Thursday, March 25, 2021

DPW Spotlight Artist: Sheila Longerbeam

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

From Sheila's DPW Gallery Page:

Hi! I’m Sheila and I live in Northern CA, near San Francisco. I am sixty-three,  married with two grown children. I work full time as a psychotherapist, so painting is what I do most of the rest of the time! I usually paint four to five times a week and post my work to Instagram. I started painting seriously about six years ago. I began by attending a pastel workshop at Pt Reyes National Seashore--- a glorious spot on the northern CA coast! The work of the others, and the natural beauty reminded me of what I had always loved about art. I was inspired! 

Reading Carol Marine's book, Daily Painting, helped me to see how I could break down the art process into bite-sized pieces allowing me to gradually grow as an artist. At this point, I am focusing on strengthening my representational skills: drawing, value, composition, and color harmony. I also love it when those skills lead to a piece that is geometric and abstract-ish. I strive to create paintings with bold and inspiring colors. I realize that the spontaneity and freedom and delight I see in the paintings I love requires discipline and trust. Slowing down, deepening, trying again and again to catch the right color that makes a painting sing. As you look at my work, I hope that you see something that delights you.

What did you want to be growing up?

I didn’t know! It took me until about the age of twenty-six to know what I wanted to be when I grew up! At that point, I began training to be a psychotherapist, and have practiced in this field for thirty years, specializing in working with couples.

As I was sorting out what to do with my life, I often vacillated back and forth between something more socially impactful, such as therapy and something more spiritually growthful such as art and meditation. In the end, I thought my natural abilities and ambitions would be best fulfilled as a therapist. Also, I certainly didn't think I had much native talent for artwork and self-criticism made it more of a struggle.

When did your artistic journey begin?

From a young age, I have been very moved by paintings. I liked representational art as well as abstract art. I found favorite paintings in art museums and would return to visit the paintings that spoke to me. I felt that real art, as opposed to reproductions of art, had an energy from the artist that I was able to feel. 

My earliest art memories are of taking the bus on Saturday mornings to Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI to attend figure drawing classes, as a middle schooler. I felt nervous approaching the easel and drawing, so it was exciting and terrifying all at once.

I studied art as a second major in college and sporadically painted in my twenties.

Fresh Melon
(click to view)

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

Did you have any long periods without creative expression?

Yes. After college, I focused on finding and building my psychology career. I pursued psychological/spiritual growth, married and raised two kids. At about fifty-five years old I began to do art again more seriously.

How did you "get back on the horse?"

I attended a weekend pastel workshop with Bill Cone at Pt. Reyes National Seashore in Northern CA, in the US, one of my favorite places on earth. It opened something up in me and I gradually began to paint more and more, mostly focusing on plein air and landscapes.

In this time period, I noticed something else quite remarkable: I was painting without self-criticism. This was huge! I was able to enjoy my effort and my process. Without the hindrance of self-criticism, I was able to improve more rapidly.

When COVID hit, I started to think about death, and realized that I wanted to complete a body of work before I died. So I have particularly focused this year on painting very consistently— about 4-5 times per week. I have read books, watched YouTube, attended classes and been inspired by Instagram. This also coincides with my children entering adulthood and me thinking about "the rest of my life."

Round the Bend
(click to view)

What mediums and genres do you gravitate to?

I love oils and pastels. I am interested now in developing my representational skills. I want to be able to delight others with color and light. I can imagine in the future that I might want to do some abstract work, but for now, I am working on the basics.

Which ones don't appeal?

I am not particularly interested in acrylics or watercolors. I also want my paintings to be loose and expressive as opposed to tightly realistic.

Geometric Colors
(click to view)

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

I am continuously finding my artistic voice. I am following my internal instincts and noticing what is revealed on the canvas. I collect paintings that inspire me and try to pinpoint what it is I love about them. I think this reveals something about me. At this point, my skill lags behind my vision.

