to people about what they see in my work, what they connect with, and what my work makes them think about or remember. I hear the greatest stories from my collectors!

Thanks, Debbie!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine Cruse

DPW Spotlight Interview: Katya Minkina

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

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

From Katya's DPW Gallery page:

I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. I drew and painted throughout my childhood and mid teen years until I abruptly changed the course to pursue higher studies in linguistics. What started as a temporary break from painting stretched into long ten years.

It was not until I moved to Seattle in 2008 (after five years in South India where I taught French in an international school), that the absolute need to draw and paint finally caught up with me. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

At the age of seven, I started attending an art school for children in Moscow, Russia, where I studied drawing and painting for about eight years. It was a long-term commitment which pretty much defined my childhood. But then I turned fifteen and...

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

...And I was very dissatisfied with the rate of progress I was making in my painting class. I diagnosed myself with mediocrity and quit my art school unrepentantly in the middle of the school year. I thought I would take a little break, but it stretched into thirteen long years. Around 2008-2009, the urge to steer my life back to art was getting stronger and stronger. I had just moved to Seattle then, and my slow artistic recovery began with the life drawing studio at Gage Academy of Art. Over time, drawing turned into a necessity, it gave me a very clear feeling of doing the right thing. My heart was in it completely, even though it sometimes hurt to see what a long break had done to my skills.

Salt Creek
(click to see original image)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

When growing up, I was working mostly in gouache and pencil. Those were the preferred training media in my art school. Fast-forward to 2009, and I started figure drawing with the safest and most unassuming pencil. I tried my best to stay in the comfort zone as long as possible until an artist friend in the studio literally forced a piece of charcoal into my hands... then I stuck with charcoal just as fiercely until taking up painting became inevitable. A transition to a new medium always meets with a lot of resistance and discomfort until it is just completely unavoidable. Oil has been the most enjoyable discovery so far, and I had put it off the longest, starting on it only last spring.

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

From what my art journey resembles so far, I've been exploring media in a spiral. I take up a new medium, work with it and then move on to something else. At any given point of time, there is one that takes over. With every new loop of the spiral, I discover new interesting qualities of a medium. Right now it's oil. A prolonged exposure to one medium influences the way I handle the next one. It's interesting to see the overlapping that happens.

Master Class with Van Gogh
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

As much as I enjoy painting, I have a very strong pull towards graphics. I am intrigued by the challenges of composition, movement, depth and volume in a black-and-white medium, when I have to compensate for the absence of color by the expressiveness in other areas. I love to see what other skilled artists can do with a simple pencil, pen, or dry brush with ink.

Who or what inspires you most?

I am constantly on the lookout for inspiring drawings and paintings. I have discovered a wealth of talented contemporary artists in the US and abroad whose artistic paths speak to me. I love different aspects of the work of Catherine Kehoe, Alex Kanevsky, Jon Redmond, Diarmuid Kelley, Hollis Dunlap, William Wray, Jennifer McChristian, to mention very-very few! I was recently lucky to visit some of the best and biggest museums in the US, and being able to observe some great master paintings from close and savor the texture; the brushwork was a priceless experience.

Unrelated to the actual painting inspirations, my artistic journey is fueled and illuminated by the support and unexpected gifts of kindness from others. I was recently offered a spot in a plein air workshop which I would not have been able to afford otherwise. The gift came from one of my collectors, a tireless and dedicated organizer of a wonderful annual plein air event in Port Angeles called Paint the Peninsula.

Adopt 44
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I used to be more prone to procrastination when I was expecting to churn out 'masterpieces' and naturally failed to live up to it. I feel now that this 'all or nothing' mindset was amateurish. I treat art practice as a slow cumulative growth comprised of a myriad of small efforts. I make sure I sketch on days when I don't paint. Even if a particular drawing or painting session doesn't seem to be going anywhere, it's a way to stay in touch with the process and power through uninspired days.

