DPW Spotlight Interview: Monique Morin Matson

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


Tell us a bit about how you first started creating art.

I have always expressed myself through art. Creativity was encouraged through my childhood upbringing. My mother was an artist and inspired everyone around her to express themselves through art. So, while I do not have any formal training outside of my high school art class, art has been a part of my life since birth. It was in 2010, that I decided to develop my art into a profession.

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

Yes, of course. I am an artist, horse breeder, mother, and a wife. While I've always expressed myself through art, it wasn't until 2010 that I was able to produce my art with some consistency. Since then, I have been able to explore various mediums. In 2014, I was introduced to scratchboard by my son. Scratchboard immediately captivated my interest and I have spent the last five years developing my skills. Scratchboard is now my primary focus.

Caracal
(click to view)

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


What mediums and genres have you experimented with? 

I have always been inspired by animals (and sometimes people). In the most traditional sense, the mediums I have explored are pen and ink, acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, photography, and scratchboard. However, I have been able to use my creativity through a variety of untraditional mediums such as hand-decorated sugar cubes, custom children's table sets and horse jumps, and through the breeding of sport horses.

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

As I have explored and developed as an artist, I've found scratchboard and breeding horses is my niche in the art world. 


Tiger
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring? 

I have yet to explore oils and pastels, but really look forward to having the opportunity to try them out at some point.


Who or what inspires you most? 

Color, nature and emotions are my primary inspiration.  I enjoy manipulating images and colors to convey or elicit a feeling for the viewer.

Dik-dik
(click to view)


What does procrastination look like for you?

Like most people, I find my daily chores have the tendency to distract me from my work.  My greatest challenge is learning how to balance my time between my art and my daily routine.

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

I work very hard throughout the day to make sure that I get my daily chores done, so that when inspiration strikes, I have the freedom to create art.

Tender Moment
(click to view)


How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I am constantly looking for subjects that emote. Typically, I use animal and people as my subjects. When I want to try new genres, I participate in monthly themed challenges put on by my social media groups. These groups have really pushed me to grow as an artist and try new things.


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

Inspiration is never far away. When I feel suck, I take a walk outside, play with my animals, and take photos of the surrounding nature. There is always something that will catch my eye, whether it be the local squirrel terrorizing my garden or the serene hummingbirds resting to drink from the feeder.
Other times, I just take a break for a day.

Patience
(click to view)


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

As an artist, I am constantly learning and developing my technique. However, my current focus is on devoting more time to my art so I can produce higher quality scratchboards with more depth and expression. Additionally, I am learning how to promote and develop my social media and online presence.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I am happiest when I learn that my art has positively impacted one of my collectors. Through the years, collectors have periodically messaged me about a piece that I created and how it has touched them or came into their life at the right time.

Harpy Eagle
(click to view)

Thanks, Monique!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Heather Martin

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

From Heather's DPW Gallery Page:

Heather Ihn Martin, a fine artist raised in rural Michigan, has been creating artwork since she could hold a pencil. Her passion for art was so clear and unwavering, that after graduating high school she found herself leaving her hometown in Michigan to earn her BFA in Illustration at the Ringling School of Art and Design (now named the Ringling College of Art and Design) in Florida.

Once receiving her degree, she spent years working as an illustrator, followed by nearly a decade as a game artist in the mobile gaming industry. In 2016, Heather was reintroduced to traditional media, and fell head over heels in love with painting from life and plein air painting. Despite working a full time job, having a long commute, and a ridiculously large family of animals, Heather spent every spare minute towards building a fine art career and working to be a better artist.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting. 

I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil, but painting didn't really happen until I was in middle school art classes. My first oil painting was actually a Bob Ross piece that I painted with my grandma's husband. It was so fun, and eye-opening to see what could be done with oils.

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

Oh yes. I went to school at the Ringling College of Art and Design for Illustration. Back then it was 95% traditional mediums, and I focused most on oil painting. Once I got a job in the tech industry around 2008, I drifted away from traditional art, and primarily worked digitally. Traditional painting became an interest again around 2016 for me, and I wish I never took that break!

Pink and Peach
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? 

Experimentation is so crucial, and I've tried several mediums along the way. Some of those include transparent watercolors, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and charcoal.

