DPW Spotlight Interview: Laurie Mueller

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

To enter to win Laurie's painting, "Who're You Wearing?" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.


Click here to view Laurie's DPW Gallery.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I remember my first piece of art that I was really proud of. I was very small, and painted a picture, then folded it into a card, and put a piece of tissue paper over it, making it look sort of soft and foggy. It was a Mother's day card. I loved that for some reason, and just went from there.

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

Oh yes, like a lot of people. Kids, college (myself), momhood, wifehood, and of course, work.

Who're You Wearing?
(click to see original image)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? 

I spent years doing ceramics, painting and firing backsplashes for people, painting murals, painting fabric and making quilts. Now, I mostly work with acrylic and oils and make collages.

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

I just learned oils a few years ago, and went to a workshop. The artist's name is Carol Marine (have you heard of her?). It really got me excited about oil painting, and at that workshop I met some of my very best friends! To name a few: Kristin Dukat, Gloria Moses, Chris Lally, Ruth Ann Sturgill, Trish Ansert, and other great artists like Jane Langdon, Candace Brancik, Carol Marine, and more! What a bonus!  I have also had the incredible experiences of going to workshops by Qiang Huang, Kyle Martin, Peggy Kroll Roberts, and Becky Joy. So, I guess you could say that oil is sticking for now. I love it.

Here Comes Trouble
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring? 

I just want to do what I'm doing for now. I have SO much to learn, and I want to get better.

Who or what inspires you most? 

 I appreciate so many things and people who are inspiring to me. Too many to say.

What does procrastination look like for you?

Putting things off!

Can't Wait
(click to see original image)

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

Just doing my best at the moment. I don't really have a structure yet. I just started painting full time a year ago.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Looking at life. Sometimes in the middle of the night. But sometimes it's really hard to know what to paint. You would think that with all the things in life that we see and experience, it would be easy. Sometimes it is. But other times it seems impossible!

Hang in There
(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 trying hard to learn every day. Either by experimenting, watching art videos, reading, and talking to my art friends. I feel I am an infant in terms of what's out there and how I can learn from other artists.

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

My continuing "journey". I hope I can continue this for a long, long, time. I feel that artists learn so much merely in the daydreaming we do when we're lost in painting.

Quiet
(click to see original image)

What makes you happiest about your art?

The incredible feeling of joy and appreciation that I have, to be able to do this. My Grandmother could have been an amazing and accomplished artist, but didn't have the opportunities I do. I don't want to waste this opportunity. Not only for me, but for her.

Thanks Laurie!

© 2015 Sophie Catalina Marine