DPW Spotlight Interview: Max Panks

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

From Max's DPW Gallery Page:

Max Panks is a London based actor who started his career as a watercolour landscape artist in January 2017. He had always nurtured a passion for drawing and portraiture from an early age but stepped away from his love of visual art to train as an actor in 2010. Now, Max creates beautiful watercolour landscape art as a compliment to the destinations that life takes him. Having worked as a performer on cruise ships, European tours, London theatre and more, he is able to keep adding to the wonderful diary of expressive landscapes with each new adventure.

What did you want to be growing up?

I excelled in art classes as a child, but I always saw myself onstage as a performer and I would dream of being a pop star. Then, in school I discovered a love for the shows that my music teacher would direct. I would take part in all of them. My first, when I was 11 was Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Mikado’ and my last, when I was 18, I played Danny Zuko in Grease. I then went to London to train in Musical Theatre and have been an actor here ever since. Of course there was always something in me that knew I should be painting too.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I always loved to draw, especially portraits. But I never gave it any serious thought until I was 23 in 2017, when I spontaneously decided I would do a painting every day for a year. After a while, people started to notice and even buy my work. 4 years later and I’m still nurturing a strong painting habit (though not quite daily anymore).

Fishing in Costa Maya, Mexico
(click to view)

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

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

When I was in University and for a few years after, I didn’t really pick up a pencil much at all. I studied Musical Theatre in London and my days were very full. I would occasionally experience a longing to draw and would sit and sketch for a day or two. However between auditions and working my side job in a bar, I did lose touch with my roots as an artist. I suppose this might be what led to my decision to paint every day. I felt that I had a responsibility to nurture and care for a talent that not everybody possesses.

What mediums and genre do you gravitate towards? Which ones don’t appeal?

I only paint with watercolours at the moment. I’d love to do some oils and I will when I have a bigger studio space. I like watercolours because they’re easy to travel with and don’t make too much of a mess. I also do a lot of pencil sketching, usually portraits.

The Gielgud Theatre, London
(click to view)

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

I suspect I’m still at the start of what promises to be a very long journey when it comes to finding my personal style. I know what works and what won’t work, and I know what to look for when choosing a subject (most of the time). I try and paint out and about as much as possible and I have a habit of setting up my easel in some quite uncomfortable and busy spots, all because I’ve seen a shadow that I like on a building somewhere. I’m learning not to be worried what passers-by think but instead, use the frantic energy of my location to feed the work. I suppose the only secret is consistency.

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

Herman Pekel, Alvaro Castagnet, Joseph Zbukvic.

They have such assertiveness within the style of their art. I’m trying to achieve a certain attitude in my own work that reflects that of the great’s.

House on the Hill - Corsica, France
(click to view)

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

I don’t think it would be useful to have done anything differently other than pay attention in business studies. 

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

Well, usually if I’m distracted it means that I’m not interested in what I’m doing. When this happens it’s time to get out and walk through nature or take my paints through the city to try and kindle some inspiration. I look for long shadows and dramatic contrast. I go into galleries and observe my reactions to other people’s work. Sometimes I forget that a healthy diet along with a solid sleep routine is the foundation to everything – I can’t blame my mind for being distracted if I’m not feeding it with the correct fuel.  

Farmlands in Balcombe, West Sussex
(click to view)

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

Self-doubt is a big part of growth and we need it to improve – So I don’t force those feelings away. 

I’m also learning the importance of breaks, although I haven’t gone longer than a week without painting since I started about 4 years ago. I find myself thinking about all the artists in the world who are thriving and living the life they love and I think – ‘that could be me one day if I keep doing what I’m doing’. I hope I’m right!

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

To me, the most important thing is that I keep painting. It’s interesting how I can look back at an old painting of mine and be instantly transported to who I was and what I was feeling back then. If I was pleased with it at the time, I can even remember the song I was listening to at the time I was creating that piece. My overall long term goal is to make a nice living selling art while acting on stage or on TV as often as someone will have me.

