DPW Spotlight Interview: Rentia Coetzee

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

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

From Rentia's DPW Gallery:

I have been creating all my life! Combining patterns and colours brought me hours of pleasure! Then I discovered painting, Pandora's box! Grateful to art teachers willing to share and guide! Golden advice, miles on the canvas!!! (click to view)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I had empty nest syndrome six years ago and a great art teacher led me to a full time job and an all consuming passion. I tried to paint years ago but babies and life had other plans for me.

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

When I started six years ago I never looked back. I was fortunate enough to get into galleries very soon and that gave me a lot of self-confidence. I paint every day from 8am until 4pm. It is a job that I take very seriously and I love every moment of it.

Happiness
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I paint in all mediums except watercolour. I have a very heavy hand for watercolour. Oils are my favourite at the moment as well as pastel. I use charcoal in all my drawings and inks are so clear and versatile to work with. I love all genres, portraits being my strongest and landscape my weakest although I am working on it.

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

Everything has stuck like glue except watercolour - not there yet.

My Cat Amy
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I would love to explore mixed media and have an acute yearning for abstracts. Hope to get the opportunity to explore it further.

Who or what inspires you most?

I adore DPW - best discovery I ever made. I absorb and dissect all artworks, look at artists' galleries and really learn. The weekly challenge is great and I try to get to it as often as possible. My husband and children inspire and motivate me every day. They are my biggest fans but harshest critics. I find inspiration in a beautiful or unique photo. My cellphone is always on hand for impromptu photos which I paint asap. Nature and our Creator inspire me every day to improve! I do courses all the time, read art books and watch art dvds!

Lunch 2
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

What is that??? I only procrastinate when I have to cook, clean or do admin! Painting… never!

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

I am very strict with my working hours. My husband and kids had to learn the hard way. When I work I don’t chat and I try not to get diverted. I am constantly completing commissions with deadlines. I strive to be happy and fulfilled in all aspects of my life and I hope that shines through in my artwork.

Let's Go Boating
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I am constantly googling pictures and ideas. I get a lot of references from friends on FB. When I see an idea I immediately know that I have to paint it - whether oils, acrylics or pastels.

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

I look for a different approach and try new mediums. I also try to think out of the box and into something original! I avoid burnout by relaxing with my family, special time with my husband and sleeping well. When I paint I stand with a mirror 3m behind me, that helps me not to get too tight and keeps my paintings fresh!

Kobus
(click to view)

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

Painting shapes with Chantel Barber is the course I am doing right now. What an eye opener. Right now I have arrived at the point where I no longer want to render. I try to get myself into my artwork. Fresh, original and uplifting is what I strive for.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I'm happiest when someone says I have captured a soul or the essence.  An insult to me is when someone says it looks just like a photo. I am ecstatic when I look at a piece and it is just so - even if no one else thinks so!

Thanks, Rentia!

© 2016 Sophie Marine