DPW Spotlight Interview: Bob Langford

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

From Bob's DPW Gallery Page:

This photo was taken almost eighty years ago. I look slightly older now but I still have the smile. Many years were spent training to be a Biologist and then working in the Environmental Sciences in many places around the world. I was unbelievably fortunate to have seen and experienced so much in one lifetime.  

Natural history has been in my blood since birth so it was bound to seep out in my art when I started painting about thirty years ago. It started with a sketch club and figure drawing and then progressed to formal training at the Victoria College of Art.

Many different styles have emerged over time. Having explored each of these for many years my work shifted to doing plein air works but my interests have always been in colour, texture and line. This has led me back to abstract art forms experimenting with these themes. Most of my present works are derived using cold wax techniques of additive and subtractive painting. Once again I am exploring the beauty of colour, texture and line.

I hope you enjoy my works.

You can view my many earlier works on my Flickr site.

Safe Harbor
(click to view)

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

What did you want to be growing up?

My earliest goal was to become an oceanographer after reading a book on deep ocean life. This led me into the field of Biology eventually specializing in comparative physiology and biochemistry. I used my education to do environmental studies in many parts of the world but mainly in British Columbia BC.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Both my parents took art classes and painted sporadically for many years. My sister also became an accomplished artist. This led me to an interest in drawing and eventually painting. Group activities were important for me to keep interested and producing so I joined a sketch club and then plein air groups. I have drawn and painted for over thirty years.

Gaia
(click to view)

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

I have never slowed down or stopped painting. My interest is kept alive by frequently changing styles and techniques. When I lose interest in one technique I try another.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

I have worked in water colour, encaustic, acrylic, pastel and oil and now explore cold wax techniques. Anything I learn in one material is used in future explorations.

Assemblage
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

I often look at my path as following a string with stops to tie a knot and then move on to the next spot. Everything is connected and remembered from every knot. I can see my earliest influences in all the works I do now in completely different materials and styles.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

My greatest influence must be the Group of Seven, a famous Canadian group. Their expressive colours and impressionistic style gives the vibrancy and excitement that I admire and try to emulate.

Crowded Life
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Two things have made me what I am. The first is perseverance and the second is inquisitiveness. I learned perseverance at the piano and in the swimming pool. I swam competitively for five years. The first year I didn’t even come third, the second year I came third, the third year I came in second a few times. By the fifth year, I came first in every race. The same thing happened at the piano bench. It took more than eight years for me to get to the point that I could play well and play any popular pieces I wanted to.

Inquisitiveness is my second great asset. I am addicted to finding out things. I am always exploring and learning and trying to do new things. It never stops.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

My other great asset is the absence of a cell phone in my life.

Clockworks
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

As to self doubt, that seems to me to be an asset. I am never over confident but always willing to search, explore and overcome obstacles. I heard recently that it is imperative to keep your mind on the goal and put the feelings behind you. 

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I do not really have a long term goal other than to continue on the path that I am on and enjoy the journey.

Sentinel
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

I have also accepted that success is not measured in sales or pats on the back, it is an internal feeling of happiness and contentment at the progress and success that comes with working at something for a long time. Defeat comes from stopping too soon not from lack of skill or fame.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

My proudest moments come when I am satisfied by my accomplishments. I always put a new piece of art in a frame and hang it in a special place with a good light on it. Sitting back and letting the feeling of accomplishment wash over me is all I need. That keeps me wanting to do another one. In that I never have enough.

Hope this helps someone starting or part way along the path. Pick up a long string and see where it takes you.

