DPW Spotlight Interview: Tamanda Elia

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

From Tamanda's DPW Gallery Page:

My name is Tamanda Elia and I started Daily Paintworks this year. I currently reside in the Niagara region (Southern Ontario), Canada with my wonderful husband, two (now teenage) kids and three rambunctious dogs in a very small house. I studied at NSCAD University (Nova Scotia) graduating with a Bachelors degree in Fine Art.

Even though I have managed to draw and paint over the years, I decided to take it out of my comfort zone and go on-line. So here I am. I hope you enjoy my work.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Like so many artists say, I started drawing at an early age. I obviously don’t remember, but my mother informs me (as all proud mothers do) that I was two when my squiggles started to look like actual objects. I’ve always drawn. It’s a part of me. I draw or sketch things out every day. As for painting, I found an old painter’s box (my mother’s) when I was twelve and did my very first oil painting (a terrible sunset but I still have it). I was always labeled the “art” kid at school. So, it wasn’t a surprise when I went to Art College and got my degree.

Variety
(click to view)

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

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

I was surprised at how discouraged I was by the time I finished university and had my Bachelor’s Degree in hand. Being an artist was what I had always wanted and expected to be and the reality of an artist’s life appeared to be a disappointing prospect. So instead of rushing headfirst into the art world to make a name for myself I focused on my social life. I married a wonderful man, had two great kids and then life threw a wrench at us. My son was diagnosed with Autism in 2004 (when he was two) and for many years it seemed like everything became about that. It has taken years, lots of hard work, lots of therapists, great teachers, educational assistants and parenting classes but life seems somewhat relaxed now. Also I should note that somewhere in these years I started painting a lot more. I had the end goal of becoming a daily painter and finally, last November, I thought yes. Yes, this is the time. I can show my work now.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

Although I have worked with acrylic and once in a while will create something with it, it’s usually reserved for small landscapes. The drying time is an issue for me, so I work mainly in oil paint. I like the texture, the fluidity, and also the challenge of application. There’s no better medium in my mind and of course, the colors look sharp. Most of my work this year has been floral in nature. Gardening has been something I gained interest in when I became a home owner many years back. I think it was a natural merge of the two interests.

I still do occasional graphite drawings but they take a lot of time. These are usually portraits, whether human or animal. First I do two or three rough sketches before I complete the final drawing. This is to get the exact, precise, most accurate measure of the composition, proportion and scale. I still have to work at this. They can take up to twelve hours because I shade in small lines. This is probably the most meticulous work I do.

Algonquin Reflections (168)
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

In the back of my head there’s a pottery class waiting to be explored but it’s on the back burner for now.

Who or what inspires you most?

When I was younger it was definitely the Impressionists that had most of my focus. Edouard Manet and Mary Cassatt were my largest influences regarding paint application and technique. Speed up many years later, the internet has allowed me to research so many interesting artists. Influential people to me now are those artists that are out there now, working currently and showing the rest of us how it’s done.  Artists that I follow on-line now are: Carol Marine, Cathleen Rehfeld, Sarah Sedwick, Daniel Keys, Laura Robb, Dennis Perrin, Kathleen Speranza, Julian Merrow-Smith, Hallie Kohn, Kim Smith, Ken Knight, Qiang-Huang, and many, many more. Adding some Canadian artists: Shannon Reynolds, Julia Veenstra, Wendy Bermingham and Sheila Davis. I look at all these wonderful artists because they are succeeding in what they love to do, and it’s what I essentially want. I mean, that’s ultimately what we all want, success and validation.

Grizzly Bear
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

How to answer? Hmmm. I keep thinking and then I go to another question. I’m back now. Still thinking about the answer and wondering which direction I should go in. I’ll get back to you on that.

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

Scheduling and organizing is pivotal. The kids, the husband and the dogs all have time slots but so does my art time. When you work at home you have to learn not to answer the phone (unless it’s the school), ignore the laundry (not a problem), tell people you’re working (and ignore their scoffing noises) and just try to focus. It’s a precarious balance that does go askew but you have to get back on track.

