DPW Spotlight Interview: Olga Wagner

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

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

From Olga's DPW Gallery Page:

Olga Wagner, is a North Carolina based artist whose work is held in private collections all over the world. She attributes her talent and exposure to different mediums to her parents, Jan and Iraida, who early on instilled in her love for classical art. Before settling in the United States in 1986, Olga's family lived in many countries where classical art was highly treasured and promoted, including Russia, Poland, and Germany. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I was born in Soviet Union and grew up in Poland and West Germany, where art education was and still is highly valued. Most of my classes had emphasis on drawing ability and thus my early art specialty leaned towards graphite and colored pencil work.

Original Contemporary Cow
(click to view)

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

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

Yes, from high school through the beginnings of my career, I gave up on art in order to study and grow in the field of engineering. I finished college and relocated to North Carolina when I took a job in telecommunication field. In 2007, after a loss of one of my beloved cats (Mr. Bigglesworth), I took to graphite pencils to create his portrait and my art career got jump start.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have experimented with pencils, pastels, acrylics and oils and have done everything from realism to abstract work.

Contemporary Owl
(click to view)

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

Even though I still have a soft spot in my heart for graphite pencils, most of my work now is done in oils. I just love the buttery feel of the paint and the way that I can massage the paint on the canvas. Also, the color selection is just amazing.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Right now, I am happy to stick with oils, but I am always looking to explore new surfaces or texture options.

Handsome Rooster
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most?

As you can tell from my work, I am inspired by animals. Having volunteered for years in a no-kill cats shelter, I have met so many wonderful cats and kittens with their own stories and all looking for some love in this world.  I am moved by their loving, generous nature and try and reflect those emotions through my paintings.

What does procrastination look like for you?

Sitting down on the couch after coming home from work is a big no-no for me. Once I am down, it is hard for me to get motivated to get into my studio.

Original Contemporary Tabby Cat Kitten
(click to view)

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

I normally have the gessoed boards and/or canvases ready to go on the easel for the next day. In addition to that, I have my palette ready to go with the tubes of paint within easy reach.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I have a vast collection of animal photos. In addition, I keep up with the photos of adoptable animals that are posted by local shelter. If the eyes talk to me, it is guaranteed that I will paint that animal.

Original Contemporary White Cow
(click to view)

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

I LOVE trying new colors. You never know which color will ultimately end up as part of my favorites. In addition, I love experimenting with different techniques. Anything from textured ground to palette knife work.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I love playing with colors and I love getting messy!  It makes me feel like a kid in a candy store.

Thanks, Olga!

© 2015 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Rachel Dowd

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

To enter to win Rachel's painting, "Blooms #5" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Rachel's DPW Gallery Page:

I've always been an artistic type. My mom has tons of stories of the artsy messes I made as a kid. Truth is, I love all kinds of art. Sewing, drawing, painting, crafting, decorating, pottery, you name it. I've just recently discovered oils and I LOVE it! I don't know why I was so afraid of them all this time. All the solvents and chemicals and non-water soluableness made me put it off for way too long. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I’ve always had an artistic “bent” ever since I can remember, but I didn’t start painting seriously until 2013.  I haven’t been painting that long at all, but I feel like I’ve finally found what my soul has been searching for all these years.  I am soaking it up!  I really felt empowered to start painting seriously after I read Carol Marine’s book “Daily Painting”.  I felt like it was ok if I didn’t paint large paintings, and it was ok if I messed up, and it was ok to experiment and try new techniques.  All I had to do was just keep on keeping on and my talent will progress.  Her book really helped me let go of those last few hangups in my mind that were preventing me from giving it my all.

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

When I started painting, I used watercolors.  The luminosity of watercolor is what attracted me to it, but I found I had to plan too much to make my watercolors look the way I wanted.  There was no spontaneity in it for me.  So I dropped painting for a few years.  It was hard to pick up anything artistic after that while our family was growing and three beautiful little girls came into my life.  In 2013 I decided to get serious with painting and I decided to try acrylics.  Mostly because they were cheaper and cleaner to use, but I found myself getting more and more frustrated with them.  I couldn’t make them do what I wanted and they dried way too fast.  So out of frustration, I stopped painting for a while until I finally took the plunge and got into oils.  Oils to me were like a breath of fresh air.  I’ve been painting non stop ever since.  Although, being a mother and homeschooling definitely causes temporary stops every now and then.  I always come running back.