Apartments in San Juan, Puerto Rico
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

A compliment on my work, a painting that sells, a great meal that I made, a good investment, a funny joke, a great day out. Success will come many times, but growth lies in failure; they’re both sides of the same coin.

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

My first professional acting job in London’s West End. I played ‘Tootles’ in a Peter Pan story set during the First World War. The show was called Lost Boy and I loved every second of it from the rehearsals right till the end of the 4 month run in Charing Cross Theatre.

Thanks, Max!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Heather Shoal

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

From Heather's DPW Gallery Page:

I worked in education for nearly 20 years until my life took an abrupt turn and grief prompted me to explore art. I began painting in 2016 but it wasn't until 2020 that I adopted the daily painting philosophy. While the pandemic actually made it easier for me to stick to this new schedule, the darkness of the year made me determined to bring some light to it.  My bright, happy paintings are my own form of peaceful protest. (I see your darkness and I raise you a painting of a polka dotted tea cup! LOL). (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

I don’t recall being too set on any career when I was young, although at one point I remember wanting to go to the Art Institute of Seattle for Fashion or Interior Design. My initial major in college was journalism, but I ended up switching to the more practical field of elementary education, knowing I would be moving back to my small home town in Montana with my husband after college.

Pink Gooseberry
(click to view)

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

When did your artistic journey begin?

Growing up the daughter of a career artist, art shows/galleries/museums were a part of our family life, but I never really considered art for myself. It wasn’t until 5 years ago, that I took Tamara Laporte’s yearlong online Lifebook class as a sort of art therapy while going through a rough time in my life. It was such a fun, positive experience which strengthened my confidence and skills and led to more and more online classes. I was the queen of taking online classes for the next few years but wasn’t yet at the point where I could create art that was “mine.”

In 2020 I read Carol Marine’s book “Daily Painting” and was very intrigued by the idea of painting small on a daily basis. I took Flora Bowley’s Fresh Paint course which encouraged painting 100 9x9” paintings on watercolor paper, ensuring that no one painting becomes too “precious”- that got me churning out some work. Finally, it was Debbie Miller’s “Cups and Mugs” class that sealed the deal. Not only is she a daily painter but those teacups just did it for me! I learned how to set up still life scenarios of my own and off I went! Devoting myself to daily painting, along with finding the subjects that brought me joy to paint led to my own style starting to form without me even realizing it. I guess I can also thank a year of Covid lockdown to really give me the time to buckle down, experiment, and grow. I reached my goal of creating a body of work by January 1, 2021 to join the Daily Paintworks website and it has been amazing!

#23 Terrace View
(click to view)

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

I’m new to the art game, but years of both teaching and parenting gave me many opportunities to be creative (i.e. “crafty”). Those college years were probably the least creative of my life.

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

I use primarily acrylics, but enjoy mixed media as well. I love collage. I would like to try oils, but at this point I have neither the patience nor the space to let them dry!

Eye of the Beholder
(click to view)

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

It’s frustrating as a beginner artist trying to find your style. I read somewhere that style comes naturally out of the joy of painting- and not forcing it. I feel like this is true, but it’s still not easy. There were a few techniques I knew I liked, but it wasn’t until I found a subject matter that I loved painting enough to lose myself in, and then put in the time, that a style of my own emerged. The first time someone commented that they could always recognize my work, I was like, “Really? Wow!”

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

I admire my dad, Michael Westergard, for really taking a chance and becoming a full time artist when he had a young family. That’s a gutsy move! He has continued to stay true to his own vision for his art (and how he chooses to market it) throughout his career and showed me that a successful artist doesn’t have to bow down to what the “art world” tells you you should be doing. Plus, his work is amazing! Thanks, Dad, for any artistic genes you sent my way. :)

Orange Slice of Heaven
(click to view)

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

Your work doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact it’s more interesting if it’s not! It’s been said that there are 1,000 bad paintings inside every artist so if you screw one up - who cares! - just subtract it from your 1,000 and move on. If you loosen up and have fun, the joy you are feeling will shine through in your paintings and others will see it.

