DPW Spotlight Interview: Susan Paulsen

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

From Susan's DPW Gallery Page: 

Susan Paulsen is a North Carolina artist working in watercolors and oil. Her subjects range from still life to landscape to animal portraiture, with horses being a favorite subject.

Although an avid drawer and painter since a young age, Susan’s formal education has taken a few twists and turns. Finding few options for training in the representational painting style she loves, her natural flair for mathematics lead her to major in statistics at Princeton. There she was profoundly influenced by John Tukey and his highly creative and non-conventional approach to using numbers to describe the world.

Next, Susan pursued her PhD at Duke University where she studied the evolution of butterfly wing color pattern, combining her enthusiasm for data analysis with the beauty of nature.

Susan was inspired to take up her paint brush more seriously by a watercolor class at the Carrboro ArtsCenter. Since then she has benefited from instruction by local artists such as Luna Lee Ray and Brian Kuebler. Next, Susan studied alla prima painting with Sarah Sedwick, an Oregon artist. Her recent landscape work is influenced by her current mentor, the Australian painter Colley Whisson.

What did you want to be growing up?

I was really torn between wanting to be a scientist and wanting to be an artist -- and tried to put off the choice for as long as possible.

When did your artistic journey begin?

In elementary school I drew every day. Mostly I drew horses, a lot of horses. I was horse-crazy. In high school I was lucky enough to go to the Maryland Summer Center for the Arts. It was an amazing program. Painting and drawing and exploring other visual media all day long with great teachers. In the evening there were performances by students in the performing arts. Some important artists, like the sculptor Toby Mendez came out of this program. Sadly, after 50 years it was cancelled due to dwindling financial support. But still, after all these years, the creative joy I felt there still sparks.

Hummingbird
(click to view)

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

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

Freshman year of college I was so excited to take a painting class. But I discovered only non-representational work was permitted. If your work even accidentally suggested something representational, it was banished to the hallway. And it was not just this one class; I saw this sentiment everywhere in the art world at that time. While I can appreciate non-representational work, it was not what I wanted to do. So I decided to focus on my other love -- science -- and told myself that I could pursue art later.

“Later” arrived seven years ago, but it was hard to start again. What really helped was enrolling in a class at a local art center. Next, I found two great mentors, Sarah Sedwick and Colley Whisson. With their instruction and feedback I found I could more consistently produce successful work.

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

I really enjoy playing with watercolor. It’s just so luminous, and I love watching the happy accidents occur. I have a thing for granulating pigments too. But lately I’ve spent much more time painting with oils. Compared to watercolor, it’s just such a joy to paint the light (rather than carefully reserving it). And you can work as slowly as you want. Something doesn’t look right? Just wipe the paint away, and try again.

Every once in a while I try gouache. Carol Marine’s recent work in this medium was very inspiring. Yet every time I use gouache, I just about want to cry. The lighter colors dry so much darker than I expect them to. I don’t have the hang of how to control edges or blending. As for genre - I love loose realism. There’s nothing like a few strokes describing the essence of a subject. On the other hand, with something like photorealism, I’m distracted by my thoughts of how much very hard work went into the painting.

Plate O' Pears
(click to view)

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

I used to worry about not having a personal style, and I’ve been all over the place subject-wise. But one (of many) good things about posting my work at DPW is that I can look back at my paintings and see that a style has in fact emerged without my having to consciously focus on it.

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

I absolutely adore Ronald Jesty, a British watercolorist. The man could really paint water, rocks, glass, metal -- really just about anything in a beautiful way. There’s a certain tidy crispness to his work that makes me happy.

As for oil painters, I really admire both Sarah Sedwick and Colley Whisson. I like to channel Sarah for still lifes and Colley for landscapes. Both have loose, expressive brush strokes and a great eye for composition.

Untitled
(click to view)

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

Pay more attention to composition! My younger self was pretty good at rendering subjects, and everybody (including myself) seemed pretty happy with just that, but if my composition worked, that was purely by accident. I’d give myself a copy of “The Simple Secret to Better Painting” by Greg Albert.