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

Gouache has been the clear winner so far as for what's "stuck". It's so easy to clean! (cleanliness is not my forte). Gouache has such a nice smooth feel to it, similar to oils, it's very satisfying! I'd love to get back into oil painting though; I miss the smell, textures, and rich colors.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring? 

After attending several transparent watercolor demos at our local watercolor association, I've been interested in exploring that more, but first would love to get back into oil painting and working on some large scale work.

Favorite Spot
(click to view)

Who or what inspires you most? 

Every day scenes and the way light shines on and through objects. It's fascinating to see how everything works in harmony with each other, and creates the most beautiful colors and patterns.

What does procrastination look like for you? 

Oh boy, when I procrastinate I tend to drag my feet quite literally around the house looking for things that inspire me. It's getting tougher since I've painted nearly every angle of the house. I try to keep myself busy even if it doesn't feel productive to me, like uploading new art to the site, responding to comments on social media, or taking a moment to write a blog post.

Transparent
(click to view)

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

Be sure to always have your palette clean and ready to go! I set up fresh water jars so I can just sit down at the drop of a hat, and start a painting. Sometimes I have to settle for a less ambitious piece, and just do a small 30 minute to 1 hour study to keep myself from getting rusty.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings? 

Most of the things I've painted have been just unexpected moments of beauty. However, I've started a project with Chris Greco (A fellow Daily Paintworks artist) called the "Double Take Project" where we take turns coming up with prompts to paint, and then show our own takes of it. It's been keeping us both on our toes.

Eucalyptus Shadows
(click to view)

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

Challenge yourself! Even if it may not look like a challenge to an outsider, I guarantee there was an aspect of the work that had me actively problem solving and trying new things. It could be by pushing the composition to be a little more daring, or trying to paint a subject that just seems impossible! By setting these challenges up for myself, it hopefully makes for more interesting and engaging work.

Queen of the House
(click to view)

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

Being a full time artist is new to me, and I'm learning so much about the art world. It's just as tough as they say, if not, tougher! So I'm trying to navigate the waters, and learn to balance both the marketing aspects, trying to make a decent income, and also stay true to my artwork.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Capturing special moments that have an emotional impact to me, whether it be a family portrait, or a favorite spot in a park. It's so wonderful to be able to translate your feelings on paper, and share them
with others.

Thanks, Heather!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Bernie Wisniewski

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Bernie's painting "Poppy Landscape 2" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Bernie's DPW Gallery Page:

I live and paint in the north east of England - it's an area with a beautiful coastline and lots of history. In my work I try to convey an emotion that the subject conveys, rather than trying to achieve technical correctness. Colour is important and I admire the work of the Scottish Colourists and the Fauves. The finished piece must be pleasant to look at, and if it stimulates the "feeling" of the subject so much the better.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I enjoyed painting when I was at school – we were lucky to have an art teacher who was passionate about art and gave great encouragement to us all. I developed my own style early on and would paint using a broken knife I’d found in the kitchen. The paintings weren’t gentle laborious pieces but were worked on with speed and enthusiasm. One of the teachers asked me to paint his favourite chess set (I suppose you could say it was my first commission) and I was rewarded with a smart new set of oil paints.

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

Although given the chance to attend further education at Art College I decided that “getting a job” was what I wanted. Marriage and children followed and for the next thirty-something years I appreciated art as an observer rather than a participant. With the Family now grown and the financial responsibilities for them decreased (only slightly!) I’m able to spend time indulging my passion.

Poppy Landscape 2
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I got back into painting with a good set of soft pastels and conte crayons. I found that the immediacy achieved using these suited my style – the medium effectively became an extension of my hand straight to the paper. Acrylics came next as I wanted to give more depth, more solidity, to the colours. I like this medium – it again allows speed of working (I like the fast drying times) and there are excellent products with differing characteristics to choose from.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I’m starting to experiment more using translucent paints and overlaying some areas with this. I think the effects of this contrast well with the block colours of the opaque paint. I often put my acrylics away and get the oils out – it’s a totally different way of working – I love the texture and feel (and smell of the oils). It’s great fun - exciting – and I almost always paint these using a palette knife. Again it allows fast working (easier to clean than a brush) and allows for a lot of different effects.