Craigflower Gardens
(click to view)

Thanks, Bob!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Kay Keyes Farrar

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

From Kay's DPW Gallery Page:

My earliest memories are at the family kitchen table amid the chaos of a big family drawing and painting. I never seemed to let go of the pencil or brush; it flowed into my lifelong passion for learning and teaching. Creativity inspires me - whether its drawing, painting - poetry, music, quilting or cooking - it all celebrates the gift of life. I paint and teach in my home studio in beautiful Colorado, which just makes my heart sing... living the dream with an amazing family encouraging a creative lifestyle in every facet of life. (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to have it all! Be a wife and mom, travel, work in a prominent gallery or museum and work as a professional artist. Later on I want to be a curator in a museum, so I studied fine art, English and art history.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I feel like I’ve always been on this creative path. Even in grade school I was drawing and painting and creating. All my education, all my reading and my hobbies have to do with creativity and fine art. I’ve worked in museums, galleries, and taught fine art to all ages. Now, my sons are older, I have the privilege to concentrate on my own painting and fine art career.

Morning Study
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

Having long periods without creativity can be so draining. But trying to keep my heart in the game was and is a huge goal of mine. Reading about other artists is always so inspiring to me! I’m an art history junkie; knowing their stories is fascinating and always makes me strive to be a better artist.

Even when my sons were younger, I always tried to be doing something creative. I wasn’t oil painting - I spent time drawing and painting in acrylics since they were safer. I was able to work around my family; even get them involved in the process most of the time. There was always some kind of project going on in the kitchen; the boys had their easel and I had mine.

I also used this time to study with all other inspiring artists, knowing that someday I would be able to use their wisdom with my own work.

Now when I’m stuck, depending on my mood and time constraints, I settle in my studio, put some music on, and mix piles of paint harmonies from new colors I’d like to add to my palette. Or I set up a still life of lovely flowers, their color and shapes are always inspiring paint. Or I take a drive to hike with my gear to find an amazing view to plein air paint. Painting from life is energizing and always gets me inspired.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

Because I’ve been an instructor with all ages, I’ve tried all kinds of mediums to be able to teach my students several mediums and help them find what’s right for their creative style. Right now I am having fun drawing and painting with gouache and oil painting. Being able to do small studies with gouache to work out ideas and have fun with it before moving onto larger works in oil has strengthened my work. But the rich flow of energy created in oil painting is my favorite.

A Moment of Light
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

Finding my voice… I’d like my paintings to sing — with painterly color, value, harmony and energy. My work isn’t complicated. I want to share the joy I see in the world, with beautiful landscapes, portraits, flowers or cows. With energetic brushstrokes and color that weave together to create abstract passages close up, but a beautiful scene to the viewer. I was always drawn to the luminosity of the impressionists, the design of abstract artist, but also the mastery of realism. Trying to blend the freedom of expression with realistic accuracy in my style is a daily goal, and adds up to literally piles of canvases! Sometimes there’s just a few square inches on my canvas that I think, “ahhhh, there it is!” Epiphany! The sweet spot where hours and hours of training, painting, listening, observing, reading, trying and risk taking—pays off. And when all of that happens on a completed canvas, then you really feel your voice sing.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

There are so many artists that have influenced me. Before the internet, when I started painting on my own, I only had books of the impressionists. And I was lucky enough to work at a museum with a small collection of impressionists and painterly portraits by Robert Henri that I loved. I spent a lot of time with those paintings, studying and dreaming. But I didn’t know what I was doing, lol!! The more I painted and read, the more worlds opened up to me. Inspired and influenced over the years by their artistic style and hardworking lifestyle, here are just an eclectic few: Richard Schmid, Kevin Macpherson, Robert Henri, J.M.Turner, Dawn Whitelaw, Quang Ho, Scott Christensen, Daniel Gerhartz, Andres Zorn, Helen Frankenthaler, Sorrolla, Monet, Mary Cassatt, Cecilia Beaux, Bertie Morisot, Gustave Caillebotte, Norman Rockwell, and Matisse.

Small Gathering
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Trust your creative self, have a vision for crafting your life, take the risk and believe it will happen. Then Make It Happen. Commit to yourself and your family with hard work, good mentors, good intentional study, lots of paint and supplies!

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

My favorite is a quiet day. But distractions are everywhere, so I listen to music and take long walks with my dog help me stay creative and focused.

Over the years with my family, I learned that I created better and with more freedom when my house was “neat.” I try to get as much done by a certain time, and then I am meant to be in the studio. Many times my husband would do dishes and vacuum or take the boys, so I could go paint. He truly has been the most amazing supporter, of course he loved taking our boys!