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

I wish I was a daily painter, but in all honesty, I’m a weekly painter, so I’m constantly fighting this battle. If my creativity has gone cold, I’ll break up the process into small steps and tell myself I only have to do one step that day: for example, set up the still life or find a reference picture. If that doesn’t take too long, and I’m starting to get excited, I’ll move onto the next step. Sometimes I can get a painting done in one day from start to finish, but it’s a huge mental block if I think I have to do it.

Seashell #6
(click to view)

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

This is when I try to remember how I worked when I was a scientist. I worked on a lot of experiments and statistical analyses that took weeks -- if not months -- of labor with no guarantee of success. I put in the time because that’s just what was required. Compared to spending several months collecting seeds from morning glory plants (which had to be untangled every day!), how bad can it be to spend three hours on a painting that doesn’t succeed? Still, I will say it hurts when a painting doesn’t work out. You are making yourself vulnerable. I just fall back on thinking it’s “just work.”

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

I would really like to be able to paint looser, and the key to looser, more confident brushstrokes is putting in more painting miles (per Carol’s advice!). I’d also like to paint subjects in a related series more often.

Chicken Coop at Twin Creeks
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

I try not to think about success writ large too much because it tends to lead me to self-doubt. Instead, I feel like I’ve succeeded when someone likes my work enough to comment on it or purchase it. The latter may sound awfully prosaic, but it’s a concrete way of knowing I’ve created something that’s going to bring joy into someone’s life.

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

It was a very small moment, just between me and the canvas. I was painting a large scene of a tractor pull (I do like to paint “local”), with a friend of mine on the tractor. I managed to capture her face and characteristic posture with just a few brush strokes. There are no real details, but anyone that looks at it knows it’s her. That’s when painting’s really fun.

Honeymoon Beach, Mosquito Island
(click to view)

Thanks, Susan!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Galina Podgorbunskikh

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

From Galina's DPW Gallery Page:

I like to draw, travel, and play sports. I put all my impressions and love of life into my paintings. I hope you feel it. The world around is beautiful and it can be conveyed in colors. Art helps me overcome the challenges that can be encountered.

What did you want to be growing up?

I drew well as a child, I wanted to become an artist. But I didn't study painting anywhere.

When did your artistic journey begin?

The Internet has opened up many opportunities for online learning and somehow my husband gave me drawing courses, knowing that I like to draw. During these courses, I realized that I lacked a basic academic education. I found academic drawing and painting courses in my city and started studying at them. Teachers from the university and the art school taught there. Then I continued to study online with teachers, I chose the courses that I needed myself.

Red Apple
(click to view)

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

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

There was a period during the Covid-19 pandemic, when my relatives began to get sick. I was depressed. But painting helped me here, starting to paint small works, I was distracted while working and this helped me a lot.

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

I like to draw landscapes and still lifes. I am less interested in historical genres and battle genres.

Goldfish
(click to view)

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

I'm still looking for my own style, but there are artists whose works I really like.

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

Konstantin Korovin, Nikolai Feshin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet. I admire the color of the paintings, the color combinations, how the emotions of the artist are conveyed by color. 

River
(click to view)

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

They are not afraid to express themselves, follow their intuition.

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

I watch paintings by my favorite artists and listen to music. I also like to travel and get inspiration for new works there.

Apple Slices
(click to view)

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

I'm just trying to get through this period, I tell myself that all this will pass and there will be a good streak in my life.

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

I want to continue studying academic drawing. I want to paint portraits. I do not set long-term goals yet, I am still an amateur in painting.

Sunny Pears
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success for me is painting professionally.

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

I am proud that I can draw, that my paintings bring joy to people. Each work is filled with my emotions. I hope people see this.

Kettle with Grapefruit
(click to view)

Thanks, Galina!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Fernando Pena

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

From Fernando's DPW Gallery Page:

Fernando Pena is a watercolorist born in Uruguay (South America) and has been painting watercolor professionally since 2002.

His works have been exhibited worldwide.

The main topic we can find are urban landscapes, although you can also find marinas and interiors among his works.

During the period 2011-2013, he was the President of the Uruguayan Association of Watercolor Painters (ACUA). He has taught workshops in the UK, Brazil and Uruguay. He also provides personal online workshops through the Internet.

