DPW Spotlight Interview: Carol Myer

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

From Carol's DPW Gallery Page:

I use luscious oil paints, with deep, saturated color to interpret on canvas the nuances of color and light that I have trained my eye to 'see' in the world that surrounds us. Color changes according to the source of light, the surfaces and surroundings that reflect it, the atmosphere, the time of day and the season. I find it challenging, fascinating and rewarding to engage this study every day, and I will never tire of it. In fact, even when not painting, I see colors bloom all around me with enhanced hues. I feel excitement and anticipation as I take my brush and/or palette knife and watch the painting as it comes to life.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I loved the smell of Vano starch and tempera, used in finger painting in Kindergarten. As a very young girl, I would always use any money I earned or received on a ‘Paint by Number’ set.

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

After taking a number of drawing and painting courses in college, I took a long break to work in interior design, while my husband and I were raising young daughters. Then my mother died as I was turning forty. I’ve been painting steadily ever since.

Untitled
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Watercolor, acrylic, gouache, until landing on oil, it’s so versatile. 

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

When I discovered the Hensche colorist movement, I was swooning. At first I took classes with Susan Sarback, and then Camille Przewodek, who has been the major influence in my work, specifically color theory. Now I only dabble in other mediums.

Sunbathing
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Just got back from the Plein Air Conference in San Francisco, thanks to two professional artists there, I am intrigued with gouache's possibilities for travel.

Who or what inspires you most?

Seeing luminous color in the light and shadow falling on people, flowers, and the landscape, then interpreting that in my own way.

Untitled

What does procrastination look like for you?

I easily make time for painting, I can’t not do it. Procrastination is blowing off a workout so I can paint.

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

Not an issue. I have a studio in my large living room by the bay window. I live in a beautiful area with Mediterranean weather, flowers in my garden, and figure sessions in my area. My husband is supportive and is happy to help in any capacity.  He draws well too. I like to be balanced and spend time with family and friends, but since this is my only job, I spend hours and hours standing blissfully at my easel.

Pacheco Pond
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I only have to open my eyes and look. I think I should probably take a little more time and consideration in my composition, but I feel anxious to get going and just dive in.

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

I take workshops with master artists that I admire. That is a sure fire burnout cure for me. I learn something new every day, and infuse some insight or experimentation into the next big thing.

Curtis
(click to view)

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

Today, inspired by Aimee Erickson’s demo last weekend, I was playing with backlit figures, and the way the light dances and glows around them. That was fun.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The passion to make something new and beautiful.  I also like the community of artists and art admirers. Wherever I go, there are others speaking this same language. Passion to make something new and beautiful.

Thanks, Carol!

© 2019 Sophie Marine