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

This is a hard one, but I try to remind myself that you can’t draw from a well that’s dry. It’s ok to take a break - although when you are committed to daily painting it’s easy to be critical of yourself for taking time off. I clean, catch up on computer work, watch some Netflix, do a little thrift shopping for new still life props and try to have faith that my mojo will return. Sometimes creating a collage out of magazine pictures or taking one of those many online classes I haven’t yet completed helps jump start creativity.

Stacked
(click to view)

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

Honor those ebbs and flows and remember that everything is temporary. If it feels like you are pushing a rock up a hill, you are on the wrong path. Go WITH the flow. And visualization works wonders too.

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

Paint looser!!!

It's All Complimentary
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success means finding joy as I paint and transferring that joy to others who buy my paintings. Creating uplifting work and sharing happiness is my goal. I always wonder who that person is that I’m painting for as I’m working on a project. It’s exciting when it sells and I find out!

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

Launching my website has been my proudest moment so far, but every time I sell a painting is momentous!

Pink Shakers
(click to view)

Thanks, Heather!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Valorie Sams

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

From Valorie's DPW Gallery Page:

Valorie Sams resides in the beautiful state of New Mexico, pursuing her dream to draw and paint full time.

Flower on Fire
(click to view)

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

What did you want to be growing up?

I always wanted to be an artist. I doodled on everything! My notebooks were always full of doodles and sketches.

Unfortunately the high school I attended did not offer art. I think I would have probably gone to art school if I had been motivated by an instructor. I feel it’s so important for young children to be exposed to art in every way possible.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Mostly in high school. I was encouraged to join the school newspaper where I did the cartoon “The Peepo People” for the paper. I really enjoyed that. It’s where I learned all about design, layout and printing. It gave me the beginning skills to become a graphic artist which is what I became later on.

Past Their Prime
(click to view)

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

Yes, like most artists we all have dry periods. I stuck with art for many years through the 80’s and 90’s but stopped for awhile after that. I picked art back up about ten years ago when I came down with a chronic illness. It served as therapy for me and helped me cope with my illness.

What mediums and genre do you gravitate towards? Which ones don’t appeal?

My chosen medium to start was color pencil. I took an illustration class in college and fell in love with them. I then tried my skills at pastels and later watercolor. I tried oils and acrylics but did not care for either of those.

Southwest Springtime
(click to view)

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

I am not really sure I have a style. I just paint or draw what moves me at the time.

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

Georgia O’Keefe. She was a free spirit who forged her way despite the restrictions of being a female artist of her time. Her work is beautiful and free spirited. You can feel her appreciation for the beauty of the various objects that she paints.

Margaret's Stash
(click to view)

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

Take the risk and go to SCAD instead of the other path I chose.

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

I have never had much problem in that department. I don’t do art on demand; it has to come as inspiration. That kind of pressure does not produce good art.

Road Runner
(click to view)

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

I try to remember that art is an expression of one’s self and it should be fun.

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

I don’t really have any goals when it comes to art. I think it should be fun and spontaneous and if someone likes it all the better!

Colorful Peppers
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success is being happy to be in a good place with my art and enjoying the process.

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

When I won “Best of Show” with my color pencil drawing “Silver Chaos” in the Explore this! Colored Pencil Society of America’s Exhibition.

Silver Chaos
(click to view)

Thanks, Valorie!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Mary Beth Harrison

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

From Mary Beth's DPW Gallery Page:

Some of the best times from my childhood were spent around the kitchen table drawing cartoons with my brothers. I loved to copy the characters from Dr. Seuss books and my brothers liked to draw super heroes. As I grew older, I continued to draw, but also learned to paint. I was blessed with an excellent high school art teacher who encouraged me in all my pursuits and exposed me to diverse media and styles. I remember running into her at a restaurant a few years after high school graduation. She was a little disappointed to hear my career plan of becoming a biology teacher, but I reassured her that I would draw the best amoeba the students had ever seen! (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

My first memory of a possible career goal was to play for the San Francisco Giants! My parents were huge fans and my older brother and I collected baseball cards and listened to the games on the radio. I even got to see Willie Mays play.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Creating art was important to me as far back as I can remember. I have clear memories of projects created in Kindergarten, even. When there was an art project at school, in Sunday School, in an after-school program, or at home, I was excited and absorbed by it. I received a lot of praise for my efforts which encouraged me to keep going. In high school I had a wonderful teacher all four years who I praise to this day for all she did for her students.