You can follow his work both on Facebook and on his website at http://fernando-pena.com

Demonstrations and Tutorials free on

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/penagaray/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernando_pena_acuarelas

Email – fernandopenagaray@gmail.com

What did you want to be growing up?

From an early age I liked to draw and paint. However I graduated from computer engineering at the University in Uruguay. I worked in that profession for many years. But in the year 2000 I decided to return to my passion which was and is watercolor. 

When did your artistic journey begin?

In 2000, I decided to devote myself entirely to watercolor painting, returning to my initial vocation.

Still life II
(click to view)

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

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

I don't actually have periods when I quit painting. I paint almost every day, it can be a sketch or a painting, but always even a few brushstrokes I have to paint. From those sketches and studies arise watercolors, it is my way of expression and what I try to convey.

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

My main subject is urban and marine scenes. Anyway, I dabble in other subjects such as still lifes and portraiture.

Although I have painted oil and acrylic, watercolor is the medium that gives me the greatest satisfaction. Watercolor requires planning and very quick execution, every brushstroke is important and keeping the light a challenge. Another aspect that attracts me is the ease that watercolor offers to paint plain air. Keeping moisture in the paper is essential to achieve an excellent result.

Bucolic
(click to view)

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

The style cannot be forced, it is acquired with the continuity of the painting. Of course there is the influence of painters that you like. But the style is like calligraphy, each of us has our own identity, and this cannot and should not be copied. Your own style comes naturally

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

There are many references, but to name a few: Winslow Homer, Charles Reid, John Yardley, Chien Chung Wei, Joseph Zbukvick. All of them with different styles but with a total mastery of the technique.

Woman
(click to view)

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

Paint, create, dream. Receive criticism to grow but never to stop.

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

There is no procrastination if you do what you love.

Two Boats
(click to view)

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

What we do is not always recognized. The important thing is to be convinced that what we do has value. Always trust yourself.

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

Right now my goals are short and medium term. Walk a path of continuous improvement and have greater participation in international exhibitions.

Cafe
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success for me is to make my painting transmit sensations, feelings. For me and the viewer.

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

The first prize won and my first international exhibition in Shanghai.

Minas
(click to view)

Thanks, Fernando!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Dmitry Vyazmin

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

From Dmitry's DPW Gallery Page:

Having worked for many years in one place on one day, I decided to change everything. I just picked up brushes and paints and started painting. I had no knowledge of color, shape or composition. I just followed my intuition, my inner vision. I was inspired by the works of artists of the past and my contemporaries. I looked at their pictures tried to understand and see through their eyes. I felt the dried paint on the canvas. I devoted all my time to this. 24 hours a day I either painted or looked at pictures of other artists, sometimes I could not sleep for several days. When I went to bed and closed my eyes, a multi-colored mosaic of brush strokes appeared in front of my eyes. (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

As a child, I had many different interests. My ideas about future activities changed very often. When I graduated from school, the active development of computer systems and the Internet began. I graduated from the university and earned the specialty of a programmer, but I worked very little in this specialty.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I never painted until I was thirty. Friends gave me a certificate for classes in the Betty Edwards Method. Since then, for six years now, I have been drawing almost every day.

Sunflowers
(click to view)

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

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

I don't usually have a lot of breaks in drawing. I'm not waiting for inspiration, I just sit and paint and inspiration comes to me in the process.

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

I paint in oils and watercolors. In watercolor I like its randomness, and in oil "solidity". I want to try pastels. I like color painting, so pencil and other monochrome materials don't appeal to me.

Texas Bluebonnet
(click to view)

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

I'm still in the process of finding my own style. I want to make my paintings recognizable, but I don't want to make them monotonous.

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

I love the texture and color painting. I like many modern impressionist: Bateau Dugarzhapov, Vyacheslav Korolenko, Nata Shray. I love innuendo and ambiguity in painting.

Chickadee
(click to view)

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

I would advise not to wait for the perfect moment. An imperfect picture painted today is better than a perfect picture painted tomorrow.

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

The best way to deal with procrastination is to be honest with yourself. If we don't want to do something, we come up with excuses and begin to do other things pretending that we have no time. In fact, we just need to answer the question whether this case is so important to us or we're just trying to convince ourselves of this. To beat procrastination, you can only learn to distinguish between your own desires and goals from those imposed upon us by someone.