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

I am a full-time artist, so a solid art routine is of paramount importance. It takes discipline and motivation because you are only answerable to yourself. No one will 'scold' you or 'fire' you if you don't show up to work. As much as it is liberating, it's a big responsibility. It really helps to have a designated space for work where everything is ready and set up for painting.

Busker on Break
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Since my primary concern in painting lies more in the 'how' rather than the 'what', I think any genre can be handled interestingly with paint. I explore a certain theme in a series, be it still life or a sketching project or portraits. I try not to block myself with waiting for the great complex idea... This was why I was drawn to the daily painting movement in the first place. As long as I paint, explore the palette, and learn to use brushstrokes effectively, I am sure life will supply me with the subject. I believe that in the course of abundant painting, the interest in a certain narrower theme will crystallize as part of the natural process.

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

The first brushstrokes are usually the most energizing , and every painting has the very best beginning while it's unrestrained and fluid. I strive to preserve the good parts but with every choice of brushstroke, the painting solidifies and tightens. Then there comes the dreaded moment when I realize I am just beating a dead horse. Cosmetic touch-ups just don't bring the painting back. It is always a very difficult decision to let go of the many hours of work and make some radical changes to breathe life back into the work. It is almost funny to me, after all the battles I fight on my own while painting, going from exhilaration to the depths of despair and back to triumph, losing and finding the right strokes, when I step out of the studio only to see the world just keeps turning like nothing has happened.

500 Faces 107
(click to see original image)

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

These past few years have marked the steepest learning curve in my entire life so far. I used to cringe thinking of art as 'business' before, and I still don't treat my work as a commodity even though I paint for a living. However, it is 'business' in the sense that there is more to the art practice than just painting in the studio: it means marketing, professional ethics, professional behavior, having the work organized and well-presented, looking for exposure opportunities, etc.

I have been learning a lot in the studio as well. My main challenge is to use more efficient brushstrokes, working with bigger brushes, filtering the information, deciding on what's relevant and what can be left out. Also, allowing myself to use good quality, professional-grade materials and art supplies, which are sometimes really expensive. It took a lot of time to accept that my work is worth it, it's not negotiable.

Another aspect of art practice that I am learning is patience. Like any other life pursuit, it is a character-building process. It starts with a leap of faith, but it needs daily fuel that might not always come from external validation. You have to grow and stretch your soul to find the internal motivation and sustain yourself emotionally through the many frustrations.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Being able to witness my own growth. Living a life that is so personal. Having a daily routine where my efforts are arranged around what I love doing the most. Knowing I am doing the right thing. Painting plein air when I have a chance, observing the change of light, the life and movement of natural elements. Finding supporters of my work, connecting with like-minded artists, making sales that nourish the hope. I can't overestimate the importance of all the grains of sincere encouragement that I encounter on the way.

Thank you for the opportunity to showcase my work on this really supportive and inspiring platform that is Daily Paintworks!

Thanks, Katya!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine Cruse

DPW Spotlight Interview: Barbara Haviland

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

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

From Barbara's DPW Gallery Page:

I have been creating fine art for over 38 years. I am mostly a self-taught, raw artist who draws inspiration from the world around me. I love bright, bold, rich colors and feel satisfied when someone can see the love I have put into the piece that I have created, whether it is a landscape, floral, portrait, or a seascape. I am married to Sam, my husband of 51 years. We have three grown children and five grandchildren. 

Seascape
(click here to see original image)

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

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I first starting painting about 38 years ago after my father died. I painted because he was a painter of cars, houses and his refinery work. I have found that I truly love creating.

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

No, but I did not paint everyday like I do now. I raised three children and worked at a bank.

Wildflowers Landscape
(click to see original image)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have worked with oils, watercolors and acrylics.

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

I have remained with the oils and acrylics and just recently started with watercolors again.

Guitar
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring? 