I also continue to inquire, "why do I paint?" I think it is because I want to create visual moments that might stop someone in their tracks and cause them to look a bit more deeply at something they find beautiful or intriguing.

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

I feel so much admiration for the everyday artists who continue to paint despite other significant obligations. I also feel admiration for the artists who have started painting later in life and paint with conviction.

White Vessels
(click to view)

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

I feel good about how my creative self has developed in my life, so I don’t know that I have any particular advice.

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

The best way for me to continue being productive is to set goals for myself. I have weekly and yearly goals. Since I continue to work as a therapist, the time I have off is precious to me, so I remind myself of that and make the most of it.

Lemons and Pink
(click to view)

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

When I feel self-doubt, it often helps to go for a walk, look at art that inspires me, set a small goal for myself and start painting. It is especially helpful not to compare myself to others.

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

I want to continue to become more skilled as an artist. In the short term, I want to paint small to develop my skills. Soon, I would also like to return to painting larger pieces. I would like to exhibit my art locally and to connect with other artists for plein air outings.

Lilies and Cake
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success means completing a body of work I feel proud of. I feel proud of my work if I see it improving and changing over time. Success also means being in community with other artists.

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

The proudest moments for me at this point are when I create paintings where the visual language catches up with what I want to say. I feel these paintings are an expression of an essential part of me. It is hard to define, but a thrilling moment that many painters would recognize.

Thanks, Sheila!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

Thursday, March 18, 2021

DPW Spotlight Interview: Anna Shikany

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

From Anna's DPW Gallery Page:

Hello. I'm Anna. I live in Minnesota with my husband and two kids (and soon a chameleon I plan on naming Georgie). If it weren't for my kids, I'm not sure I would be a painter. One day I bought my daughter a set of watercolors and it was love at first brush stroke. In 2019 I started taking my learning seriously. I told myself I wouldn't pick up a paint brush again until I taught myself to draw. So for one year, all I did was draw. I also put myself through a DIY art school. I studied the greats, went to museums, and I even wrote my own art history reports. Lots of plagiarism but who cares when I'm the only one reading them. :) I opened my first set of oil paints in January 2020 and the rest is history.

What did you want to be growing up?

This is a tough one because I honesty can’t remember. I was so behind in grade school that I spent all my time trying to catch up let alone grow up. I do know that I deeply wanted to be the Olsen twins' long lost triplet, but that didn’t pan out. I also wanted to be a Spice Girl. If only there was an Arty Spice to look up to, maybe I would have found my artistic path sooner.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I believe that everyone is on an artistic journey. The real question is ‘when do we realize that we’re on an artistic journey?’ When do we find that special something that makes us feel a little more alive and life is a little more clear? That awareness came to me when I applied to Perpich Center for Arts Education. It’s an arts high school in Golden Valley, Minnesota for Juniors and Seniors. Basically Hogwarts, but for artists. We lived and breathed art. Every single teacher was an artistic mentor. It was an incredible experience and it taught me that art is in everything, even math.

Pink Flower
(click to view)

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

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

Sometimes fear can prevent us from starting something new or picking up where we left off. One trick I have for conquering that fear is creating something abstract. Paint for the sake of mixing colors and making brush strokes. Tell yourself that this isn’t for anyone else but you. Don’t post it, don’t sell it. Use it to break the fear and get back on that horse.

What mediums and genres do you gravitate to? Which ones don't appeal?

Oils have my heart. The texture, the vibrant color, the smell. When I first started painting four years ago, it was with a cheap watercolor set I bought for my four year-old-daughter. It was crappy paint, but it was love at first brush stroke. Eventually I ventured into acrylic territory and I fell deeper in love. Oils were next on my radar, but I was afraid of the toxic fumes and smells (chronic migraine sufferer here). I gave water-soluble oils a chance, but they didn’t feel right. I wanted the real thing. So, I did some research and found non-toxic alternatives for oil painting. By Christmas 2019 I had my first set of oils and the rest is history.