Heaven
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

Self-doubt and sabotage have been a big part of my journey. I’m lucky to have my husband and a few mentors to talk it out with. Looking to someone who’s been there before, really helps you breakthrough.  Being a part of an artist group or online community can help as well. Recently being awarded the Judge’s Pick for Daily Paintworks was a real boost for me. I almost never enter contests, I always talk myself out of it, but this time I was happy enough with my painting to try.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I’m continuing my challenge to study, to paint and to inspire and to share my art and process, everyday intentionally, while enjoying life to the fullest with my family. Extending my horizons to travel internationally— paint and teach in new places will be next on the agenda, now that our boys are more independent. Of course, they’ll probably want to come with us!

Fall Apples
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

This has always been my dream. Pursuing this artistic journey and career with the love of my life, raising two artistic, athletic, amazing sons with compassionate hearts — that’s my success.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

So many moments… so many happy faces of collectors receiving paintings they love and students creating something they visualized but didn’t ever think they could achieve. All of them make me happy. But the when the conversation at our dinner table turns to art and all my guys know the vocabulary, the artists (contemporary and gone) their stories and struggles, their styles and paintings... oh! I’m so happy!

Graceful Light
(click to view)

Thanks, Kay!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Bob Palmerton

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

From Bob's DPW Gallery Page:

Bob Palmerton Pastels is offering original pastel paintings of your awesome vacation photos! We can do landscape and architectural art of your favorite scenes. Makes for a GREAT Christmas gift! To inquire further, contact us.

(click to read bio and contact artist)

What did you want to be growing up?

I was interested in art in high school, and thought that a career in architecture would combine design and creativity with a specific career path that could allow me to make a good living. I was also interested in communications and journalism when I was a freshman in college. But once I discovered economics, I enjoyed it so much that I embarked on a career in finance.

When did your artistic journey begin?

My journey started in high school when I dabbled in oil paints and pastels. I put aside this hobby however for about twenty-five years to pursue my career and raise a family.

Hoh River, Olympic National Park
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

I rediscovered pastels in 2003 when my wife, Mary, uncovered two pastels I had completed while a teenager, and she framed them as a gift. That got me hooked on pastels and I began studying pastel technique and landscape painting. I dug through old art supplies from my teen years that I had stored away. I found a small set of Nupastels and began trying them out once again. Soon I was on eBay and various art supply websites to build my pastel collection.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

Pastels are my favorite. I also enjoy acrylic and oils. In fact, I will often create an underpainting of acrylic and then apply layers of pastels on top of the surface. I prefer to use bold acrylic colors to help emphasize either the hue of the pastel or a complementary color. Pastel papers have come a long way since my youth, as sanded surfaces grab onto several layers of pastel and enable a variety of creative expressions. I typically avoid watercolor, pencil and charcoal, but I suspect I will dabble in them at some point in my art career.

As for genres, landscapes are my favorite. I feel that I can be more loose and expressive with landscape subjects. "Nature always wears the color of the spirit," is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson of which I am particularly fond. I like to interpret the landscape and convey a unique message, not one that can be captured simply with a camera, but one that exalts the mysteries and priceless features of an ever-changing landscape.

Lost in the Maze
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

I was always interested in nature and landscapes.  My family enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, and I find that the natural environment presents so many opportunities and surprises to express my style.  I enjoy capturing the aftermath of a snowstorm, conveying the excitement of waves crashing against rocks, expressing a sublime mountain view, and so much more. I want my customers to appreciate the natural environment and to enjoy the many surprises that nature offers.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

The Hudson River painters: Albert Beirstadt, Thomas Cole and Frederick Church.

Dance of the Coneflowers
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Paint every day. Observe nature and "learn to see" what perspective or re-arrangement of the natural environment would make a great painting.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

I maintain a large database of reference photos, and if I run out of ideas I revisit those photos and also might head onto a hike with my dog and camera to find opportunities.