Three Friends
(click to view)

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

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

In my twenties the chances for creative expression dwindled as I gave all my energies to college, work, career building as a Biology teacher, and then marriage, home-building, and child raising. Photography became my creative outlet, but I often spoke about how much I wanted to get back into painting and drawing and that it would be my retirement activity one day. On my 50th birthday my husband presented me with a full painting kit – easel, paints, canvas, brushes, etc. and said, “You don’t need to wait for retirement.” Best gift ever!

What mediums and genre do you gravitate towards? Which ones don’t appeal?

Oil painting is my bliss! I tried acrylics and watercolor, and both have some appeal, but the feel of oil paint and the colors and glow I can create with it feed my soul and cause intense joy.

Harvest Light
(click to view)

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

At first, I painted from tutorials in books and on YouTube. I read about the processes other painters used, listened to podcasts, and watched DVDs from the library. I bought way too many colors of paint and had no idea how important it was to learn color theory. Gradually I picked up the information I needed to begin painting from my own photos without copying them exactly. I never wanted to paint so realistically that a painting could be mistaken for a photo. I wanted to paint what a scene felt like. I especially admired the work of California impressionists such as Edgar Payne. Gradually I realized that the place I live and love, the small town of North Fork near Yosemite National Park, and its surrounding area, contains all the scenery I could ever want to paint. It is not all that I paint, but it does provide the amazing California colors that fill me with joy. Today, I have work in three local galleries and two restaurants, and it is very evident to me that people who see my work share my love of the area and the impressionistic style I use to capture it.

My desire in painting is to share the joy I feel when I experience beautiful surroundings and situations. Sunrise on my gravel driveway, people talking on a corner, steam rising from hot tea, an excited dog with eyes full of love, even a cement truck on a country road have all been painting subjects that I see my audience respond to with the same joy I felt when painting them. My first attempts to paint these common moments were not too successful, yet the joy of painting and trying caused me to keep going. As an older adult I have found that my ability to allow for failure, appreciate it even, is a great gift. Every painting does not have to be “sellable.” Some are just lessons.

Pink Boots
(click to view)

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

The three artists I have learned the most from are my high school art teacher, Barbara Ogarrio, a local oil painter, Linda McCoy, and the well-known artist of today, Dreama Tolle Perry. Barbara Ogarrio gave me encouragement, knowledge, and confidence in my vulnerable teen years. Linda McCoy gave me skills, techniques, and the opportunity to dive deep into oil painting in a rich community of artists. Dreama Tolle Perry taught me the alla-prima technique I mainly use now and still gives me constant reminders to embrace the joy and love available every day to those who look for it. I admire all of these women for sharing their joy and skills with so many.

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

I would tell my younger self to silence the inner critic, don’t be afraid to share your gift with others or worry about what they will say or think; just create.

Summer's Delight
(click to view)

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

I clean my palette at the end of a painting session and lay out fresh paint for the next day; just knowing it’s ready to go will get me painting.

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

I listen to the Plein Air podcast and Savvy Painter podcast to get inspiration from other artists. Hearing about their own struggles lets me know I am not alone, and that success can come when you least expect it if you just keep creating.

A Walk in the Poppies
(click to view)

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

In the short term, I want to improve my plein-air work. I am painting with a local group once per month at various locations and it is a lot of fun, but so challenging to get the same quality of work I get in the studio. I think I need to stop expecting that. In the long term, I am working on a series of twelve paintings based on old photos of local history. I have four completed. A local history group and I are coordinating to bring awareness to the rich heritage of the central California foothills. I hope to have a solo show of this work in 2022.