As far as genres go, they say artists often admire the opposite style of art that they create, and that’s true for me. When I’m at art museums, you’ll find me in the Expressionists section. When I’m at my easel, you’ll find me painting realism.

Paper Bag No. 6
(click to view)

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

Up until recently, I was so jealous of artists that had perfected their personal style. That beautiful relationship they built with their art that allows people to recognize their works just by looking at it. Personal style isn’t something you can force out of yourself. There isn’t a book that you can buy that will teach you your personal style. I can remember feeling frustrated, like my artistic goals were out of my control. I knew I had it in me, but I didn’t know where to look. 

I believe that we all have a built-in unique artistic style that just needs to be nurtured. It takes a desire to unleash it and patience to build it. Like any relationship, it’s important not to rush it, to give your bad work a lot of slack and most importantly, paint true to yourself.  
 
One thing I did to help build my relationship with art was to create my own DIY art school. A little over a year ago I decided to start from scratch. I dedicated eight months to strictly drawing. I didn’t touch a paint brush until I could sketch a decent picture. I studied art history, wrote my own research papers and visited the art museum whenever I could. Not to brag, but I was a straight A student. :)

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

My great grandmother, Mary James Stark. She was an amazing oil painter. I never got to meet her but she left behind a plethora of her paintings that hang in my home.

I love her work the same way I love Van Gogh and Cezanne. I wish there were history books written about her to study. I wish her inspirational quotes were written down. To me, she’s the most famous artist in my life. As a kid I would spend hours starring at her paintings. I would tell my friends that if they stand close it just looks like a blur, but if they take a few steps back it looks like a landscape. Little did I know, I was discovering impressionism.

Artichoke
(click to view)

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

I wouldn’t! I wouldn’t tell tiny Anna anything. We’ve all seen what happens in Back to the Future. Stay away from the past and instead share that advice with your current self. So, what would I tell my current self? Just keep painting. Just keep painting.

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

My painting practice is quite simple. I paint when I want to and I take breaks when I’m burnt out. Distraction and procrastination luckily haven’t found their way into my practice. However, I’m terrified that a day will come when I wake up and have no more interest in painting. What if I never want to paint again? Just the thought makes me anxious. I have to remind myself that that fear is coming from a place of love. So, I refocus my thoughts on my love for painting instead of my fear of losing it.

Five Paint Brushes
(click to view)

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

My self-doubt shows itself when I have low energy. It took me a while to realize this correlation, but if I physically don’t feel like doing something, I tell myself I can’t do it. The truth is that I can do it, just not right now. Timing is everything. I don’t force myself to push forward, I allow myself the time I need to build up energy and eventually the motivation always comes back. 

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

1. Get into the Minnesota Uptown Art Fair
2. Get into the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit
3. Learn how to paint en plein air and paint in every Minnesota State Park
4. Come up with an amazing inspirational quote that everyone knows

Pink Passion Bouquet in a Ball Jar
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Let’s be real. That quick fix successful feeling you get when a painting sells is an amazing high. Sales and money equals happiness and happiness equals success right? But you can be an award-winning, wealthy, famous artist and still be very unhappy right? The key is finding and nurturing our inner peace.  If I can remain grounded when bad things happen and setbacks occur, then I feel victory is made.

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

I used to look at paintings and say, “I wish I could do that.” Somehow, I had it in my head that if you weren’t born with talent, you were just out of luck. But the more I continued to learn, the more I practiced, the better I got. It’s always nice to be called talented, but the truth is that for so many of us, it’s not natural talent. It’s desire + dedication + determination. I’ve never been prouder of myself for making my own talent. Now I look at my own paintings and I say, “I did that!”