Fall Kaleidoscope
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

If I am doubtful about my current work, I will let it sit and gel, and eventually get back to it. I sometimes take breaks, review works of other artists and techniques. Regardless, I hang out in my studio every morning and if I'm stuck, I'll do some framing or clean up my work site. I spend much time on social media, blogging and writing newsletters. Sometimes writing my blog gives me an idea for a subject to paint. I will also occasionally take a scene I had done in the past and re-create a new piece of art with a different perspective or color scheme.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I plan to back off from full time finance, replacing that time with travel, creating more art, and teaching landscape painting. I look forward to offering virtual classes in 2022.

On the Beaver Creek Trail
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Completing a pleasing and rewarding piece of art, one that I think about and say "Wow," I created that!" I enjoy it when I get a call from a past collector wanting a pastel that was found on my website or on DPW!  It is also rewarding to have a gallery decide to represent my work, and to have paintings juried into art exhibits.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

Winning awards is wonderful and so reinforcing for me to keep on painting! I won first place in a local show a few years ago, and it was humbling to see the patrons of the art show gather around my painting after the award was announced. I was very proud of this achievement.

Wind Chill
(click to view)

Thanks, Bob!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Victoria Sukhasyan

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

From Victoria's DPW Gallery Page:

World expressed in paint strokes.

Victoria Sukhasyan was born in Moscow, 1987. Since early childhood she couldn’t imagine her life without art. Victoria has been the student of Mikhail Astaltsov who is a well known contemporary artist in Russia. She started her art journey with oil paintings and took part in many art exhibitions in Moscow. In 2018 she moved with her family to California and got inspired by the unique diversity of Los Angeles. Victoria creates traditional watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings as well as digital illustrations. She’s taking part in different exhibitions and art shows in Los Angeles.

For most recent updates you can follow her on Instagram- @sukhasyan and Facebook- @v.sukhasyan

What did you want to be growing up?

I always wanted to be a painter or a journalist.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Since early childhood I remember spending hours painting different characters and then giving them names and imagining their life. I felt like a film producer creating my own TV series.

Strawberry Jam Cookies
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression? 

Yes, I had to take a break every time I gave birth to each of my three kids. Being a mom to a newborn is a very time and energy consuming work. :)

How did you get back on the horse?

Good news is that all kids tend to grow up. :)

 Interior with Books, Glass of Wine and Posters
(click to view)

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward?

It depends on my mood and the subject of the painting. Most of the time it’s acrylics or oils on stretched canvas or wood panel. I enjoy painting still lifes and portraits. I love painting comfort food, cheat day meals and fast food. I don’t get to eat it very often but at least I have an opportunity to paint it. :) I also love painting peoples’ portraits. I believe a human face to be one of the most beautiful things in the world. 

I also enjoy painting digital art as it feels like a complete freedom of expression for me. No limits at all. Funny thing is that sometimes I want to double tap on my stretched canvas to erase a brush stroke like I do it with an Apple Pencil on my iPad.

Which ones don’t appeal?

I don’t work with watercolors anymore. I love this medium but I don’t feel that I can fully express myself using watercolors.

Portrait of Young Woman
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

It’s a never ending story for me. I think that every artist has a personal style, like every person has its own style of handwriting. Once you take a brush and start painting, you already have a style. The tricky part is to find your own voice and I have a rule which I follow all the time - I don’t create art in order to sell it. I never put earning money in the first place. I paint what inspires me and sometimes I paint things that most likely won’t be sold in months or even years. I tried a couple of times to paint art that sells and had zero inspiration while doing it and found no happiness in creating at all.

I try to mute the world around me a little and look into myself to find out what I really would love to paint and say through my painting.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

I love Ilya Repin and John Singer Sargent. I was very impressed when I saw their paintings in person. All the people on the portraits seemed to be real. I felt like the painting was a window to eternity where the artist managed to capture the beauty of the model and preserve a piece of life itself. Their paintings are breathtaking.

Still life with Oysters and Lemons
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be? 