Stacked (145)
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

It’s an accumulation of many things. Sometimes I decide on a subject first. If I have bought flowers then they will be the focus. Other times I will start with deciding the palette colors. As color creates emotional effect and atmosphere, they are vital in influencing this. It can also start with the composition and layout: I have a stack of sketchbooks with just thumbnail sketches of ideas of compositions. I’m always trying to find different ways to make the canvas pop in dimension. Or to bring the viewers eyes around the canvas with movement. I want people to view my work, be enticed by it and perhaps be wanting for more. I love the compositions that are cut off, or foreshortened. Another starting point is going through my reference photos. For most of my work I do photo-shoots (especially when working with flowers or changing light effect). These photos help me play with different ideas of the same subject. With a really great subject, I can get several paintings out of it just by changing background color, arrangement, the vase, how many, etc.

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

I try not to paint the same subject more than twice in a row unless they are small paintings. I will come back to that subject but I need to change subjects to keep from being bored in between. Also I will spring back and forth from large paintings to smaller. I find this helps loosen my strokes (something I am always working on). Having lots of references also helps keep the creative thoughts moving along.

Winnie
(click to view)

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

I’m just starting. This year was the year I said “Ok, that’s it, I’m doing this!” I have learned so much about business, the on-line business, time-management, self promotion, pushing myself outside my comfort zones, and oh yeah, painting too. I’m still learning how to paint. Next year I am planning to add Arts and Crafts Shows and galleries into the mix.

What makes you happiest about your art?

To create something that evokes a positive feeling that others can share and appreciate gives me endless joy and happiness. Everyone needs a purpose and to feel that your work is not only acknowledged but liked. Well, that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?

Thanks, Tamanda!

© 2018 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Aniko Hencz

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

From Aniko's DPW Gallery Page:

I am a Hungarian artist living and working in Budapest. I have been drawing and painting ever since I could hold a pencil in my hand... Most of my works are inspired by nature and personal feelings which end in abstract or conceptual paintings and drawings - it all depends on my mood. My favorite technique is watercolor and oil, but I also like to paint with acrylics and create ink drawings. My artworks are sold all over the world and I am glad to have happy customers from Europe to the United States and Australia.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I can’t recall the day I created my first painting… it was long ago, when I was in the kindergarten. That was the first time I was painting with watercolor. I can’t remember the subject, only that endless satisfaction and excitement that surrounded me while painting. I still feel it every time I finish a painting. Later on, in art school, I learned to draw and paint in several techniques with mediums like oil, gouache, charcoal and tempera. I had excellent teachers who taught me the basics.

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

Yes, I did. After school I departed from art and studied at the Geography-English University, where of course I was also drawing during some boring classes. In my thirties I learned computer graphics and made digital paintings and web pages for some years. It was a kind of approach to art, but not particularly to traditional painting. I also made beaded and wire wrapped jewelry while started painting seriously again just a couple of years ago. I do not intend to stop painting any more!

Autumn Flowers
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I like to experiment with mediums. I sometimes combine them, or try new ways for using them. I love to break the rules and mix them in my own way. My favorites are semi-abstract, abstract and cubist style, but I love the clear lines for ink drawings. I love to draw and paint trees, woods and abstract landscapes because their endless variety.

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

During the years I painted portraits, still life and landscapes as well. I gave up charcoal and pastels, but stuck with watercolor, oil, ink and acrylics. Sometimes my mood, other times the theme is what determines the medium I work with on a day. I do not paint portraits any more, but landscapes and nature in any form and style are my favorite.

The Stone Bridge
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I am interested in making semi-abstract and abstract landscapes with oil, so I am sure this is the area I’d like to explore some more.

Who or what inspires you most?

I love many painters and styles like Hieronymus Bosch, Sándorfi István, Hundertwasser, Cezanne, Klimt - just to mention a few artists, but nature inspires me the most. I have a passionate love for landscapes and trees, and I can not hold back myself from painting houses, too. A group of trees or houses, their interesting angles and colors are also great inspiration for me.

The Lavender Field
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Drinking my coffee in the morning while hanging out on social media… I spend too much time posting and advertising, but that’s a "necessary bad" these days, or I am buried without notice in the cyber space.

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

As my studio is at home, I must be very strict with myself to not let everyday tasks distract me from creating art! For me, ideas come mostly in the afternoon or in the evening. This is the time I make sketches or develop my ideas in my mind and I put them on the paper or canvas next day.

The Smoke
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I usually see something on the street, a photo on the internet or just walk out in the garden… Anything around me can be inspirational, a spot of colors, an interesting detail of a street, the light and shadow over the grass, through the trees – anything.