Thanks, Anna!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

Thursday, March 11, 2021

DPW Spotlight Interview: Iryna Khort

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

From Iryna's DPW Gallery Page:

I have been painting for more than four years. I discovered a craving for art accidentally and I am happy herewith. Now I develop my art business and paint bright oil and acrylic paintings.

I find inspiration in birds, nature in general, and people. The bird is a symbol of the flow of thought and freedom. Freedom to think and move around - this idea is the heart of the desire itself and at the same time is an implementation of reality.

My goal is to give joy to my clients and friends through my art, to share impressions and inspire.

What did you want to be growing up?

In primary school, my teacher asked my classmates and me who we want to be when growing up. That was funny because most of the class replied that they wanted to be a teacher and I did too. Every next year my desires change, and I never thought that I would be an artist.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Several years ago, I accidentally got into the studio of an artist. In those days I earned a living in a completely different field, not related to art, and honestly, I didn't like my job. The studio was placed in the basement, however, there was a lot of space and light. Beautiful women looked at me from large paintings; stretchers, frames, canvases were everywhere, all had turned into a sense of discovery: bright images, color, and depth, the smell of paints. I had felt right at home. Since then, I have had a desire to paint.

Amazing Colors of Nature
(click to view)

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

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

There are definitely times when I don't want to paint at all. At this time, I feel an emptiness inside. In this case, I let it go and just try to relax and do something else. And then the desire to paint comes again.

What mediums and genres do you gravitate to? Which ones don't appeal?

I like to paint birds, animals, seascapes, and the sky. I love soft mediums: oil, acrylic, charcoal. I'm not comfortable with solid materials which need focusing and tension as well as all the genre with straight lines and control, e.g. cityscapes, architecture, or transportation.

Duckling
(click to view)

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

I'm not sure that I've already got my personal style. I think I will be on this lifelong way to search for myself and try to understand who I am. The process of the searching itself is the goal.

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

Admiration for someone is not my cup of tea. Art is so subjective. There are amazing artworks that I like, and some I can't enjoy. But I love any manifestation of creativity, whether it be cave drawings of ancient people or a make-up of a teenager going to a party. I am open to the world.

Gentle Wind
(click to view)

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

I would advise myself to ponder less and paint more and never give up.

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

I start with the little things. I have my own ritual. I turn off the Internet on my cellphone, put the canvas panel on the easel, squeeze the paints out of the tubes onto the palette and turn on pleasant music. All these little things bring me into working condition.

Tiny Friend
(click to view)

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

I try to keep myself busy. Most often, I do only what brings me joy. Thereby I try to avoid plunging into the uncertainty, which only takes away the strength.

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

I am going to develop my small art business, my skills, not only in painting but in taking a photo, video, keeping social media, etc. In the long term I want to have a bigger studio or own an art gallery where I would be able to paint, teach, have different exhibitions or other art projects.

Colorful Toucan
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success is being yourself, doing what you love, whatever it is.

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

It is the moment when I overcame my fears and started just painting.

Thanks, Iryna!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

Thursday, March 4, 2021

DPW Spotlight Interview: Yuliia Meniailova

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

From Yuliia's DPW Gallery Page:

Hello! I'm a professional artist. I work mainly with oils and pastels. I'm a member of the Red Rock Pastel Society of Nevada, and the National Pastel Society of Russia.

In my work, I focus on color relations, intuitively following the inner harmony of color. At the same time, I study the relationship of different textures to each other. The impasto technique helps me to express my character and my passion for life. The philosophy of my work is love. I love life comprehensively, like brushstrokes in my paintings. I urge you to see that the life around here is made of tasty bits. I work in the Impressionist and Abstract style. As plots, I am attracted to plant forms, birds, people. I try to preserve the simplicity of the subject without detailing or complicating.