Always listen to your inner voice and paint everyday. Even if you don’t have time for a bigger painting- just take a pencil and make a quick sketch.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

Being alone is the best way for me stay inspired and to keep my flame burning. I love sharing my energy with my family and friends but then I always need some “me time” to regain it in order to create art and stay productive.

Young girls portrait
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

I take an imaginary broom and imagine sweeping out all the negative thoughts from my brain and then I try not to think at all as if my brain is completely switched off. Then I go straight to the easel, take a brush and start painting. Creating art always helps me. 

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

My long term goal is to create art till the very end of my life. In short term I’d like to create a series of big figurative paintings. I’m already working on it and I hope to get there slowly but surely. 

Interior with Red Armchair
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

For me personally success is living in total harmony with yourself and the world around you. 

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

When I sold my first painting. I think every artist remembers the very fist sale and that warm joyful feeling.

Be a lady they said
(click to view)

Thanks, Victoria!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Greg Known

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

From Greg's DPW Gallery Page:

Greg Known is a 53 year- old Russian Artist.

He graduated from the graphics design faculty in 1991.

But it wasn't until 5 years ago, in 2016, when he returned to what he truly loves : painting.

Now Greg is fully devoted to his art and aims to share it with the world.

Influence : Fantasy, Symbolism, Surrealism, Steampunk...

(click to view gallery)

What did you want to be growing up?

From early childhood, as far as I can remember, I loved to draw. And when I was a schoolboy, I entered the Children's Art School. I finished it "on time", as adolescence began. I wanted to explore more, communicate with peers, which I did in high school. Drawing at this time was not at all the main occupation for me.

When did your artistic journey begin?

When I was finishing school, the question arose before me - where to continue to study? By this time, my level as an artist was not up to par. It was affected by the break time in drawing classes. Nevertheless, I entered the Art and Graphics Faculty of the Pedagogical University in Moscow. Studying in it, and the formation of an artist in me were not smooth. After the first year, I was drafted into the Army, where I served for 2 years. After that I had to recover at the institute. The feeling was as if I had stayed for the 2nd year in the same class. But gradually interest and creativity returned.

Walk Across the Sky
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

By the last year at the university, I had a new interest in life. It was associated with spiritual and religious pursuits. Unfortunately, there was no place for painting and drawing during this period. I left my creative work for a very long time.

Before speaking about the return to creativity, I would like to note that the ability to look and remember is very important in the creative process itself. In the years when I did not paint, I nevertheless visited museums and exhibitions, read a lot about art. All this formed artistic images in my soul... Which I could not implement at that time. Perhaps these images and ideas accumulated in me during my life, and at some point could not be retained inside me, in my consciousness, in my heart. And at that moment I again realized the need and desire to paint.

Illusion Maker
(click to view)

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal? 

When I was studying at the Art University, in those years the choice of materials for painting and drawing was very limited. There were traditional paints, oils and watercolors, gouache and pastels. Acrylic paints appeared on the market much later. Therefore, I am used to expressing my creative inspiration through the materials that are most familiar to me. And in this area I do not really like to experiment. For me, the oil painting technique is closest. But at the same time, when I had to work on traditional Orthodox icons - I gradually mastered the icon painting technique.

These are natural pigments mixed on egg yolk. And the work with pigments takes place on the surface of the board with gesso. This is a very special feeling. The clarity of the line, contours, is combined with the smoothness of the transition, very restrained in color of the paints. This is a special topic and I can talk a lot about it. Nowadays, many icons are painted with acrylic paints, and they are good at it. But traditional technique is close to me. At the same time, while writing icons, I encountered an obstacle that did not allow me to fully express myself. For an icon, these restrictions are correct; there should be no accident in it. But for the artist's realization this may not seem enough. And then oil paint and canvas came to my aid again.

Perpetuum Mobile
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

In part, I have already answered this question. I devoted most of my life to religion and it took place in the Church environment. Therefore, when the art of painting appeared, I first of all turned to the religious theme, to the icon. But gradually, at first in parallel, and then independently, I began to paint. Since the main thing in the icon is the image, the image of a person, then in painting this is the most important thing for me. This does not mean that I do not like landscape or still life. Rather, I perceive them as a subsidiary genre. The image of this world, the image of a person living in this world, their relationship. These are probably the most important themes in my work.