Geisha
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I’d be interested to try screen printing and linocuts – I’ve seen some lovely work using both these mediums. The only medium I wouldn’t try is watercolour – again I’ve seen some excellent work in this, but I don’t think it would suit my way of working.

Who or what inspires you most?

There’s so much good artwork around that I’m constantly finding new artists whose artwork excites. My core favourites however would be the French Impressionists, the Scottish Colourists and the Fauves. I recommend having a look at the work of Joan Eardley – particularly the Glasgow “street kids” – she was a brilliant Scottish artist and I saw an exhibition of her work in Edinburgh. I’ve got no doubt that red wine and good music can also be inspirational in producing a pleasing piece of art!

Flowers Still Life
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I admit that by nature I’m impulsive – it’s generally served me well – and it’s the same with my work. When I get the excitement – the idea of an image – I have to work on it immediately. If I were to procrastinate it would be lost.

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

I think everyone’s life just gets busier all the time. It’s not particularly beneficial to the person or society. Nature will always fill a vacuum so it’s important (I think) to allocate periods which are sacrosanct.

Built on the Tyne
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

There’s no set pattern for ideas – I don’t look for them but let them come to me. If there’s an image – an idea – which will make an exciting painting, it usually registers. It’s important to keep an open mind so as not to miss these opportunities.

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

I think in order to keep work fresh the artist has to routinely set themselves new challenges. It’s easy to slip into a rut of doing work which isn’t difficult. Every now and then I think about what would be a hard subject to paint. I then give it a go and in most cases it’s worked out well. This keeps the excitement, which is important, avoids burnout, and extends the artist’s abilities.

Croft Sunset
(click to view)

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

We’re all learning every day (or should be) and it’s the same with art. There’s so much to learn, so many new techniques – time is the limiting factor rather than ideas. Keep on experimenting and enjoying the work.

What makes you happiest about your art?

To me, there’s nothing beats the buzz of working fast on a piece, great music in the background, and knowing that it’s all coming together. Not every day is like this however and it’s self defeating to try to force it – it has to be enjoyable and this will show through in the finished work.

Thanks, Bernie!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Marjorie Landrin

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

From Marjorie's DPW Gallery Page:

I have been making art since I could hold a crayon. Growing up in the time of "abstract art" being taught in schools. I went for something more practical. I studied architectural design and technical illustration which gave me income producing jobs. I picked up art workshops at places such as Scottsdale Artist's School as finances permitted. I've had the usual "stops and starts" with painting that come with life events such as becoming a cardiac RN, caretaker for parents, marrying for the first time at fifty-four to my best friend who like me cannot stand city life. We have built our own house and forged a unique outdoor life in the past eight years. Now is the time for me to get back to my "sweet spot" which is painting. The idea of small Daily Paintings caught my attention and I'm enjoying it. No guilt over wasting a lot of time and money on large paintings the average person can't afford. We'll see where this new journey takes me...

Tell us a bit about how your first started painting.

I don't remember a time when I didn't paint and draw. My first “lessons” came when my Mom decided I should do something other than school at age eight. I was easily bored. The only thing we could find was ballet at the time. That only lasted about two weeks. Then she found an artist that gave lessons to kids and I got to start oil painting. I was in heaven. I loved the smells and the mess and everything about it. I did that when I could in between school and camping with my family.

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

I had continual stops and starts in my painting. It was never my career since I hated doing commercial art and supporting yourself as a fine artist is not always practical. I first went into technical illustration and architectural design and I even worked in aircraft designing ground support equipment. Then I became an RN. Reality often pushes art to the back for a time. Then you realize that you can't quit painting or your brain stops working as well.

Reel Time
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I've tried almost all the mediums and my art closet can attest to that. I needed to be able to use most of them competently since I also taught local college classes for a time. I also like to paint any subject that catches my eye.

Which ones have stuck and which ones have fallen away?

I like oil and pastel the best. I've never gotten watercolor to do what I want it to do. I don't have the patience to “leave the whites” but I really admire a good watercolor.

Flaming Desert
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I would like to explore a water-based paint that would act like oil but dry in a day for traveling. I haven't found one that suits me yet.

Who or what inspires you most? 

Nature inspires me the most. I love the effects of light and shadow and the different colors of light.