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

On some days I paint with oil, other days with watercolor or make only ink drawings. I do not force painting when I am not in the mood of doing it. I better go and make some jewelry. As soon as I don’t feel the pressure of the "must" paint, ideas are popping up again. Shortly, when I paint, my mind is creating pendants, when I make jewelry, my mind is painting. Sometimes I do nothing, just meet my friends or take my doggy for a walk.

Autumn Trees 6
(click to view)

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

Perseverance, patience and tenacity. The idea that good work takes time and I cannot make everything at once… just one at a time.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I think success is the greatest happiness for any artist. I feel happy when I am pleased with the painting or drawing I just created and of course a great feedback from my buyers after a sale makes me even more happy! I think there is no greater happiness than satisfied customers or kind words.

Thanks, Aniko!

© 2018 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Katie Wilson

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

From Katie's DPW Gallery Page:

I'm an artist living in Rockport, ME. The inspiration for my portraits and figures originally came from old family photographs - mostly of my grandmother as a girl and her childhood friends. Not long after, I began using my kids and friends as models. I have since dug further into the old trunk and have pulled out ancestors' photos one and two generations before my grandmother.

I received my art degree from the University of NH. My favorite instructor introduced me to collage way back when and it continues to "work" for me. The paper helps me establish color, especially when my reference material is a black and white photo. Oil is my paint of choice, but I work with a variety of medium. I love pastel, but oh so messy.

I believe strongly in the importance of the arts, and the more people that create or appreciate the arts the happier and healthier we all will be. I am enthusiastic about sharing my own creative process with others through discussion, workshops and tutorials.

You can find Katie's YouTube channel here, as well as her Fine Art American page here where she sells prints, gift cards, totes and other fun stuff! You can also find her Patreon page here.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I’ve always made things. I’ll spare you the details. I never took an art class in high school. I had to take Drawing 101 when I went off to college because it was a prerequisite for all the other classes I took like jewelry, weaving, intro to architecture. Then I ducked out of school. Life was calling and it wasn’t classes. Years later purpose and responsibility came calling, and for me that meant finishing my degree which meant I needed to declare a major… at this point it was pretty much a no brainer. It was going to be art and I ended up concentrating on painting. This seemed a likely choice since I planned on going into graphic design down the road. Consequently, I fell in love with painting. Paint and also charcoal. And also the smell of turpentine. The entire art building smelled of turpentine and chemicals. I loved it.

Red Cap
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

If you’re familiar with my work you know I use oil, acrylic, pastel and paper on a somewhat regular basis. I lean more towards the oil paint because I get frustrated with how quickly the acrylics dry on the palette. Also I’ve used up the last of my favorite color pastels and have no idea what color they were to order more.  I have dabbled in watercolor and monotypes. I wish there was more time to dabble deep. Alas.

I enjoy painting the woods. I like to try to make sense of all the chaos. But more than that, I enjoy painting the face - an emotion or interesting features. And if all goes well, make up some kind of a story. I’d like to think one painting leads me into the next. As I work, ideas come to me for my next painting. If I stay in my true creative flow my work has no choice but to be fresh and engaging. If it starts to become stale I need to put down the brush and meditate ;) take a walk in the woods, throw a stick for my dog. You know what I mean.

The Party
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Looking through my sample wallpaper book to find pieces for collage, wondering how that wallpaper would look on my living room wall, googling upholstery fabric for my sofa that would work with that wallpaper, believing the best wallpaper to be found is going to be on ebay, searching ebay, never buying, making a cup of tea and never drinking it.

Extraneous Flowers
(click to view)

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

Winter in New England isn’t really a technique, but it sure is easier to find your way to the studio on a dreary, gray day.

Oranges and Mangos
(click to view)

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

Time waits for no one! I have to spend a lot more time and energy in my studio. I have to look at other artists’ work. I have to stop looking at other artists’ work.  The more I let go of the outcome, the better the painting.

The Puppy
(click to view)

What makes you happiest about your art?

Art is by far one of the best things this world has going for it, and I’m happy to play a small part in that.

Thanks, Katie!

© 2018 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Sherri Cassell

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

From Sherri's DPW Gallery Page:

Sherri Cassell, a California native, was born and grew up in Santa Paula, a small town located in the Santa Clara Valley surrounded by lush avocado, orange and lemon orchards. She remembers as a child looking up at the beautiful mountains surrounding her home town and playing underneath the tall eucalyptus trees. This was the beginning of her love for the California landscape. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I went to cosmetology school to get my manicuring license, in school an artist demonstrated using an airbrush to paint designs on finger nails. I was so fascinated that I immediately got an airbrush and started specializing in nail art.  I would airbrush and hand paint designs on the nails of my clients for holidays and special occasions.