Exhibitions:
2020 - "Cross pastel", Gallery "Exposed," Moscow
2020 - "Red Rock Pastel Society exhibition," online exhibition 2020
"3rd exhibition of the NSP", National Union of Pastelists, online exhibition 2020
"Young Artists," Exhibition Hall, Orenburg 2020
"PASTELIUM" Exhibition Center of St.Petersburg Union of Artists, St. Petersburg 2019
"Between the line and color", Gallery "Exposed," Moscow 2019
"Thirty-Fifth Juried Exhibition," IAPS Web show, online exhibition 2019
"Wet Paint," Colors of Humanity Art Gallery, online exhibition 2019
"Botanicals," Colors of Humanity Art Gallery, online exhibition 2019
"1st NSP Exhibition," National Union of Pastelists, online exhibition

What did you want to be growing up?

Growing up, I was an active child. I loved to do decorative and applied art. I wanted to paint, sing, and bake cakes. As I grew older, I realized that I liked painting the most. I felt that I displayed a talent for painting because I’d heard compliments from my friends. But I didn't understand how an artist makes money in the modern world. Who will buy their paintings? And so I went to study for a modern profession. I became a designer.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I studied design and art teaching. Then I started working as an interior designer. I also worked as a photographer. Over time, I wanted to paint. So I started accepting commissions on paintings and wall paintings. Then I decided to quit because there were so many orders. And I became a full-time artist. As of 2016, I work every day in my artist's studio.

Floral drawing
(click to view)

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

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

Yes, when I first started working as a designer, I didn't paint for a while. We paint so much at the university that I needed to take a break. And the pause was good for me. I realized that I was missing something important in my life. So I started painting again.

What mediums and genres do you gravitate to? Which ones don't appeal?

I like impressionism, abstraction and fauvism. I like to look at watercolors, but I don't paint with watercolors, because this technique is not part of my character. But the pasty techniques reflect my character. So I paint with oil paints, acrylics, pastels.

Bee
(click to view)

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

I didn't purposefully search for my own style. It all happened by itself. I've noticed that the more you paint, the more clearly the style comes out. I believe that personal style changes over time, as does the artist themself. Now I paint and my paintings have a certain personal style. Tomorrow everything can change because I also change every day.

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

I like a lot of artists. Some artists were able to work with the composition. Other artists perfectly simplify the form of the subject. I learn a little from everyone. If we talk about classical artists, I would single out Paul Cezanne. I admire the way the artist worked with color. Of the contemporary artists, I like Milt Kobayashi. He paints so easily and expressively that it is impossible not to note his work.

Somewhere it was a warm rain
(click to view)

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

I would say to myself, don't listen to anyone. I believe that we are all unique. And if we don't use our uniqueness, it will be very boring. My motto - follow your heart, it always tells the truth. In my creative work, I listen to my heart and paint what I feel.

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

I go to my artist's studio and start doing something. For example, I start to sort out the paint or clean the studio. And gradually I begin to paint, without even noticing it.

Spring apricot
(click to view)

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

In moments of self-doubt, I look at my old work, analyze it. I see the result, and it inspires me to move on. I also watch movies where people talk about their careers. This is very inspiring because everyone has such different cases. And when there are creative crises, I try to spend even more time in nature. Being in the woods helps me regain my peace of mind and reboot.

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

Short-term goals are to finish a series of works for exhibition. I want to organize my own personal exhibition, and I hope it will be possible soon. I wanted to do an exhibition last year, but because of the quarantine, everything had to be canceled.

Long-term goals - I would like to participate in an art residency. I would be happy to communicate with other artists. To do this, I continue to study English and improve my painting skills.

Spring
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

For me, success is doing what I love, which is recognized by other people and among the community of artists. It's important to me that I like what I do. When I hear words of gratitude, I am happy. I understand that I do everything for a reason.

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

I'm proud of myself. There are periods in your work when your paintings are not so popular when your friends do not understand you. But I still trust my intuition and go ahead. I'm proud of my paintings. Every painting I paint with love.

Thanks, Yuliia!

© 2021 Sophie Marine