Blooms #5
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I think I’ve experimented with nearly every medium since I was a child.  Pastels, colored pencils, pencil drawing, watercolor, acrylics, oils, you name it.

My genre of choice right now is florals.  I can’t get enough of them.  I also have interests in landscapes and portraits too, but that will come in time.

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

All have fallen away, except for the oils.  Love them oils.  Sometimes I’ll take one of my sketchbooks on an outing and sketch in pen and watercolor, but not very often.  And I never get tired of flowers.  I’m waiting for the day that I decide that I’m ready to try something different, but it hasn’t come yet.  Until then, I will be happy painting flowers indefinitely.

Genuine Friendship
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Lately, I’ve been intrigued with water soluble wax pastels.  I’d really like to try those out, mostly just for fun. I like the idea of a solid stick of color melting into a painting.  I’m not sure if that’s how they really work, but I like the idea.

I really want to start working on portraits, but that is a little too intimidating right now.  I used to draw portraits all the time and loved it, but painting them is a whole different skill altogether. Someday...

Who or what inspires you most?

Some of my favorite artists are Dreama Tolle Perry, Erin Fitzhugh Gregory, Erin Hansen, David Mensing, and Emily Jeffords. John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla have a special place in my heart too.

Color and light seem to inspire me the most, especially high contrasting light.  The soft evening light and the way it makes everything glow stops me in my tracks.  I love impressionism and it never fails to amaze me how a few well placed brushstrokes can register in someone’s mind as a specific object. Our brains are incredible! Impressionism also allows each person’s imagination to “fill in the blanks” and see what their heart wants to see.

Obviously, I love flowers.  They are, without fail, happy and joyful and they just lift the spirit.  I think each flower has a unique personality and I love capturing that in my paintings.  My hope is that the joyfulness in my floral paintings is able to encourage someone and lift their mood, if even for a moment.  

Color is in Everything
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Procrastination for me is usually a half-finished painting on my easel that will sit there for a week because I’m stuck somewhere on it and I’m scared that I’ll ruin it.  Eventually the need to paint overrides my fear and I’ll finally finish it.  I’m usually very relieved and happy with the finished product and kicking myself for not finishing it sooner. Or glad it’s over and I can move on to something new.

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

Well, being a wife and a mother to three children always takes first priority, but I’m learning more and more lately, that my art takes a close second, so I try my best to make time for it.  I’m a better mother and person in general when I make time to paint.  I am calmer and happier and more emotionally present with the people who need me.

Blooms #6
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I paint whatever “speaks” to me.  The shimmer of gold, the color of light filtering through a rose petal, the sweeping lines of stray leaves and branches, or the glow of white hydrangeas in the sun. I try to never paint something just because I think everyone would like it.  Those paintings don’t have “life”.  If I stay true to what I’m led to paint, even if it’s not my best painting ever, it is still alive and saturated with emotion.  I love that.

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

The more I paint, the more I try to loosen up and show some energy in the brushstrokes.  I try to make the painting and the brushstrokes themselves both equally beautiful.  It totally thrills me when I take a chance and drag my brush across an area of the painting and it just works!  If a painting looks too stiff and detailed to me, then I perform “art cpr” and swipe my brush across the whole thing.  I can almost hear it take a breath!

I don’t normally experience burnout.  If I do, I know I’m doing something wrong.  Usually the culprit is that I’m not painting for myself anymore and it’s become a chore.  When that happens, I throw all my unnecessary concerns out the window and look for something that is begging me to be painted - no matter what it is - even if it’s not flowers!

A Riot of Desert Color
(click to view)

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

I am learning to enjoy the process of painting. Letting go of my fears and just having fun with it.

What makes you happiest about your art?

When I’m painting I feel like everything around me just falls away.  All my cares and worries disappear and for a short time, all is well and perfect.  It’s better than a massage!  Happy accidents are great too!

Thanks, Rachel!

© 2015 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Emiliya Lane

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

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


From Emilya's DPW Gallery Page:

I'm a mother, an artist, a thinker and a meditator. Iam a pragmatic idealist and romantic dreamer. Complex but with simple needs, I am in constant search for balance, beauty and harmony. I'm growing, evolving into my true self more every day. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

From a very early age (three to be precise) I knew my identity, I knew I was an artist. I was just painting and drawing day and night. My parents recognized this and were very supportive of my artistic abilities and enrolled me into art school at age seven. I've been constantly surrounded by the visual arts ever since. I graduated from art school at age sixteen and was accepted into University, aged seventeen. Altogether I had fifteen years of art training.