Young Woman in Denim
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

The longer I go without painting the harder it is to start again. The blank canvas seems to tell me I can't do it. It seems to be some kind of fear of failure reaction. So I either have to paint every few days or it's a major struggle after that.

What techniques work to ensure you make time for your art.

I avoid phones and the computer as much as possible. That's not hard for me to do since I don't like them that much anyway. I try to use my best time for painting and save the chores for when I'm brain dead. I can't have a set schedule because the mini-farm/logging life (www.jdsbirds.com) has to be done dependent on things that can't be controlled or predicted.

Hidden Valley
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I'm usually excited by the light and dark pattern or colors that I see.

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

I find that I have to switch subjects and techniques frequently or I get bored to death and it shows in my paintings. I admire people that can keep painting similar things over and over to perfect their skill but I don't seem to be capable of that. I tend to want to paint whatever catches my eye.

Saguaro Kings
(click to view)

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

I'm trying to teach myself to remember everything I already learned over the years and to quit making the same silly mistakes over and over again such as: Not using enough paint! Cleaning my brush with turps and then using it again before it's totally dry (pulls the paint off the canvas). Not simplifying enough. Too much brushing and not enough looking.

What makes you happiest about your art?

When I get into the zone of painting, everything else in the world goes away and I don't have to think about anything. I just get to be Marge.

Thanks, Marjorie!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Marita Hines

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

From Marita's DPW Gallery Page:

I worked for over forty years in non-art related fields, moving from one job assignment to another in an effort to grow and stay engaged. It was both tedious and challenging. When I got the opportunity to retire and pursue painting full-time -- there were doubts that I would be able to maintain a level of engagement without constantly shifting direction. Then I was re-introduced to Plein Air painting! Capturing and translating a fleeting moment in time challenges me in ways my "day job" never could. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I was into drawing from an early age, using my skills to create paper dolls and doll houses. Arts and crafts have been part of my life as long as I can remember. As a teen, I was lucky to have participated in a Saturday art class sponsored by Carnegie University. Although I did not pursue a degree in art, I have taken many workshops and classes over the years.

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

After working in a non-art related field most of my adult life, I got the chance to retire and pursue painting full time. Until my retirement in 2015, painting was something I did on occasion to relax or while on holiday. Now that I have time to paint full-time, I still don't know that I'd call it a career.  I sell my work in order to paint more. Nothing makes my day like someone who has fallen in love with one of my paintings and wants to take it home with them.

The Cabana
(click to view)

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

Who or what inspires you most?

Early on, a mentor introduced me to Plein Air painting. Plein Air is a French term referring to painting in the "open air" or outdoors.  Although my first experience with Plein Air was not a good one, it was memorable. It was a cold, snowy day and my fingers would not cooperate. Yet, there was something so inspiring and challenging about painting outdoors. Van Gogh painted the same haystacks repeatedly -- was he inspired by the changing seasons and time of day? Those things just add to the allure. Today, I belong to two Plein Air groups, including one that I manage.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have experimented with sculpture, oils, pen and ink, charcoal, gouache and watercolor. There was a period when my work was abstract in nature. My only regret is that it took me so long to figure out it wasn't my thing. Today's paintings are loose and representational. 

Potted Pretties at Longwood Gardens
(click to view)

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

My favorite medium by far is watercolor.  It's perfect for Plein Air painting because it dries quickly, cleans up easily, uses no chemicals or solvents, and is very portable. 

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

I start early in the day, because that is when my energy level is at its peak. I try to schedule the less creative work like sending emails and doing paperwork in the evening hours.

Docked
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I take pictures everywhere I go. Most people take photos of loved ones during special events. I take pictures of strangers and beautiful landscapes and architecture. It's not just my vacation photos that are potential paintings. It's the ones I take of everyday life -- the back alleys, old buildings, beautiful gardens, an old man sleeping on a bench.

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

It's in my nature to get bored with a regular routine. But there are so many ways to change it up -- learning a new technique, using a new color palette, watching a video, reading a book, checking out a new location to paint.

Afternoon at Landis Valley
(click to view)

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

I'm currently working with a limited palette, trying to improve the harmony and innovation of my color combinations.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I enjoy when people make a connection with my art. Sometimes I make a connection with the work of other artists. I'm an artist and an art collector.  In fact, I won a painting from the Daily Paintworks Artist Spotlight.