I love painting with the palette knife using lots of textures and thick paint. I have been doing flowers with the knife. 

Who or what inspires you most?

My most favorite artists are ones that are traditional. My husband does support my art with his critiques and input.

What does procrastination look like for you? 

That is not in my vocabulary.

Red Truck in Snow
(click to see original image)

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

Now that I am retired, I paint every single day on some painting. I teach and do workshops. I love that.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings? 

I take lots of photos of the subjects I love. I also love still life and plein air.

Little Yellow Bird
(click to see original image)

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

I am always looking to try something different with my art. I will experiment with paints and knives. I am a very optimistic person and try very hard to be upbeat and positive.

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

I am trying to learn from all the artists that I mingle with. I have met so very many nice and friendly people since I joined the groups that I belong to.

Two Red Poppies
(click to see original image)

What makes you happiest about your art? 

 I get really happy when people comment on my paintings and buy them.

Thanks, Barbara!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine Cruse

DPW Spotlight Interview: Michko Wyre

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

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

From Michko's DPW Gallery page:

My main interest is traditional realistic landscape painting. I am a devotee of past American masters such as Sydney Laurence, Edward Wesson, Edgar Payne, Eustace Ziegler, Andrew Wyeth, John Carlson, Thomas Hill, William Keith, Albert Bierstadt and Ted Lambert. My love for the beauty of nature made me travel and live in many parts of Europe and North America. My preferred medium is acrylic. (click to read more)

Refreshing Canyon
(click to see original image)

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

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

When I was kid, I remember keeping an empty chocolate box with a picture of mountains on it, a landscape that I loved watching over and over. When I grew older, I found out that the picture was a painting by Edgar Payne. The real support came from my parents, they used to encourage me and buy me all kinds of art supplies.

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

I had many stops and starts. During my university years, I gave up on painting during my exams. Nevertheless, painting was part of my income to support my education expenses. Although I marketed my paintings most of the time, I always considered painting a hobby that I loved most, therefore stops and starts were frequent but brief.

Green Edge
(click to see original image)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

All kinds of mediums; for me all mediums are pigments and they all work the same way. You see, when the art is good there is no need to worry about the medium. Sometimes I prefer a good drawing with pencil to an average oil painting. However, my favorite medium is acrylic because it gives me a beautiful dry chalk and the dazzling soft reflexes that I love. Sometimes I experiment with my own mediums by mixing acrylics with other water based mediums to give more excitement to my paintings.

Do you like plein air painting?

I love plein air, but most of the time I make the sketching of the composition using pencil or watercolor on the spot and take some pictures. I prefer to continue the true painting in my studio.

Heading Home
(click to see original image)

What is your favorite subject to paint?

I love painting mountains, but I don't mind any subject I feel inclined to paint. Here in Ontario, we don't have mountains so I have to rely mostly on photos. Although I have been to many parts of the world, I still prefer where I am and retrieve my references from the web.

Who or what inspires you most?

What really inspires me is the beauty of the nature itself and then the past American landscape masters such as Sydney Laurence, Edward Wesson, Edgar Payne, Eustace Ziegler, Andrew Wyeth, John Carlson, Thomas Hill, William Keith, Albert Bierstadt, Ted Lamber, etc.

Scary Road
(click to see original image)

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

I paint when I finish doing other things needed for the family and the kids. When painting, I like to listen to news, music or to radio talk shows.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas for painting come from everywhere: the internet, magazines, a scene I see while I am driving outside or watching a movie.

Observer
(click to see original image)

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

I am inspired by artists of the past and I have a few of their books in my library. I also love the Southeast and its history.

What makes you happiest about your art?

When people appreciate my painting. I post my paintings on my Facebook regularly and sometimes on Wetcanvas. I love to read comments and feedback made by people and other painters about my work. Thank you Daily Paintworks!

Thanks, Michko!

© 2014 Sophie Catalina Marine Cruse