Blue Mountains Oregon
(click to view)

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

At such moments, I remember biographies of famous artists and understand that even they had challenges before. This realization helps me to remember that this is just a thought that I can simply change.

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

Now I want to learn a more abstract technique of painting. I don't like to make plans, because life is always more interesting as the sum of our ideas.

Poppies
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success for me is to do what you love, while fully ensuring one's financial needs.

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

I was very inspired by the first sale of my paintings. For me it is very important to understand that my art is in demand.

Thanks, Dmitry!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Susan Tubens

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Susan's painting "April 12th" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Susan's DPW Gallery Page:

I am an oil landscape painter whose appreciation for big sky began in Florida and deepened during time in the midwest. Living in Vermont and West Virginia provided inspiration in the lushness of trees, fields and surrounding mountains.

I work both in plein air and in my studio using reference photos that I have taken over the years. My favorite time of day to depict is sunrise and sunset however the blue sky and clarity of midday light can be enchanting.

One consistent feature in my work is a sense of calm, even in the stormscapes. In the end, I paint scenes of places that I would like to stay a while.

What did you want to be growing up?

I don’t remember having a specific career goal but was very fortunate in that I had parents who nurtured their children’s individual gifts. I went on to college, completing a degree in Anthropology then a degree in Health Science and have been working in health care since then.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Drawing was a passion during childhood but was abandoned during the adult years until just recently.

April 12th
(click to view)

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

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

Yes - many years went by raising a family and working without time to create art. In 2016 I was lucky enough to meet an artist in Omaha, Paula Wallace, who was an exceptional teacher and since then, painting has been nothing short of a passion.

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

I have used acrylic and water color but love the versatility of oil paint as well as its properties that allow application of multiple layers for a translucent effect. Landscapes are my preferred subject although I depict land masses as the support for expansive skies and clouds. DaVinci said “Once you have tasted the taste of the sky, you will forever look up”. He was right.

Suspend
(click to view)

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

I am still early in this process but am realizing that my voice has been there from the beginning, I just needed to see it. It is important to learn technique, value, composition and color and in doing so experiment with style however, never lose sight of the things that sing to you.

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

I am still inspired by Paula Wallace, my first teacher, who has an uncanny way of depicting color and form in the landscape and sky. I also keep returning the works of John Constable and spent most of my last trip to the Smithsonian in front of his work “Wivenhoe Park, Essex”.

Coastal Lights
(click to view)

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

Patience and persistence are key. 

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

Fortunately I love painting so much that if anything, I neglect other necessary duties in order to paint. I have had to learn balance in order to maintain relationships (and the laundry).

Where Clouds Gather
(click to view)

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

I often take a step back and try to see the bigger picture (no pun intended). A painting that just doesn’t work is often a result of poor composition or technique. Paula would say “Let’s put this one away for awhile” and she was right- a fresh look later would often clearly show the path forward. Recently I underwent a critique by an accomplished artist who spent quite a bit of time discussing how a selection of my paintings could be improved. I felt a bit defeated but he was right about everything and I am lucky to have had that input. Accepting criticism is difficult but learning from it is necessary to make steps forward.

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

My constant goals are to continue improving my skills through practice and education by other artists. The learning never really stops. A short term goal involves painting as a full time occupation and a long term goal is to be knowledgeable enough to teach other artists.

Higher Still
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Professional success means waking up every day excited about creating art. It means supporting yourself in your chosen occupation. It means making the world a little bit better though the results of your actions.

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

My proudest moments are when I take that next step forward and am able to produce a better painting.

Thanks, Susan!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: David Gibson

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

From David's DPW Gallery Page:
Dave Gibson was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. As a result of the American steel industry collapse during the 1980’s Dave moved to Lancaster, PA in 1987 and has lived here ever since.

A self-taught artist blessed by God with the innate ability to replicate with paint and brush the experiences of life. Until 2016 painting had been an on again off again hobby for Dave. He retired from the Kellogg Company June 2016 and committed to a renewed focus on the further development of his artwork.

Water Mixable Oil paints are Dave’s preferred medium. His style is representational impressionism. Dave finds the subjects for his paintings through his daily interaction with the world. “I’m always on the lookout for dramatic lighting and compelling compositions in everyday life.”