Thanks, Marita!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Jan McLean

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

From Jan's DPW Gallery Page:

Hi, I'm an artist specializing in landscapes. Clouds are especially fascinating to me, as well as the effects of light on the landscape. I try to capture the feeling of a place in my work. (click to view gallery)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I would spend a lot of time as a kid drawing typical little boy stuff like police cars, cowboys and helicopters. One day when I was maybe five or six years old I couldn’t think of anything to draw, so I remember asking my Granny and she suggested I draw the flower garden. I wasn’t sure how to go about drawing a garden so I just tried to draw what I saw instead of drawing “symbols” for things like I had been doing. That way of thinking and seeing that I had stumbled across back then was a bit of a revelation to me. I was fascinated by drawing but eventually I began to feel the need to also explore color because there was simply too much color in the world to ignore. I was in my twenties when I began oil painting and it just seemed to fit.

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

Many starts and stops over the years which I like to think of as taking the scenic route. My day job as a graphic designer left little time or energy for painting, but now that I’m retired, I’m able to devote more time to painting and just the enjoyment of making art. I love painting large canvases but I also want to work on some smaller daily (daily-ish) paintings and possibly explore a slightly looser style.

Charleston Basket Weaver
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Lots of graphite drawings, some pen and ink, colored pencil, and watercolor, all of which I love, but I plan to concentrate on oil painting. My style has always been realist but I have tried to make my work not as much about realistic details but about how those details combine to create a cohesive composition.

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

I still love drawing, which has the added benefit of being one of the best therapies in the world. Nothing can quiet and clear your mind like spending thirty minutes with a pencil and sketchbook. I think oil painting will always be my favorite medium.

Thunderhead
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Oil painting offers so many possibilities of expression in terms of color, surfaces, types of brushes, palette knife, thick impasto or wash, etc. It’s one-stop shopping for creative exploration.

Who or what inspires you most?

Nature and how light affects the landscape are constant inspirations. Clouds are some of my favorite subjects to paint and also to just sit and watch. I love seeing what other artists are creating and there are so many incredible artists who are willing to share their thoughts and methods online. I’ve learned a lot and continue to learn from and be inspired by them.

February Evening
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Some days it’s hard to focus for one reason or another, so I’ll get away from art for a while and go fill up the bird feeders or cook something in my cast iron skillet.

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

Sticking to a routine helps me. I usually wake up early, make some coffee and start working on a painting. I can usually get several hours of good painting time in before other responsibilities distract me.

Summertime
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I look for interesting light, interesting shapes, subjects that evoke a certain feeling. Usually while I’m looking for ideas, the ideas just seem to find me instead.

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

In the past, when painting time was scarce, I would generally begin with a quick outline sketch of a subject on the canvas without much prep work and hope for the best. But, lately I’ve been starting out with some basic thumbnail sketches to work out the composition and become familiar with the subject. This always leads to “what if” ideas—what if this tree were bigger, what if the road went more over this way, what if the shadow was darker, etc.—which makes creating art much more exciting for me.

Miss Lucy
(click to view)

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

Picasso said “It takes a long time to become young” and I feel like I’m starting to understand what he means. Art requires some discipline but at the same time it has to be fun, a sort of controlled abandon.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The entire process of creating art makes me happy. Painting, drawing, stalking clouds, waiting for the right light. I feel lucky to be where I am in my life right now and I’m looking forward to some quality art time ahead.

Thanks, Jan!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Eric Hazeltine

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Eric's painting "Composition 17" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Eric's DPW Gallery Page:

Eric Hazeltine received his Bachelor's degree in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 2016. He is currently pursuing his Master's of Fine Art degree and teaching design at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Since a young age, Eric Hazeltine has had an affinity for drawing and painting and could always be spotted with his sketchbook and pencils. Currently, art could be considered his obsession. Working from life has become his passion in recent years which led him to start painting daily still lifes. In his free time he is always reading, researching and experimenting with new ideas in the processes of creating art to further his talents and aid in his studies. (click to view gallery)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I first started painting when I was about sixteen years old. All through my childhood, I was obsessed with drawing so my mother bought me an oil paint set and some canvas knowing it would be something I’d enjoy doing. I eventually took an independent study class in painting as a senior in high school that gave me the basics and the rest is history.