One day I was talking to one of my nail clients who is an accomplished artist and I mentioned to her that I would love to learn to paint more lasting art, on canvas or paper, not just nails.  She told me about an artist that taught watercolor and that I should take lessons. I called and set up lessons; that was the beginning of my art career.

Sparkling Meadow
(click to view)

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

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

Yes, I would have 9-5 day jobs off and on for many years. I would have to work my art schedule around work and sometimes even put it completely on the back burner for a while.  I am so thankful now that I can focus on my art full time.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I started out studying watercolor and then went to a demonstration on pastels and fell in love with the medium. Most of my art career I have focused on pastel but recently have started painting in oil and also gouache and love both of those mediums. I think I may concentrate on them more in the future but will always find time for my pastels. I also have a love for art journaling where I sketch and still play with watercolor.

Reflective Moment
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most?

As a landscape artist the land and sky inspire me the most, especially the sky and its endless beauty.

What does procrastination look like for you?

Spending too much time on social media instead of painting! I love Instagram and sometimes go down the rabbit hole when on it!

Spring Fling
(click to view)

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

Getting an early start in the morning works for me, I definitely do my best work before noon. Having a plan on what painting I am going to work on for the next day helps too, I might end up working on another painting but at least the goal got me into the studio.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for you paintings?

I did a lot of outdoor painting a few years ago. I would get my ideas from being right out in nature, taking photographs also for future ideas. In the last year I have painted more from my imagination, abstracting the landscape just a little and exaggerating colors. I work in a series at times and get my inspiration from my last work.  I ask myself how can I paint that subject in a new way.

Sunny Day
(click to view)

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

It seems I can’t avoid burnout at times, but when I am experiencing it I remind myself it is just temporary and either try to just push through it or take a little break for a day or two or week; however long I need. One thing that does help to avoid it at times is switching back and forth from oils to pastels or gouache or even trying a completely new medium that I have never worked with before.

Blue Sky
(click to view)

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

I am learning to not take myself so serious! To just keep practicing my art and have a fun time doing it!

What makes you happiest about your art?

Art is healing and nourishing to my soul and I am so blessed to have it in my life!

Favorite Place
(click to view)

Thanks, Sherri!

© 2018 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Vitaly Borisenko

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

From Vitaly's DPW Gallery Page:

Vitaly was born in 1989 in the former USSR (nowadays Kazakhstan). During the next years his family moved multiple times within Russia before ending up in Vitebsk, Belarus (hometown of Marc Chagall). There he graduated from the high school and studied professionally German and English at the Vitebsk State University. For the next two years he worked as a school teacher, translator and interpreter with an international company in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg. In March 2014, Vitaly moved to Pennsylvania, USA. Here he finally gets the chance to try himself in oil painting, something he always wanted to do. Since that time he continues painting with oils in realistic style, learning from books, online video lessons as well as from advices of experienced artists. Since recently Vitaly is resident of Lititz, PA and explores the discipline of Daily Painting, painting every day, exclusively from life and in one sitting ("Alla Prima" approach). (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Well, there is a photo of me from 4 years ago. May 20, 2014. I am sitting on the floor of a hallway and painting with oils for the first time in my life. With the cheapest paints from eBay ($7 for the whole set), cheapest brushes from Michael’s (turned out they were for watercolors), on cheapest bargain cotton canvas. Scribbling some flower pot from a garden book. Just looking to see what I can do. It’s like if you wanted to play a guitar and you took one into your hands and started trying the strings. No education. No mentor. Just take it and go. The pre-story to that photo is that I am starting a new life at that moment. I am a Russian, who just landed in the USA with an immigration visa two months before the picture is taken. Starting a new life, having all roads open.

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

I did. I had several periods after I started my first job here in America and then a second one later, when I didn’t touch the brush for a few months in a row. Eventually though I inevitably got back to the easel.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Since I am self-taught and was developing in a “free fall”, with no particular teacher, I experimented with different genres. I tried still life, then landscape, then seascape, then pets. I was never interested in portraiture for some reason. As to the medium, it always has been oils. I was always a good student and learned over the years, that if you want to master something new, you need to focus. Plus, oils have a particular historical “higher class” meaning for me. I am an elitist in a way.