What does success mean to you personally?

A teacher once told me that the dictionary is the only place ‘success’ comes before ‘work.’ I have always taken this to heart and believe that when I put in the work to gain the skills I seek, my success will be evident on the canvas. When I introduce myself as an artist and show my paintings to those who feel the joy in them, I am successful.

A Wedding to Remember
(click to view)

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

In the spring of 2020 I retired from thirty-five years of classroom teaching. I planned my retirement party in conjunction with my first solo art show. I called the show, “Joy Remembered” in honor of finding my joy after many years of neglecting my creative side. A local gallery, The Yosemite Gateway Art Center, agreed to host me and I had about two hundred people on my invitation list, a food truck, and live music all booked. COVID derailed the plans for May and we rescheduled for July. By July we were still unable to gather, so I did the whole show as a Facebook Live event! I am shy by nature and being on camera was not something I looked forward to. Many problems with technology also crept in, but with a couple of good friends, lots of laughing, and plenty of patience, we pulled it off! I sold sixteen of my thirty paintings!

Thanks, Mary Beth!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Judie Mulkey

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

From Judie's DPW Gallery Page:

Welcome to my Daily Paintworks' shop. I have pursued my passion for painting and design my entire life. In the 1980s, I studied interior design at The Atlanta School of Interior Design. I then began painting under the direction of Coe Steinwart, a published and multi-award-winning watercolor artist. I also studied under Christian Bradford, a professional and highly collected artist. Several of my watercolors and oils have received awards as entries in juried shows. My favorite subjects are landscapes, cityscapes and figurative painting. My works are available online at Etsy.com, Fineartamerica.com and local galleries. I am a Georgia native and currently reside in Marietta, GA.

What did you want to be growing up?

I grew up in a wonderful small town outside of Atlanta. I vividly remember my dream was to be a secretary and live in Atlanta with friends.

Something About You
(click to view)

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

When did your artistic journey begin?

As a child in grammar school, I absolutely loved coloring and collage making. I have such fond memories of those simple times... I can still smell the paste and thick crayons in my mind. I was also fascinated with fabrics and design. In the 1980s, I began Interior Design coursework and focused on interior design for many years. My first painting class was a watercolor workshop that I enjoyed with friends. I followed that with oil painting workshops with several different artists. I was fortunate to have several pieces selected for juried shows and received awards for some of my work.

Did you have long periods without creative expression?

No, I am ALWAYS doing something creative. If there is a day I choose not to paint, you will find me reading about art, watching instructional videos and even teaching painting classes out of my home. I also enjoy cooking, gardening and interior design work.

Mid-Century Revisited
(click to view)

What mediums and genre do you gravitate towards?

I enjoy painting with oils, acrylics (liquid acrylics in particular are my favorite), watercolors and collage. I gravitate towards abstract in most of my paintings.

Which ones don’t appeal?

All mediums are appealing to me and I have tried most. However, I have not attempted pastels, but I am sure at some point I will!

French Market Shopping Day
(click to view)

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

My painting process has evolved over time. I am now focused on intuitive painting. When I sit down to begin a painting, I don't typically know what I am going to paint. I start by toning the canvas and mixing some colors. Then, I place some of the colors on the canvas and at that point I decide what to paint.

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

I admire many artists both past and present, but the one who stands out for me is Coe Steinwart, an accomplished watercolorist and illustrator of the book, Elf on the Shelf. Coe was my first painting instructor and taught me more than just how to paint. She inspired me and stressed the importance of negative spaces in paintings. One of her most memorable lines was, "Just draw a good shape and paint it!" Simple advice, but so very true.

Tuscan Hillside
(click to view)

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

Just keep at it... don't give up. If you are not in the mood to paint... read, watch, educate yourself!

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

Not really, I just stick with my painting and creating. I am and have always been very creative. If I am not painting, I am meandering around the art supply store, watching a video or trying a new recipe.

Do You Wanna Dance
(click to view)

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

I remind myself that this too shall pass. I have always continued to move forward, never giving up.

