DPW Spotlight Interview: Deborah Ann Kirkeeide

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Deborah Ann's painting, "Oranges Uncut" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Deborah Ann's DPW Gallery:

My name is Deborah Ann Kirkeeide (Deb), I'm a visual artist, a painter. I live in Minnesota and work from my home studio. I paint primarily in oils working on small surfaces, such as gessobord and canvas panels.

I paint subjects that make me smile, they can be everyday ordinary objects, people, animals, flowers or scenes. Sometimes they have a bit of whimsy but mostly they have that little something extra that speaks to me. My paint style incorporates loose brush strokes and usually lots of color.

I'm inspired by the impressionistic painters and motivated by the Daily Painter Movement that is going on today whose philosophy is to paint small, to paint often, in order to become a more productive and creative artist. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

College opened my creative world! I was introduced to all different mediums and genres and loved it all. My Mother was a painter and always encouraged and inspired me. Also, I have a very practical side to my nature; knowing all I needed was an easel, brushes and some paint to create, my plan was to focus there instead of sculpture or print making. There was one problem, painting did not come easy for me and I almost gave it up. Being stubborn pushed me to continue, so glad I did.

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

All the time. When my children came along, I gave up oil painting due to the fumes and toxins and started painting in acrylics, but that wasn’t very often. For thirteen years while my children were growing up, I was fortunate to fall into an illustrating career working from home which I loved. Over time my illustrations became stiff and boring so I was ready for a change. I took a non art job for twelve years, hardly painting at all, turning to crafts for satisfying my creative urges but always promising that once retired I would return to oil painting. I retired in 2011 and was oil painting again in 2012, it took my stubbornness to persevere as I had to relearn what I lost.

Oranges Uncut
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

The question should be which mediums and genres haven’t I tried; in college I was exposed to everything that was around at the time: printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry making, watercolor and oil painting. In high school, I worked primarily with acrylics. I have never tried pastels, yet, I do have a set. Just this summer, I experimented with gouache for the first time and for the last couple of years I’ve been having the best time experimenting with mixed media, creating small art scrap, story, scripture journal type books.

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

It’s very easy to get distracted by all the great mediums and genres that are out there, I only have so much time and energy so I’m focused on oil painting primarily and secondly acrylics. I have a goal to keep reaching and striving to become a good painter.

Tea Cups and Lace
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Acrylics and mixed media. There’s a lot of potential with acrylics and mixed media jumps starts my creative juices. Also, this summer, I tried plein air painting. I should say forced to try plein air painting as my studio was packed up due to a remodel. This was a case of a negative turning into a positive as I needed the kick to get out and it turned into a wonderful experience that I hope to continue.

Who or what inspires you most?

The Impressionist painters are number one, Monet, Degas, all the greats. You will think this is an advertisement but if not for Carol Marine and Daily Paintworks, I would have been lost. After retiring, I was starting from ground zero in painting. I searched for classes and artists with the impressionistic style of painting I loved. I found Carol on another web site and followed the trail to DPW and then the art bytes. The daily painters movement has motivated and inspired me even though I don’t paint daily, I am painting, learning and improving.

White Porch
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I’m really not a procrastinator when it comes to something I love. I can’t wait to get in my studio and paint, when I carve out time I don’t let anything interfere. However, I have put a summer of painting on hold due to grandkids visiting from out of state or I have a burn out and just need to recharge.

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

Wish I had a better handle on this question as I would love to carve out more time. Honestly, I don’t paint everyday, I don’t have the energy for it and when I get in my studio it’s an all day event, so maybe it’s knowing yourself and how you work best. Painting a few hours a day doesn’t work so I carve out at least two full days a week to paint, it’s a wonderful bonus to have a third day. I usually plan to have meals already prepared or have leftovers. If I don’t plan meals ahead then I won’t eat right or eat anything at all.

Antique Ride #2
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Photos, inspiration from other artists both past and present or a new technique that grabs my attention.

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

Mixed media has been a huge help, it’s very freeing. Plein air painting has been recharging my batteries, getting me out in the fresh air and around other artists. Really being excited about the subject matter, new technique or experimenting with a different medium. Right now I’m excited about working with acrylics again. Sometimes taking a break works wonders then I come back on fire to get going. I’m a firm believer in prayer, it adjusts my attitude and keeps me from obsessing.

Gaggle of Geese
(click to view)

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

To forgive myself for painting failures, to let things go. Fear is a huge stumbling block, if you are afraid to fail you won’t move forward.

What makes you happiest about your art?

To see improvement.

Thanks, Deborah Ann!

© 2017 Sophie Marine