Name an artist (or artists), well known or not, you admire. Why?

This question puzzled me a little. For some reason I have never singled out any of the artists. If I liked the Impressionists, then I liked one of them, and others. So it is in other directions, surrealism, favism. I cannot say that this artist is my favorite and he is the best. I think this is a simplification, and we draw inspiration not from someone specific, but from many at once. Perhaps I am like a bee, flying from flower to flower, collecting nectar from each of them, and then mixing it all together.

Kyber Landscape
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self - what would that be?

Life is so unique, beautiful, amazing, mysterious, complex, and at the same time it is very short-lived. Therefore, one should not treat it superficially, one should cherish, appreciate it and not waste time on secondary and insignificant things.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

Indeed, creativity requires concentration. Perhaps some loneliness and isolation. I can't combine full-fledged communication with friends and others and painting. This communication takes me entirely and there is no room for creativity. So I have to separate them. To engage in creativity, I, as far as I can, retire, moving away from unnecessary contacts. I try to keep my attention and not be distracted by others.

Adam and Eve
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

For me, this is prayer. When it's hard, I pray. It helps me, brings me out of a state of self-pity and narcissism. It gives me strength and self-confidence. Fills my inner world with content. There is a lot of chaos and disorder in our ordinary life. In an ordinary state, our consciousness is also chaotic, it is a heap of random ideas and images. Putting everything in order, highlighting the main thing and focusing on it is very difficult. Meditation helps me.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I am paraphrasing the well-known saying: "I think, therefore I am." For me it will be like this: I am immersed in the creative process - it means I live. Therefore, the goal both for the near future and for the future, for me, is immersion in life, and hence creativity. Immersion is as complete as possible.

Accidental Parting
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

I am very wary of success. We all know how success comes quickly, but then it can disappear just as quickly. Yesterday the name thundered, today can be consigned to oblivion. Therefore, I think it is not necessary to specifically waste your time and energy on this. Success came or left, a person should remain himself and mind his own business.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

I didn't think about it. Perhaps, today, I could say that I am happy when I see in some Churches, icons created by me, as well as, in one of them, a wall painting. I had the same feeling when a friend sent photos of my paintings sold to his friends, framed and placed in their house. It is a good feeling that what I am doing is meaningful not only for me, but also for others.

Reflection
(click to view)

Thanks, Greg!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Jenny Johansen

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

From Jenny's DPW Gallery Page:

Finding the sound within silence

Jenny became an artist after spending time entranced in Utah's landscapes. She believes that every landscape has soul and soundtrack, and works to convey those rhythms and notes through her paintings.

Fascinated by classic paintings on copper and the natural luminance, it became her preferred painting surface. The combination of bold color and copper light give her paintings a sound that is best experienced in person.

You will find Jenny on remote roads, happily lost in the desert, or on a mountain peak; observing the always changing light and taking in every breath of that harmonic high.

What did you want to be growing up?

I grew up in a household with a father who played guitar in a band through the late 60’s and 70s. I always wanted to be creative and thought of being a songwriter/singer, or interior designer. The idea of landscape painting had never crossed my mind.

When did your artistic journey begin?

My creative side really started to manifest itself in high school. First with poetry and later with visual arts.

Daydreamer
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

I married after highschool and focused on family life. Even though I was not focused on oil painting, I was still very engaged artistically through restoring a Victorian home, photography and other creative pursuits throughout daily life. As my children grew up they became engaged in creative endeavors.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal? 

I never saw myself as a landscape painter; yet the more time I spent outdoors the more I grew to appreciate unique moments that can only be found in the wild. After signing up for a plein air workshop on a whim with my mother-in-law, who is a plein air landscape artist, I was surprised at how differently I viewed the landscape. I began to experiment in oil, basic values and composition. After seeing a painting on copper, I became very intrigued in the look of oil on copper. Copper became my preferred surface almost immediately. Post impressionist art has always been my favorite and I think that shows in my work and the use of copper gives my paintings an ethereal atmosphere.