Fresh Local Peaches
(click to view)

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

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

Still life has really stuck. I know, in academics it is considered not the most serious genre for a professional artist, but that is what I like.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I was thinking of my love for the tall ships and old sail boats. Maybe one day I will try more seascapes and paint ships in harbors.

Orange and Silver
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most?

For a long time my biggest inspiration has been Sarah Lamb. She is a contemporary American painter. Sarah is amazing and was courteous enough to give me few tips via email when I wrote to her. Also, since last year it is Julian Merrow Smith and his daily painting project “Postcard from Provence”. Most recently I find inspirational the work of Michael Klein. Inspiration also comes from looking at old antique copper pots, crates, raw fabrics. Old and New Masters’ paintings online always help, too.

What does procrastination look like for you?

Heavy feeling to carry around. But with the daily project it is a bit easier, since it is “Alla Prima”. You know that you just sit down and paint and it is done. With larger projects just thinking of all what needs done can be scary, and could be a reason to procrastinate. It reminds me of an analogy – if you have to climb a high mountain, just looking up scares you away from starting. So, focusing on your very first step and then on the next one makes it much easier to have the work done.

Local Peaches
(click to view)

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

Most of all – having a set schedule. A set daily layout from the morning to the evening. If doing this consistently, it just goes automatically, becomes a “flow”. It gets harder when “life happens” and something disrupts it. Then it’s harder to go back.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

All of my larger paintings are either commissions (people tell me what they want in it) or something that I saw and it clicked in my head (“I want to paint that”). With my daily painting project it is sometimes the hardest thing to find a subject. “What do I paint today?” Many times I end up going through the fridge and the cupboards in the kitchen or through my shelf with props in the studio. Whatever clicks. Of course, then the subject needs to be arranged well. It is not what you paint, it is how you paint it.

Lititz Pretzels
(click to view)

How do you keep art "fresh?"

I think, it refers to two things: First, the subject, and second - the technique. Keeping the subject fresh is a matter of leaving the walls of the studio and visiting markets, stores, farm stands. As to the technique – it is about constantly learning something new. Recently I tried a new palette of colors, medium and brushes from M. Klein. It changed the whole look of the resulting painting. Not saying it turned out great (yet)... But fresh!

What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

Burnout is a thing, that is true. Working with a set schedule in the studio day in and day out can become monotonous. Getting out there, going for a drive, meeting people helps to balance it out. Adding highlight/shadow contrast is usually what helps to make artwork vibrant and engaging.

Wilbur Bud

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

I recently got some instructional videos from Michael Klein (East Oaks Studio). There is a whole new concept of painting in both materials (lead primed ACM panels; new paint colors and mediums from new manufacturers) and painting techniques (round brushes and rough glazing on the second pass; more impasto; free shape drawing instead of measured outlines, as well as a whole new way to set up the easel, the palette and color organization!). All of it shook up my standard way of painting I am used to. Maybe even too much, because some results scared me. I decided to make a step back and take some more time and practice, before I can get the results that I find satisfactory.

French Kitchen

What makes you happiest about your art?

We artists paint for other people. I heard of an experiment when several artists were offered commissions under one condition: Their paintings will be locked up forever, and nobody will ever see them. The artists refused. So, when I hear someone saying they like my paintings (mostly at art shows), then I am the happiest. When someone loves my painting so much to purchase one, I am the happiest. When I receive an award, I am the happiest. I guess, “public recognition” is the description word here. But of course, the very process! A painting session in my studio on a sunny day, with a cup of tea in my hand, and a history podcast playing from my phone — it makes me the happiest.

Thanks, Vitaly!

© 2018 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Elizabeth Chapman

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

From Elizabeth's DPW Gallery Page:

Welcome to my gallery here on the Daily Paintworks!

Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions or purchasing information regarding any of my abstracts. ...or even to just drop an encouraging note. Love to hear from you!

My paintings may be purchased directly from my website, my Daily Paintworks gallery or you can email me: elizabethchapman@artlover.com

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Those first strokes go way back to my early childhood. In high school I took lessons from a professional watercolorist who taught me the technique of painting with transparent watercolors. In college I took painting classes and learned to work with oils, which I loved. That was all a start.