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

My artistic goals are to continue to paint, to continue to sell my art both locally and online as well as teaching painting in my home.

The French Blue Chest
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Artistic success for me is summed up this way - I enjoy when someone admires my work enough to purchase it or inquires with me about my art classes.

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

I experience my most proud moments as an artist in front of my canvas. When I can sit down and have the paints flow - as you know, a painting has a mind of its own - and I am able to enjoy that process and create something beautiful. That is complete artistic and creative satisfaction.

Thanks, Judie!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Vicki Meadows

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

From Vicki's DPW Gallery Page:

I am a self taught artist, who is still learning. I have always enjoyed drawing but when my dad gave me an easel and paints for Christmas I started experimenting. I put it aside to raise a family but now have started up again and am wondering why did I stop before. I am intrigued how a canvas, some paints, brushes, and some time can come together to take you to a place you have never been before.

What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to be an architect. But, when I signed up for the class in high school I was told that the class was for boys and not girls. They suggested I take typing... What? 

When did your artistic journey begin?

I was always drawing as a kid. Never watched TV but sat with my legs under the coffee table for hours and drew anything, my dog, my brother, even the TV set. My dad would take us fishing but I would sit and sketch the stream and the rock and trees. In the third grade my teacher entered a painting I did in the county fair and I took first place. A few years later my dad got me an easel and a box of paints and some board canvases for Christmas. I remember in my first painting my clouds looked like cotton balls. I had a long way to go but I just kept at it. Slowly I learned what worked and what didn't. I learned quickly that you don't paint the tree first and then try and go back and fill in the sky in all the openings of the trees. I am still learning and hope each painting teaches me something.

The Lord's Palette
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression?

Once I got married and had my children I stopped painting. I got busy with life and kids and didn't paint on canvas for forty years. I would paint on my kids' and friends' walls at the time as that was popular then but nothing on canvas. Then a few years ago my mother was sick with Parkinson's/dementia and she had an episode and her Dr. actually came to her house. She commented on the painting over mom's fireplace and my dad told her I was the artist. Her Dr. called me and asked if I would paint a picture for the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Auction that was coming up in a few months on New Year's Eve. I told her I didn't own any paints or an easel but would think about it.

Well after the holidays, with one week left, I thought about it and with my mom having Parkinson's I realized it was something I needed to do. So I ran to Michaels and picked up a cheap easel and a twenty-four paint starter kit of paints. I went home and spent three days on a painting of the lavender fields in France. My mom's Dr. took it to LA to the auction and it did well for them. Of course I know that at an auction like that items go for more due to the cause but every little bit helps towards a cure.

What mediums and genre do you gravitate towards?

Well my last oil painting was when I was a freshman in college. I was painting before school, cleaned my brushes really quick so I wouldn't be late and placed the rags on the counter in the kitchen. Later that day when I came home and opened the door the house looked hazy inside and smelled smoky. I ran across the street to neighbors and called the fire dept. I went back to the house and went inside and got our two dogs out. By the time the fire dept. arrived the rags had started a fire and had gone up the wall to the curtains around the sink. They told me the rags would have smoldered for a long time but when I opened the door that fed them oxygen and the fire started. That was a quick lesson on simultaneous combustion. I learned to put all rags in a container with a sealed lid. Well, after that I was a little leery about using oils so I started using acrylics that I could clean with soap and water. I have been using them ever since.

What Time Is It?
(click to view)

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

Well, I remember my dad was so proud of my paintings and he took one down to an art gallery to see what they thought about it. The first words the man said was, "She paints like an architect... she painted every brick, every shadow under each brick... you don't do that." I thought that was funny since I wanted to be an architect and was told I couldn't as it was a man's job. I seem to still paint that way... putting in all the detail. I tried to loosen up and when I show it to my husband he always says that doesn't look like your work. I go back and add a little and next thing I know I have put all the detail back in. So for sure I would say I am a Realistic painter. I would love to loosen up but the architect in me still sneaks out.