Recent accomplishments

"Oil and Garlic" 1st Place Non-Professional Category 2019 LCAA Winter Exhibition
"Sweet Peppers and Glass Bowl" 1st Place Non-Professional Category 2019 LCAA Garden Exhibition
"Dilly Beans" 1st Place Non-Professional Category 2019 LCAA Spring Member Exhibition
"Bourbon Street Bucket Drummer" Honorable Mention Oil & Acrylic Painting Category 2019 LCAA Open Exhibition
“Peppermint And Cinnamon” Honorable Mention Non-Professional Category 2019 LCAA
“Keeping It Cool” Exhibition.
"Hangin' At The Barbershop" Honorable Mention 2019 LCAA Fall Membership Exhibition
"Walking Towards The Light", Honorable Mention 2019 LCAA Seniors Exhibition
“Sliced Pickles” 1st place in the Lancaster County Art Association 2020 Garden Exhibit Professional Category
“Leaf On The Snow” 1st place in the Lancaster County Art Association 2020 Let It Snow Holiday Exhibit

What did you want to be growing up?

During elementary school I wanted to be a doctor. At some point I realized the amount of schooling  required to become a doctor and changed my mind. During high school I was planning on going to college for art. After watching my high school art teacher manage students in his classes that were there simply because they didn’t want to take algebra or chemistry, I changed my mind again. I ended up spending my career in the technical arena, as an electronic technician, automated manufacturing process programmer and a process manager. 

When did your artistic journey begin?

For as long as I can remember I loved to draw and create things. My art teacher in the 4th grade recognized my artistic abilities and registered me in a Saturday art class at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. This class was attended by hundreds of grade school students in the Pittsburgh area. I’d say that this experience was the beginning of my artistic journey.

Sweet and Sour
(click to view)

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

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

In my opinion, when you’ve been blessed as a creative, you can’t avoid creative expression. There have been extended periods of time during my life when I didn’t paint or draw. However, during these times, I expressed my creative spirit through guitar, carpentry, landscaping and numerous other outlets.

June of 2016, I retired from my professional career. My dream was to focus my time and energies on my artwork after I retired. For the past five years I have done just that.

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

Water Mixable Oils is the only medium I work with. As for genres, I am particularly fond of impressionistic still lives. Still life subjects allow me to have total control of the environment. No changing light. The subject stays as I set it up, for days if needed. However, I do enjoy painting a variety of subject types. Figurative, animals and landscapes. I have never been drawn to abstract art. Not as an artist or as an admirer.

Coffee Break Discussion
(click to view)

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

With painting as well as being a guitarist, it took quite some time for me to realize that my style of painting and playing guitar is unique to me. Be comfortable with that and enjoy it, allow it to happen naturally. Be yourself!

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

Dennis Perrin. I love Dennis’ work. After I retired, I enrolled in a couple of Dennis’ online training courses and my approach to painting changed forever. Dennis teaches that the mental approach to painting is equally as important as the physical. Meditate on the painting before you pick up a brush, perhaps for days. Paint the piece in your mind before painting it on canvas. Another Dennis Perrin philosophy that I found extremely helpful is that you aren’t painting things, or objects. You are painting abstract shapes of varying color and value.

Oh My Darling
(click to view)

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

Pursue being an artist!! Follow the artistic abilities that God has blessed me with!

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

In the infamous words of Nike, Just Do It!

Cold Bridges
(click to view)

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

I rely on my faith in God and pray!

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

Now that I am a 67-year-old retired individual, my goals are more focused on the short term, daily goals. 

• Improve as an artist everyday

• Have my artwork seen by the public

Sunflowers
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success to me means that I’m living my life following God’s plan, bringing joy to others. Hopefully my artwork brings joy to others and touches them in some way.

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

Shortly after I retired, I entered one of my paintings in a local art association exhibit and was awarded honorable mention. My first award as an artist. That was a proud moment for me.

Susquehannock Road
(click to view)

Thanks, David!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Zhanna Kan

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

What did you want to be growing up?