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

Oh yes! I placed all and any thing art on the back burner as I was raising kids. It was a great time of our lives and they turned out pretty creative too! Elsie and Emma (abeautifulmess.com) run several businesses together and Doren is a graphics designer. As they got older, I got a job teaching high school art in a public school. It was through that exposure that I caught the ‘I want to be an artist’ bug. I resigned that job after ten years and went home to live out a new dream. I knew absolutely nothing about what I was doing, but that’s another story. I can tell you that it did work out! It’s been a lot of hard work and perseverance. I can now call myself an artist!

Around the Bend
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Experiment. I love that word! I love playing around with various mediums, techniques and styles. I began years ago painting very realistically. You would not believe how realistic from the looks of my work today.

Which ones have stuck and which ones have fallen away.

When I left my teaching position I needed to make an income and make it fast, so I began with what I had been taught. It was all that I knew. That was to paint realistically with transparent watercolors. At the same time I was playing around with some abstracts in watercolors. I hated acrylics, I mean just hated acrylics. They dried too fast for some one who liked to blend paint. It was because of this that my style of painting emerged.

One day, I decided to just give them a try. I knew I would have to work fast as they were not going to allow me to blend. So, I pulled out a canvas, turned on the music and got those hated acrylics out. I worked really fast and the painting that came out of that was amazing. It was so different than anything I had ever done. It was titled “Ocean Opera” and can probably still be found in the archives of my blog. Still I wavered back and forth between painting realistically and abstractly. In the end the abstracts won out!

Fascinae
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I would have to say I’m looking forward to exploring the abstract painting even further. Lately, I’ve become interested in mark making and have been adding that to my work. I’m collecting pics of people that are of interest to me and can see maybe one day doing some more work with figurative abstracts. The possibilities are endless!

Who or what inspires you most?

Listening to music while I paint is inspirational. But not always. I go through periods where I paint without music too. I think I would have to say that what probably inspires me the most is life itself. Living a simple, content and happy life.

Marvel
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like to you?

That’s easy. It’s me sitting in a chair in my studio, phone in hand scrolling through my Instagram feed, Facebook, etc., while a blank canvas stares at me from the easel. What they say is true, ‘the first stroke is the hardest!’

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

It’s a matter of discipline. I just know that everyday I am going to make time. Ten years ago when I first began, I made an 8-5 job out of it, just as if I was' going' to work. Over the years with various family responsibilities I learned to be more flexible. For example, at age forty-nine I found myself a full time grandmother taking care of a baby during the daytime. Family first. I made time to paint in the evenings and took full advantage of those weekends. It’s important to be flexible. It can change. Nowadays, as empty nesters we go to bed early and we get up early!! I can get a lot of painting done before the sun comes up! Lately, I’ve turned a portion of our kitchen table into a painting area. I can work on small paintings while I’m cooking, in between loads of clothes, housework or maybe just to be in a different place.

Ideal
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Not sure. They just seem to pop in my head. Sometimes I have an idea before I start, especially if it’s a commission. Initial ideas usually end up changing anyway. Most of the time, I just start, put those first marks, colors down and the ideas emerge from there.

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

I’m not sure that I have managed to avoid burnout. It happens. I don’t like it. It’s a terrible place to be. I have learned that the best thing for me to do is accept and embrace it. It’s part of the process. The ebb and flow. Sometimes you're on top of the mountain, creating, creating, creating and then it's a struggle. It’s a great time to go do something else, get the studio cleaned up, clean house, take up cooking, travel, etc., sit out for a bit. Listening to and viewing other artists' at work helps to spur me on.

Eutaxy
(click to view)

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

I am thinking about what it must be like to get older as an artist. Not sure that I have processed all of that yet in order to talk about it. Teaching again. I’ve done a few workshops recently that I truly enjoyed. Giving. I’m more comfortable with teaching now than ever before. Maybe it’s because I had to become an artist first!

What makes you happiest about your art?

That it makes other people happy! I love hearing about how it makes other’s feel, perhaps joy, cheerfulness to a room, memories long gone, stories they see and so forth. Recently, I was sitting at a local musical event, enjoying the show, and seeing how it was touching others. Taking them out of their elements for a while. I sat there and thought to myself, ‘thank God for artists’ as they make this world such a better place to live in. Then I thought, oh ya, I’m one of them too!!

Thanks, Elizabeth!

© 2018 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Pamela Hamilton

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

From Pamela's DPW Gallery Page:

Pamela Hamilton attended Chicago's School of the Art Institute, then later continued her education studying Graphic Design. She began a career in print and publishing, eventually becoming the Art Director for Country Sampler Magazine.