Wedges
(click to view)

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

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

I had a good ten years break from painting, when I was juggling with family and two businesses. I came back to my painting after my husband passed away six years ago. I realized that it was time to return to my roots, my creativity, in order to heal.

Nostalgia
(click to view)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away? Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I worked and experimented with many mediums including watercolor, acrylic, gouache  - but the texture of oil always will be my favorite and to this day I'm learning and playing with this medium. The flow-y, rich, textured stroke movement feels heavenly.

Who or what inspires you most?

Although I paint with bold and bright colors, the subject that is most inspiring to me is the subtle transitions of color, emotion, feeling, light... intangible passes... soft wind, mystical shifts.

Chasing Shadow
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I procrastinate creatively - If I need to pay taxes or bills, I will just paint myself to exhaustion.

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

I don't make time for art, I have to make time for other things. Art IS my life. It's become like breathing to me. Most days, I get up at 6am, do my yoga and meditation and then go to my studio to paint. I come back after 10pm. Though yesterday, I'm embarrassed to say, I came back after 12am. I
also teach art two days a week. So for many years now, I've painted daily.

Midnight Snack
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas for my paintings are out there, everywhere. Nature is the most amazing, limitless, timeless subject for inspiration. I live in the most beautiful place an artist can be. The most banal, predictable, practical or seemingly boring thing is an inspiring subject to me - a lemon, a glass of water, a rose in a tea cup.

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

The only technique or gimmick I use, to help my art stay fresh and let my soul sing, is to just paint even more.

Ocean at His Fingertips
(click to view)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist? What makes you happiest about your art?

Right now I'm learning about how to express and paint an emotion on canvas, learning how to paint not the subject but a sensation of the subject; lot's of textures and manipulation of paint application and the moment it's happening, bringing an intense joy and happiness. Also to see how my students grow and develop, to see when they "get it" is the most rewarding feeling... A fulfilling happiness.

Thanks, Emiliya!

© 2015 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: John Pierre DeBernay

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

To enter to win Jean Pierre's painting, "Pink Rose in Water Glass" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Jean Pierre's DPW Gallery Page:

Jean Pierre DeBernay is an award winning artist who has achieved success and recognition in a variety of media. A native of Normandy, France, he moved to Colorado in 1974, after beginning his career at Hallmark Cards, designing social expression products for seven years. In Colorado, he became Art Director of Current Inc., the largest direct mail social expression product company in the Country. All the while, he entered juried exhibitions nation wide and was rewarded with inclusion in prestigious museums and art centers throughout the US. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

As eighth graders in France, we were tested on recitation of famous works of literature. We were also graded on our penmanship by writing these works in a notebook and could get extra credit by illustrating them. Our teacher was not particular about the provenance of the artwork; so I ended up with a following of friends who wanted me to illustrate their notebooks in trade for marbles - our favorite activity at recess being marble shooting contests. Anyway, this kept me busy with my colored pencils and started my budding “career” as an artist.

Pink Rose in Water Glass
(click to view)

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

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

When I came to the United States, I was thrown into ninth grade to “sink or swim”. My art teacher took a special interest in me and encouraged me to paint in watercolor.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?
 
In college, I experimented with oil paints, pastels, printmaking and sculpture. I went through my abstract period but settled on realism and turned out what I consider now some very ugly works.

Northwest Coast
(click to view)

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

Watercolor has been my favorite medium throughout my artistic career, not only because of its spontaneity but also because of necessity.

Eagle Over the Rio Grande Gorge
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

During my years as an illustrator for Hallmark Cards and Current Inc. which required more realistic interpretations, I developed my own style of more impressionistic work for galleries.

Who or what inspires you most?

My favorite artists are Monet, Sorolla, Sargent, Matisse and Dufy. Nothing excites me more to paint than to visit museums and attend other artists’ showings.