I dreamed to become an artist since my early childhood. One day we were visited by a familiar artist. When he saw my artwork, he exclaimed “she should study to be an artist”. So his remark settled in my head. I associated artists with people wearing berets and with a sketchbook over their shoulder, who only draw outside. For some reason I thought that artists painted only landscapes.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I began drawing quite early, according to my mother's words, before I began to speak. I spent my childhood in a village, in my grandparents’ house. Therefore, since childhood, I was surrounded by beautiful nature, fields, rivers, pets. I had my own workshop – a drawing table, pencils, watercolors. I drew trees, forests, animals, people, various objects and I also created illustrated stories.

After school graduation, I entered an Art College, where I studied for 4 years as an artist-designer.

Chickadee
(click to view)

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


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

I had a rather long break in my creativity. After graduating from college, I was interested in studying Korean language and then worked in the commercial sphere. Then there was my marriage, my family, my daughter’s upbringing in a musical environment. Thanks to her, I discovered classical music in a new way. Music turned out to be no less interesting than fine art. Attendance at concerts, competitions, trips to master classes, all this greatly captivated me.

Later my daughter went to study to Europe, and apparently this moment made me decide to go back to my vocation. True, then I was just planning to return to creativity, but I did not know in what technique. Before doing anything, I first studied and got prepared, so it took me almost two years to go back to painting. And the last impetus was a visit to an exhibition of contemporary artists. After the exhibition, I bought materials for painting and gradually began to paint. 

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

I like both watercolor and oil techniques. It seems to me that in oil technique is easier to paint in various styles, such as realism, and impressionism, etc. As for the watercolor technique, it has always attracted me. But the watercolor technique is much more difficult and professional watercolors always have the plan what to do step by step. Water colorists remind me of chess players. After all, all the steps must be planned in advance. In oil painting, I usually begin to paint from colored spots and then move on to detail without step by step plan. The most important thing is to see the finished painting in my imagination.

In my youth I loved to paint seascapes, landscapes, but now I prefer to draw birds, animals and still life painting more. But I am at the beginning of my journey, so maybe I will return to landscapes.

Butterfly
(click to view)

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

It seems to me that I have not yet formed my personal style. Most likely there are personal preferences and certain skills that you follow. Even while studying at college I was impressed with impressionism. After all, impressionism means the first impression. Therefore, I prefer quick drawing. It seems to me that quick painting most accurately conveys the nature and properties of the subject. Therefore, when I was studying, it was difficult for me to paint a portrait for 50-100 hours, as it should be in academic teaching.

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

I love mainly French impressionists, these are Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro. And Russian impressionists Konstantin Korovin. I also love the work of Toulouse Lautrec, although his work already relates more to Post-Impressionism. As I said above, I like impressionism because this style most clearly shows the character, there is usually a lot of air, light, freshness and life in the artworks.

Grey Tabby Kitten
(click to view)

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

I would advise only - don’t be afraid and do it. If you feel gaps in knowledge, then just study this point in more detail. In addition, visit exhibitions, see the artworks of other artists, this will broaden your horizons. And of course more practice, the more you devote your time to what you love, the better you get.

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


The good planned daily schedule helps me. Every day I devote the first half of the day to painting. In addition, of course, I have to earn money to live and it also plays an important role.

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

As for painting if I begin to feel self-doubt, then I just tell myself to stop. The most important thing is to stop on time. Then I just start painting another picture. In other cases - the rest, walking in the fresh air, changing activities helps me very well.

Seaside
(click to view)

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

For short-term goals, I would like to increase the categories and sizes of paintings. As for a long-term goal is it would be great to have own workshop studio and the opportunity to earn enough to live by selling my art.

What does success mean to you personally?


When I decided to return to creativity, I made a plan for each day to achieve my goal. Every day I painted and marked the date of creation on each painting to see my progress. Therefore, it was a success for me to return to creativity and then to begin to sell my paintings.

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

My first paintings that I posted on Instagram. The first positive reviews were my pride, now the feedback from buyers.

Crow
(click to view)

Thanks, Zhanna!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Kay Palecek

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 "Nellie" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Kay's DPW Gallery Page:

With a backround in fashion design, I have always been drawn to the creative side of every job I've had. So it was a natural fit to try my hand at oil painting.