Afternoon Layers
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

Finding my artistic voice has been a long process, and at times frustrating. Pulling out oil paints and dedicating time to practice while raising 6 kids is not the most ideal way to find peace. I relied upon plein air festivals as incentive to motivate me to paint seriously at least a few times a year. Having always been drawn to vivid color, it felt natural when my preferences surfaced through paint choices. When I first started painting, I focused heavily on the use of a palette knife. It has been only the last few years that brush work has become my primary tool in painting. I’ve grown to love the effects of leaving bits of copper showing through on my paintings.

Name an artist (or artists), well known or not, you admire. Why?

You hear of Vincent Van Gogh a lot when artists reference influences, yet he is an inescapable influence on my love of landscape paintings. I love the movement in his paintings and the story of his struggles and being human. They speak to me, and I become rather emotional every time I get the opportunity to view his paintings in real life.

After the Storm
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self - what would that be?

Never underestimate the power of practice.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

A designated place for the creation of art is vital. Do not put your art supplies away, ever! It’s really hard to get them back out. Make a habit out of observing, seeing, and creating art.

Snapshot
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

I visited an art exhibit in an LA art gallery which was an old wash board with a dirty coat in water that had attracted lots of flies. I couldn’t really see the beauty in it, but it helped me to realize that everyone’s view of art is different. I also remind myself that people have enjoyed my paintings enough to buy them for themselves.

Even paintings that I think are failures, speak to people in important ways. The fact that people find meaning in my art, even if not what I see or intended, helps me find the motivation to share more.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

It’s taken 16 years to get to the crossroad that I’m at now. I have a little more time and have simple goals: paint more. I have been able to set up a more reliable practice and share what I am creating. In doing so I have found that a lot more people are paying attention. My long term goals are to continue to share those moments I can capture in paint.

90% Chance of Rain
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

It makes me happy knowing that people have found a connection in my work and have my art hanging in their homes. Knowing that something I made spoke to someone enough that they would put it in their personal space is enough.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

There are many impactful moments for artists, but for me the opportunity to inspire my children to be creative, to see practice lead to art, is what makes all the mistakes and practice pay off.

Thanks, Jenny!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Steven Scheibe

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

From Steven's DPW Gallery Page: 

**Steven Scheibe's artworks physically embody things both seen and unseen.**

-   _Seen:_ Many of Steve's paintings simply celebrate the natural beauty and wonder of a thing, a place, or a moment_._

-   _Unseen:_ Other works by Steve gently amplify the voice of allegory he has discovered in nature's patterns. He says, "All that is visible is evidence of the invisible. Through art, I seek to make tangible the immeasurable realities of soul and spirit." 

Steve expresses his discoveries of the seen and unseen in a variety of media -including music, drawing, watercolor and oil painting, stone lithography, dye-painting silk, and art glass. He has created large, suspended murals in [dye-painted silk](http://www.visibleinvisible.com/pages/commission/hand-painted-silk.php) for public art. His sand-carved, mouth blown antique glass, and laminated [glass artworks](http://www.visibleinvisible.com/pages/commission/etched-glass-commissions.php) grace walls and windows of public spaces. His two-dimensional works are also included in many private, public, and museum collections. (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

As a young child I wanted to be a research scientist in plants or animals or marine biology – and of course I wanted to be an artist.

When did your artistic journey begin?

When I was very young, my family’s television broke. My parents decided to intentionally not replace it. And so without that typical, on-demand entertainment available, my siblings and I invested all our spare time in creating and doing. We invented games, wrote music and plays, hosted contests with neighbors, learned many crafts, raised animals, and enjoyed discovering the great outdoors in the nearby woods, horses, fields, and lake. All of this fueled my love of nature and nurtured creative thinking. My first successful visual art was drawing a black-capped chickadee. It looked real, and I was hooked on drawing.

