DPW Spotlight Interview: Judith Elder

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Judith's painting "Paris No. 115" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Judith's DPW Gallery Page:

I am a self-taught acrylic artist. Eleven years ago I figured out what I wanted to do. As a child I liked to make things -- from "clay pots" in the mud in our woodsy backyard to "perfume" from rose petals. Then there were the floor plans I'd sketch, often using the letters of the alphabet for the shape of the house. I have always liked arts and crafts, architecture, colors, and texture. It was worth the wait to find myself as an artist, and the journey was a good one.​

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started painting in 2008. I started by copying a few paintings of Monet and Van Gogh and then painting from photos I had taken. Around the same time, an artists' co-op was opening in the town where I lived at the time, so I envisioned having paintings for sale in that gallery. That vision became reality and I am still a member of Two Rivers Gallery.

My interest in doing something creative began early... my mother always took my sisters and me to cultural events -- ballets, art museums, symphony concerts, etc. -- because she loved them and wanted us to benefit from them, also. She was always sewing, painting, doing needlework, etc., so we were always surrounded with creativity and would dabble in arts and crafts. Even as a ten-year-old I liked architecture. On family drives I would gaze upon grand old houses, and I would draw floor plans just for fun.

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

I have not stopped painting since 2008.

Paris No. 115
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have tried watercolors a bit and want to try oils someday. I tried a number of different genres at first… landscapes, cityscapes, people, still lifes, and interiors.

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

The one that has “stuck” is anything to do with architecture -- old buildings and cityscapes, interiors, and architecture details. While visiting Paris and London a couple times in the past several years, I took tons of photos (over 2,000 on my last trip) of mostly buildings to paint from.

I have a Paris Series that I constantly add to, and I’m also adding to my London Series.

London No. 13
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I would like to explore figurative painting. I’m going to stay with acrylics for now; oils someday, though.

Who or what inspires you most?

I am inspired by the artwork of many artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Utrillo. A current artist I admire is Edward B. Gordon of Germany. I often spend time online looking at styles, colors, brushwork, etc., of artists. (I’m addicted to Pinterest.)

The other thing that I’m inspired by is the architecture of London and Paris.

Paris No. 59
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I am distracted by my computer.

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

My “studio” is on one-half of my dining room table (my sewing machine is on the other side) and has a clear view to the living room where my reading husband usually sits. I paint; he reads; we chat.

Paris No. 90
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

With my huge stash of photos, I never run out of ideas.

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

Once in awhile I will try a Van Gogh or Matisse style of painting, or any number of artists' styles. Also, since I paint mostly small sizes, I will sometimes paint a larger size for variety.

A Good Place for Breakfast, Osaka
(click to view)

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

I am always trying to learn to be a better artist, whether it is working on shadows and light, or improving on perspective.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Two things… first, I just enjoy the process of painting and seeing how it turns out. Second, I’m happy when I sell a painting because that means that someone wants to have that painting around because it makes them happy!

Thanks, Judith!

© 2019 Sophie Marine