DPW Spotlight Interview: Shannon Bauer

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

To enter to win Shannon's painting, "Don't Mind If It Rains" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Shannon's DPW Gallery:

My name is Shannon Bauer. I was born in Michigan and now live right outside of Cincinnati, OH. I've always had an interest in art and loved to draw and paint as a child. I took my first formal painting class when I was in college as an art major with a graphic design concentration. I've kept at it ever since, but now find myself most often painting with acrylics. I appreciate the quick-drying time, as a lot of my paintings have layers and layers underneath until the painting comes to a place I am happy with. Painting seems to be the most effective way for me to clear my thoughts. And now I just can't seem to stop!

Please feel free to follow me on Instagram @sbauerart. Thank you! (click to view gallery)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I was always interested in art as a child. I transitioned into painting during my college years as an art major with a graphic design concentration. Studio courses for drawing and painting were my favorite and gave me the opportunity to discover a true passion.

Don't Mind If It Rains
(click to view)

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

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

I have had several periods of time where my work seems to come to a standstill.  Even though I enjoyed painting in college, I didn't make it a priority in my life until years later.  Now I try to paint at least a couple times a week, and the quality of the work that's produced on those days seems to greatly impact how eager I am to try another painting. I often have times of frustration, but I just push on!

Olive No. 13
(click to view)

Describe your journey through mediums and genres.

I've experimented with Oils, Acrylics, Pencil, and Pastel. Landscapes have always been my favorite to paint, but I try to branch out here and there, painting animals and still life subjects. I've been painting solely with acrylics for a few years now.  In the beginning, the drying time required quite an adjustment, but now I feel it helps me to paint faster and fuss less (on a good day).

Because it's been years since I've painted seriously with oils, I keep wanting to give it another try just to see what unexpected discoveries lie on that path! I'd also like to try to approach more cityscapes and larger projects.

Who or what inspires you most?

I'm inspired by vast spaces of clouds, hills, oceans, and all nature really.  When I feel that I need an extra boost of inspiration I like to look up the work of Stuart Shills, Jon Redmond, Eric Aho, Mark Bohne, Oliver Akers Douglas, Liza Hurst... and the list keeps growing.

First Things
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Playing scrabble on my phone against my husband, checking out social media, and sometimes cleaning.

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

I always have a space in the weekend when my family knows I will be busy painting for a couple hours.  Sometimes at night I have enough energy to sketch out the bones of a painting and that gives me a little momentum for the next day if the baby decides to nap!

Sydney
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

A lot of my landscapes come from photos I snap on my phone when my husband is driving and I'm staring out the car window.  I do take artistic liberties... Sometimes the most beautiful cloud formation is hanging over an unappealing parking lot.

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

I am no master of this, but I can say when I start to feel burnout I usually switch to another subject.  If I haven't painted a landscape I'm happy with for awhile, I'll start taking pictures of my cat or buildings and go from there.

Later That Year
(click to view)

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

I always wanted to be able to paint loosely and somehow still have every stroke look intentional and flawless.  That approach hasn't worked out for me. Right now I feel I am learning to embrace imperfection. When my hand becomes tight and too controlling I am usually not very happy with the product. In contrast, sometimes the imperfections are the most interesting parts.

What makes you happiest about your art?

When I get in the zone and I'm listing to my music, I can forget about absolutely anything that was bothering me prior to painting. It's a nice escape that helps me feel more balanced as a person.  As an introvert, my art helps me to connect to people that I may not otherwise be able to connect to, and that always makes me feel good.

Thanks, Shannon!

© 2016 Sophie Marine