DPW Spotlight Interview: Charlotte Yealey

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

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

From Charlotte's DPW gallery page: 

​I am a professional artist and my love for nature shows in each painting. York Academy of Arts was part of my training. I opened my own pet grooming business and painted portraits of pets for over 20 years and now that my daughter runs the business, I now paint full time when I am not visiting local nursing homes and schools with my Therapy dogs. I am a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, Pennsylvania watercolor Society and Daily Painters of Pennsylvania. (click to view bio)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I have been painting (especially dogs and animals) since I was in grade school because I grew up on a farm. My school art project subjects were always animals and spent a lot of my spare time drawing dogs, cats and other animals on the farm. After high school I attended York Academy of arts.

Rooster
(click to see original image)

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

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

I put my art away a few years after marriage and when my children were babies but started painting again at night after they would go to bed. I spent weekends at the art and crafts shows with my dad who was a wood carver.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have tried just about every medium including stained glass but I always go back to oil painting, colored pencil drawing and pastel. I love to be able to get the fine detail in my art and sometime combine mediums to achieve it. I have worked a little with clay sculpture but would like to set aside more time to master it.

Zebra Look
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you most?

My father the wood carver and an aunt who was a watercolorist have inspired me the most but when I see a photo realistic artists work, I am greatly inspired to work harder.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I think all artist face procrastination at one time but with me it is mostly the paperwork and bookkeeping of the art business. I would rather be painting or drawing. I do have to set studio hours so that I keep up with the demand of suppling two galleries, enter competitions and complete my commissions.

Two English Springer Spaniels
(click to see original image)

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

I was once asked "How do you know what to paint?" I always say "That is easy! I keep my camera with me at all times and always stop to photograph an animal looking cute, a bird at my feeder or any other inspiration that crosses my path".

Turtle
(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 feel exploring new combinations of mediums and subjects in my art keeps me reaching for new goals and possibilities in my creative thoughts. Artist never stop learning, with each painting there is a new lesson learned.

Borzoi
(click to see original image)

What makes you happiest about your art?

I am blessed to be able to create art that makes people smile.

Thanks, Charlotte!

© 2015 Sophie Catalina Marine