I decided to take a shot in the dark and begin classes five years ago at a local art studio. Upon retirement last July, I committed to start each morning painting in my studio. Painting each day is sheer bliss even when the picture isn't turning out the way I'd like.

I enjoy seeing the "perfect painting" in everyday scenes in my neighborhood, travels or just taking a scenic drive. I never lack for ideas, just the time needed to paint them all! Right now, I enjoy painting animals, still life, people, portraits, and landscapes, but I'm open to whatever inspires me.

I live with my husband and two dogs in a northern suburb of Chicago. Some of my biggest inspirations? My family, our pets and the world around me.

What did you want to be growing up?

It's probably easier to tell you what I didn't want to be, which was anything involving math or science. I knew early on that creativity and a variety of responsibilities would be essential in whatever I chose to do in life. I started in marketing and communications, which included developing promotional materials, attending trade shows, PR, newsletters, writing articles, etc. Even though this position wasn’t specific to art, it had a creative side to it and a good amount of variety in its responsibilities.

When did your artistic journey begin?

My painting journey began in 2015. I was talking with my uncle about his hobbies and he mentioned that he had just taken up painting. It was a real light bulb moment for me. I never considered learning how to paint, but with my drawing background —a degree in fashion design— I thought I’d give it a try and I haven't looked back since.

Nellie
(click to view)

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

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

I've always had some sort of a creative outlet whether it was music, sewing, or learning how to make sock bunnies with my daughter! They were all fun, but nothing stuck with me as much as painting.

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

I mainly paint with oils. Painting with watercolors feels backwards to me and acrylics just dry too quickly. I started painting a number of different genres including landscapes, animals, figures and portraits, and I assumed I would eventually be drawn to specific genres. Right now, I still love painting animals, but lately, I've started to lean into portrait painting. There's just something about the human face that fascinates and frustrates me at the same time. I like the challenge.

Sam
(click to view)

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

You have to be willing to try new things: I paint anything that grabs my attention, no matter the subject matter. I also try different brushes or tools and of course, new paint colors. When I have down time, I watch instructional painting DVDs and even Youtube videos of painters I'm interested in. You'd be surprised how much you can learn by trying lots of different things.

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

Lately, I’ve been excited by the paintings of Jane French from the U.K. and Patrick Saunders. Jane paints primarily portraits using beautiful colors and brushwork. Patrick can paint anything. I’ve purchased instructional videos from both of these artists. I love their use of color, brushwork and composition and hope it somehow influences my own work.

Nosing Around
(click to view)

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

Do you mind if I mention three? First, don't expect to be good at painting right away. It's going to take lots and lots of practice. Second, paint as often as you can. When I first started painting, I probably painted one or two days a week when I was working. However, when I retired, I promised myself I would paint every day or as close to it as possible — and I did. When you paint every day, you see improvement in your work a lot quicker, which helps increase your confidence. Third, keep drawing and sketching. Good drawing skills help make great paintings. It’s an incredible skill to have as a painter.

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

I was lucky enough to turn a bedroom in our home into a studio. It’s nice having everything right at your fingertips. Every day, I wake up, eat breakfast and paint for 2-3 hours a day. I've been doing this since Covid hit and it really improved my painting. Now, when I don't paint for a day I feel guilty.

Roar!
(click to view)

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

Whenever I paint something that isn't my best work, I appreciate the effort and start on another painting right away. Not every painting is going to be great, but continuing to do the work is the only way you are going to get to where you want to be.

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

Short term is just to keep learning and getting better. I’ll continue to draw, attend paint workshops, watch artists’ instructional DVDs, and so on. Long term might be to win an award for one of my paintings.

Sam
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

For me, it’s twofold: creating a piece of work that I’m proud of and having one of my paintings connect with someone. I can't tell you how many wonderful and kind remarks I've gotten from people who have either purchased, or left a message about, one of my paintings on the DPW website, Facebook or Instagram pages. If I'm not having a particularly productive day, these messages are a nice pick-me-up.

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

I was particularly proud when I got to the point where I could start selling my work. I waited about four years before I was able to do this. I wanted to be proud of the work I sold, but more importantly, I wanted the people who bought a painting to feel like they were getting a nice piece of artwork.

Attention Getting
(click to view)

Thanks, Kay!

© 2021 Sophie Marine