As her children grew up and started lives of their own, Pam enrolled in a series of oil pastel classes. One medium lead to another, and she discovered soft pastels. It was then that Pam decided to end her career and fully immerse herself in her artistic pursuits. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I’ve always been an artist, even as a small child. I recall making paper dolls for my classmates during indoor winter recess in elementary school. I was voted class artist in High School and received a small fine art scholarship followed by a short study in painting and drawing at Chicago’s School of the Art Institute. I wasn’t able to fully immerse myself in my craft until about six years ago.

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

Definitely yes! I started my family when I was very young and had three children by the age of twenty-six. There was no time to paint and no money for school. Following a divorce in my early thirties, I enrolled at the community college and studied graphic design. I worked very hard to provide for my family. It wasn’t until many years later that I was able to switch gears. I registered for an oil pastel class at the local fine arts center and I knew then there was no turning back! Within one year I was entering (and winning!) art competitions.

Peaceful Pass
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I’ve dabbled in acrylic and watercolor, but favor graphite, oils, oil pastels, and pastels. I really love all representational genres. Particularly still life, animals, and landscape.

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

My early work (high school and college) was mostly in graphite and oil. Later, when I resumed my artistic journey, I worked in oil pastels. I really liked them, but the medium is not recognized as a “pastel” by the International Association of Pastel Societies. Therefore, I wasn’t able to compete in pastel competitions. Plus, plein air painting in the steamy Midwest summer heat turns the oil pastels gooey. So about six years ago, I ordered a box of soft pastels and they suit me much better. Now I incorporate watercolor, acrylic and inks as underpaintings with my soft pastels. I never get bored with pastels!

Cornucopia
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring? 

I may pick up a brush and oils again soon, but for now I plan to continue my pastel journey, experimenting with homemade substrates and underpainting techniques.

Who or what inspires you most? 

I love Impressionists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas and Sargent. I’m lucky to live an hour from the Art Institute of Chicago where I can study the beautiful works of these amazing historic artists. Many of the impressionists used pastels in their field studies, then produced their large oil paintings in the studio. I have MANY contemporary favorites including Richard McKinley, Liz Hayward-Sullivan, Alain Picard, Gwenneth Barth-White, Mike Beeman and fellow DPW artist, Rita Kirkman.

Winston
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you? 

Really the only time I procrastinate is with commission pieces when using customer-supplied reference photos of poor quality. Without a good, clear reference, there’s no way I can produce quality work. I busy myself in mundane household tasks to avoid starting these pieces until I can’t put it off any longer.  Once I get rolling, they typically turn out better than expected.

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

Making time for my art can be a huge challenge! I’m a wife, mother and grandmother before anything else and make my family a priority. That being said, without my art, I’m off-balanced and gloomy. I teach pastel class every Thursday. In addition to guiding and mentoring a group of talented, enthusiastic artists, it’s a block of time each week in which I can demonstrate and putter on my own work. I often return to my home-studio after class and complete work started earlier that day. Also, I’m a member of several local art leagues including the Wayne Art League. They have scheduled Paint-Outs on Monday mornings from May through October. I choose my favorite locations and add them to my calendar like any scheduled event to ensure that time is for me.

Bevilacqua
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

There is beauty all around is. Everyplace I look, I see something that inspires me. I think any artist will say that we’re always seeking the light! That is key to me, whether a landscape, traditionally-lit still life, portrait, or a bird in sparkling water, I love the way the light reflects and interacts with color.

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

I’m constantly experimenting and challenging myself. This keeps it fun and exciting! My earlier work looked almost identical to my reference photos. I’ve been working at softening edges and creating expressionistic backgrounds and skies through serendipitous underpaintings. I want to stay true to my love of realism yet develop my mark-making skills, color usage and style.

Cat in the Box
(click to view)

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

Sometimes it’s OK to fail. It’s just paint, paper and time, right?

What makes you happiest about your art?

I thoroughly LOVE pastels—the colors are so vibrant and exciting! The fact that I can swipe a dry-chalky stick on a piece of paper and turn it into something beautiful is amazing. My art grounds me. If I’m feeling down or cranky, a few minutes with my art and I feel re-centered. And I love to share my work with other people. When I exhibiting at the art fairs, I’m often told I have “the happy booth”.

Thanks, Pamela!

© 2018 Sophie Marine