DPW Spotlight Interview: Jean Delaney

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

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

From Jean's DPW Gallery:

Jean lives and paints in Qualicum Beach, B.C. on beautiful Vancouver island.

I am inspired by many different subjects, though my favourites right now are animals and florals. My path through life has been dotted with everything creative from fashion design to rug hooking. For 15 years I had a rug hooking design business but always found time to paint, then in 2013 I committed to painting full time. Being mostly self taught has come with it's challenges but it also has allowed me to learn from my mistakes and my victories. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I am definitely what you would call a late bloomer at painting. I was heavily into fibre arts for twenty-five years, and in between that I dabbled in painting. I started taking painting workshops about ten years ago and would periodically pull out my easel and experiment with what I had learned. Then in 2013, I read about daily painting. I started with a small blank canvas every day; what a wonderful concept. I purchased fifty 6x6 inch canvas panels and started painting. In the beginning I did a lot of wiping and sweating but with time I gained confidence. Now the more I paint, the more I want to paint.

Cow 146 In the Clouds
(click to view)

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

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

I had many starts and stops but when I finally committed to painting on a regular basis things changed for me.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I am definitely most fond of painting with oils. For years I was afraid to even try them, but after much encouragement from a friend I took the plunge. I absolutely love everything about them, a perfect fit for my style of painting. As far a genre goes, I paint a variety of things but most days on my easel you will see an animal or a floral.

Hint of Spring
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most?

I watch artist videos like other people watch movies (I call this a healthy addiction). I also find staying curious keeps me inspired.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I am ok without painting for a couple of days. I would say I don’t have procrastination when it comes to picking up my paint brush. What does happen though is that I will start a painting, end up wiping it and walking away from my easel until the next day.

Little Miss Big
(click to view)

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

I wake up at 6:00 every morning, head to the computer to answer emails and then grab my iPad, prop it up at the kitchen table and pull up the photo I am going to paint (which I have usually chosen the night before). I spend a good half hour just observing the photo while drinking my tea and knitting (morning routine). I then head to my easel, and yes, I do paint in my pyjamas everyday.

Simple Pleasures
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

We live in a very beautiful area with ocean and forest. I find that just walking my dog I get so many ideas for my paintings. I also paint many animal portraits so I take my camera everywhere I go and there always seems to be an opportunity to find a compelling subject. There is also a site I use sometimes that allows the use of their photos.

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

I feel very fortunate. I rarely feel burnout, I just feel excitement. After I finish one painting, I can’t wait to start the next.

Cow 148 Slurp
(click to view)

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

For years, I was learning from other artists. Now, I am at a point where I am also learning from myself. Spending so much time alone just putting your vision onto a canvas, you really get to know yourself.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I think because I paint most days, my work has become more rhythmic and in sync… it is a wonderful feeling. Also, I paint one day a week at a studio in town so I am fortunate enough to see people's reactions to my art… there is nothing better.

Thanks, Jean!

© 2016 Sophie Marine