Windy Winding Waldrick Road
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

I’m a creative. So even when I’m not painting, I’m cooking, gardening, or remodeling—everything done as an artist. Except when coping with stress, loss, or pain, creativity doesn’t ever “turn off.” That said, there have been seasons where I had to spend more time generating income by non-art related work. I found a growing tension within me until I was back in visual art again.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

I create in dye-painted silk, glass, drawing, stone lithography, watercolor, oils, and pastels. Each medium embodies well different subjects. 

Acrylics are my least favorite to paint in because they are less forgiving. I’ve tried re-wettable acrylics with some success. I have painted successfully in acrylics at university, but now I use acrylics mainly in underpaintings and for toning canvases. I admire those who make them work so well. 

Watercolor is the most difficult but also the most fluid/dynamic, so their challenge keeps me curious. Oils are the most forgiving and offer the deepest deeps and endless mixing possibilities. Pastels are quick, with immediate color choices and a variety of mark-making options. In this chapter, I’m really enjoying the transparency and opacity of oils, and the luminosity and immediacy of pastels. They’re my current favorites. Next year, who knows?

Maple Dapple Trail
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

You know how when you hear your own voice recorded and played back, it sounds different – maybe even unfamiliar? Similarly, it’s not easy for me to fully identify my own visual artistic voice. But I naturally gravitate toward representational art and realism. Within that, I suspect my artistic voice is always changing (our speaking/singing voices do change throughout life) because I’m forever learning and adding something new. The possibilities are limitless!

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

There are very few artists whose works I don’t appreciate. Each artist I encounter – in print or in person –offers me another dimension of inspiration and art wisdom (which is seemingly endless). I’m particularly grateful for the living artists online today who share their work and processes. I’ve learned so much by watching numerous others create and listening to their interviews. And for that reason, I’ve begun making and sharing simple videos of my own art making.

Offut Summer
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Don’t wait to create. If you don’t make it, it won’t become.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

My version of procrastination usually stems from a fear that the result won’t turn out (fail). Separating my personal worth from the outcome of an artwork is essential. Even if a particular project flops, I’m still me. That’s a challenge when we pour our souls into our work, but differentiation is key.

The main challenge for me is starting. And so preparing helps. When possible, I prepare reference photos and sketches in advance of anticipated studio time. And I leave my easels and supplies always set up to make beginning a little easier. I try to keep supplies and tools clean and ready. Once I start, I get in the zone and I wonder why I didn’t start sooner.

Another tip is consistency – keep painting regularly. I find that when I pause for even a week, I begin to lose confidence, and I hesitate to start.

One more tip: Once when I was young, a wise artist woman advised me, “Steve, if you paint commissions, be sure to do your own studio work as well, to keep up your confidence.”

Remembering Summer
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

Self-doubt and adversity certainly do come. 

Sometimes I take a break. Removing the pressure often makes the work joyful again.

I also solicit input from other trusted artist friends when I feel stuck on a particular painting. Their fresh eyes often help me find solutions.

And I pray - pretty much all the time, stuck or not. I see creating as a physical and spiritual collaboration. 

Oh, and music often helps me focus and relax and create. Music is a great motivator.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

Short term – I want to paint more. I want more studio time and less admin.

Long term – I want to be a painter and a writer and a friend.

(And somewhere along the way, I have a glass innovation/invention I want to develop more and share with the world).

Cape D. Lighthouse (delight house)
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success is always moving toward my goal. Even if a project fails, if I’m moving toward my destiny, that is success. Money and recognition are sure helpful, but they’re not an accurate measure of artistic success.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

The accomplishments of solo shows and musical presentations and receptions in our State Capitol, and also at the Washington Center for Performing Art were biggies. I’m also super pleased with my public art waterfall for Liberty Middle School in Spanaway, Washington. It’s over three hundred square feet of dye-painted silk in a suspended sculpture, illuminated by water-effect lighting. 

Ok, that’s more than one proudest moment… but…

And lately, my heart jumps every time I begin to see my small landscape painting emerging from 2-D paper to an illusion of depth. Each one is a wonder to me!

Cycling Duo
(click to view)

Thanks, Steven!

© 2021 Sophie Marine