Coffee Pot Range, Sedona
(click to view)

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

These days, I’m rediscovering my love also for oil paints. I’m working on loosening my brushstrokes even more. I get my inspiration from my travels and, closer to home, I have my own little wild habitat and “Monet” ponds with perfunctory waterlilies and Chinese Irises that attract my favorite subjects. My flower garden also gives me plenty of painting material.

Blue Vase Floral
(click to view)

What makes you happiest about your art?

I have an art ministry which encourages children and adults to paint with me in acrylics and I thank God every day for having given me a talent and passion which has made my life worthwhile.

Thanks, Jean Pierre!

© 2015 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Claire McCall

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


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


From Claire's DPW Gallery Page:

Claire McCall is a self-taught artist and much of her process has developed intuitively over the years rather than by the 'rules'. Claire's unique style is rapidly gaining recognition in Australia with a number of awards to her name. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

It was the exhibition of one artist that flicked the switch for me in my early thirties. I decided then and there, with blissful ignorance, that painting would be my second career path, even though I had never studied art or tried my hand with a paintbrush.

In fact, throw in some flawless optimism as I thought not of how I might learn to paint, but dreamed of my first solo exhibition. It has been said that “you don’t find art, it finds you.” Well... art found me, just a little later than most.

Sandcastles Petite
(click to view)

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

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

Twelve years on… and with two beautiful children added to the juggling act, there have been many painting miles spent refining my skills with varied and bold brush strokes to give my works visual texture.

There have not been many stops and starts in my painting career as I am happiest when painting... so as busy as life gets, I always try to get back to the easel whenever possible.

Certainly, there have been a number of boosts along the way as I have achieved success in a number of art shows, notably winning the prestigious Melbourne Clifton’s Art Prize in 2012.

Catch Me If You Can
(click to view)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I did give pastels a try early on but oil paint is definitely my medium of choice. I love the application of oil paint with its buttery texture and beautiful surface shine when not overworked.

Using brushes only in the early days, I originally picked up the palette knife to loosen my background technique. With a brush in hand, I was often tempted to agonise over the detail. I actually love the loss of control that the knife provides.

The result has been a unique signature style, and a greater mastery of “alla prima” painting that gives my impressionist works spontaneity and freshness.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Recently, I travelled to Italy for a workshop to study impressionist landscapes with Colley Whisson, one of my favourite Australian painters. Currently I paint figures as focal points on an abstract background. I would like to add ‘figures in the landscape’ to my repertoire, so I am working on my impressionist landscape painting technique.

Beach Day
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most?

There have been no formal art lessons in my time as a painter, only a few demonstration workshops by a select few ‘painting heroes’ of mine. My greatest teachers have been the artworks of the impressionist masters of yesterday and today.

As a visual learner, the written word has meant very little in my journey, but the images of bold impressionist strokes, rich colour and bright lights have been everything.

What is the greatest compliment someone can pay you about your art?

The greatest compliment is to genuinely stop in their tracks. They may want to take the time to study the range of values and textures of my paintings. Or they may study the drama of abstraction vs realism that is my style. Or perhaps just because it captures their eye and holds their attention. This is when I feel that I have really made an impact on the viewer.

Dad and the Boys II
(click to view)

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

With a busy always changing family life, there’s no technique – just whenever possible, even if it is late nights or the weekends. I am lucky that my studio is attached to our house so grabbing pockets of time here and there to paint is easy. With an ‘alla prima’ style of painting I can pick up and put down the palette knife at any stage of my painting which does suit my lifestyle. I know now why I have not yet attempted watercolour!

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

The human figure captured in everyday moments is my constant inspiration. Typically, it’s a figure turned away from the viewer in a candid pose. The viewer is invited to complete the story – to fill in the blanks about time, place, thoughts and emotion.

With a camera always on hand, I have endless ideas for painting and have gained a keen eye for composition just viewing the world around me through the lens.

Beachside VI
(click to view)

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

The great thing about palette knife work is the unexpected results and happy accidents that occur along the way. Even painting a series of works keeps me engaged as each piece has its own vibe and unique sequences of thick paint that could never be replicated.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I recently held my first solo exhibition in Melbourne called ‘Child’s Play’ This was an exhibition exploring endearing memories of childhood. The positive response was overwhelming and gave me the opportunity to engage with the viewer and hear of the stories and emotions that my paintings could evoke. What makes me happiest about my art is that it can help people to tell the story of their lives.

Thanks, Claire!

© 2015 Sophie Marine