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

I love Monet's artwork, the softness, the colors and the way he uses them. I so wish I could paint like that. How up close it is so loose but stand back and all the details seem to be there. Impressionism.... I love it.

The Arch
(click to view)

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

Don't change how you paint based on what others say. Paint in a way that feels comfortable for you. Don't paint for others but for yourself. You have to be happy with the results and when you are... sign it.

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

When there is a lot going on I can't seem to paint. I have tried to use it as an escape but it doesn't work for me. I can't focus on the art and my mind stresses over other things. When I paint I get so into it that I paint for hours, morning until 10-11pm at night. When my husband says, "What's for dinner?" ...my answer is, "You tell me." I get so engrossed in it that time flies and I love it. But I have to be in the right frame of mind and let things go.

Hinge Door
(click to view)

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

I recently took up painting portraits and that has been a struggle but a great learning experience. I painted my grandkids which was so hard since it wasn't just anybody. When you know each freckle and dimple you know when it looks like them or not. I struggled with my grandson's face. Something wasn't right. I kept going over everything and finally took off just a smidgen of his nose and that was it... It was Gavin! Just that little bit made such a difference. I just kept at it until I knew I had it. I guess that is the detail in me that keeps going until I feel it is right.  

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

I would love to paint loosely. I long for the day when I can paint a cow and not put every hair of his head or every blade of grass in the scene. For some reason I have it in my mind if it looks real up close it will look real at a distance. Yet I know that doesn't have to be the case. Definitely LOOSEN UP GIRL.

Crumbs
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

I am not sure if I am there yet... I know I am not. I keep learning and see that I have progressed in my artwork. I am happy with my work but know I can do better. My husband tells me not to change the way I paint but deep inside I want to someday paint like an impressionist. 

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

For sure it would be when I painted a painting for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's. If the Dr. had not asked me to donate a painting I probably would never have picked up a brush again after forty years. But I felt a need. It was my way of helping my mom. That probably doesn't make sense but when you watch someone with a disease you can feel so helpless. This was my way of feeling like I could do something and contribute, even if it was in a small way.

The Peeking Sun
(click to view)

Thanks, Vicki!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Kay Smith

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 "Brusho Bouquet in Jar" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Kay's DPW Gallery Page:

Kay's watercolors hang in the Texas State Capitol building in Austin, TX as well as in England, Germany, France, Netherlands, Thailand, and Australia.  She teaches art in her own gallery, Brushworks Studio in Big Spring, TX.  She is one of three artists who founded Caboose Watercolor Society in 1997 locally in Big Spring. Visit her website and blog links below at www.kaysmith.artspan.com and http://kaysmithbrushworks.blogspot.com (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

Growing up I wanted to be a nurse or doctor which I did in 1978.

Brusho Bouquet in Jar
(click to view)

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

When did your artistic journey begin?

My artistic journey began around nine when our parents took us to a larger town for art lessons as no art or music was available in school.

Ball Jar Zinnias
(click to view)

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

No long periods of art inactivity; was always sketching and drawing.

Roadrunner Profile
(click to view)

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

Oils and pastels were my main mediums until 1993 when I took my first watercolor workshop. Watercolor is my chosen medium and florals and animals are favorite genres.

Portraits do not appeal to me much but I continue to study the human face and figure.

Purple Prickly Pear Cactus

(click to view)

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

I admire Ken Hosmer, my first watercolor instructor, as he continues to teach those who yearn to bring their creativity up a notch.

Fortune Teller
(click to view)

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

Advice for my younger self would be to start watercolor earlier in life and advice to others is to do art now, do not wait until you retire.

Fat Tody Bird
(click to view)

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

As a daily painter I do not have procrastination or artist blocks.

Floyd's Cats
(click to view)

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

Long term goal is to obtain signature status with American Watercolor Society or the National Watercolor Society to go with the various state societies' signatures already attained.

Trumpet Man
(click to view)

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

One of my proudest moments was to earn the SWS (Southwestern Watercolor Society) signature, my first one.

Thanks, Kay!

© 2021 Sophie Marine