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


I’ve had plenty. Long story short, after receiving my associate degree in Arts and Science I was working in the realm of engineering while continuing my schooling in Fine Art at the same time. Throughout this period there were big chunks of time that I wasn’t drawing or painting at all, but after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Fine Art a couple years ago I decided to make the leap and leave my job of seven years to pursue my master’s degree in Fine Art. Most of my time is now devoted to either teaching/learning/reading about art or simply doing it and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Composition 17
(click to view)

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


What mediums and genres have you experimented with?


My work has always consisted of trying out different materials and is a major interest of mine. I’ve done papermaking, woodwork, metalwork, sculpture, etc. Basically, anything I can get my hands on becomes a piece of my work outside of my oil paintings. I’m also pretty open with genres as well and have experimented with too many to list. I’ve had years where I worked strictly non-representationally and long periods of time when I was strictly doing portraiture and figurative work.


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


Medium-wise, I always find myself going back to charcoal on paper and oil painting on board. Genres are a little trickier, but I really enjoy working with still lifes, portraiture, or working from the figure. I work almost exclusively from life. If I’m ever working from a photo it’s likely there are major constraints keeping me from working from life or it’s a commission piece that’s based on a photo.

Composition 14
(click to view)


Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

There’s nothing in particular that I’m looking to explore at the moment except maybe digging deeper into portraiture. I’ve found this is a harder genre to hold on to since I have such a preference for working from life and strive for realism in my work. It’s not very often I can find someone willing to sit for more than four or five hours at a time.


Who or what inspires you most?


A lot of my current and past teachers are the most inspiring because of their experience in the arts and their amazing work ethic when juggling teaching and their professional art practice week in and week out. It really pushes me to work on becoming a better artist every single day and sets a standard for me that I can only hope to attain.

Composition 20
(click to view)


What does procrastination look like for you?


My procrastination involves cleaning/organizing or building things to help me paint or other artwork. I’m a very meticulous artist when it comes to cleanliness so usually that doesn’t deter me too often since it stays pretty clean and organized in my studio. I’m a huge fan of building and creating things though, so sometimes I put off painting so I can build some cradled painting panels and frames for my work despite not needing them immediately.


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

I’m definitely more productive in the morning so I try to wake up early and get to my studio as soon as possible. This usually gives me a couple hours if I get right to work. You’d think that since I’m in grad school for fine art that most of my time would be spent doing art but that’s not the case most days. Unfortunately, I spend a lot of time doing research, writing, and teaching a design class at the University of Wisconsin instead of spending time in my studio.

Composition 24
(click to view)


How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I’m really interested in colors and the conceptual ideas behind objects. I tend to appreciate things that will change and degrade over time. Knowing that they will never look the same throughout their lifespan really intrigues me. With food products, this idea of degradation is emphasized because their lifespan is a lot shorter than other things I could be painting. I think this is why I tend to include them in my daily paintings so often. I know they won’t last longer than a few days, so I need to finish the painting within one or two sittings, which also helps me to be productive as well.


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

I jump back from realism/abstraction and painting/drawing a lot. This keeps me thinking of new ideas and possibilities of merging them all into one and having this constant stream of things I want to try. Along the same lines as this, my constant need to read and learn new or better techniques always brings me back to the easel to try them for myself. This borderline obsession of learning has given me an ample amount of skills that always seems to be of use even if it seems irrelevant to the work I’m currently doing at that moment.

Composition 27
(click to view)


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

It’s probably because I’m currently in grad school, but I think the conceptual framework for my paintings is in the forefront of what I’m in the middle of learning and figuring out. I’ve been reading a lot about the history of still life painting and have become interested in seeing where that will lead me in my own work.


What makes you happiest about your art?

The process of creation. As long as I’m drawing, painting, or working on some type of artwork, then I’m happy. I can spend 10+ hours just painting or drawing somedays and those are the days I live for, honestly.

Thanks, Eric!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Kathy Los-Rathburn

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

From Kathy's DPW Gallery Page:

Kathy, a native of Indiana, received her formal art training as a realist in watercolor at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She holds signature status in the Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois Watercolor Societies and also belongs to many other art organizations. Her love for watercolor and passing on the joy and gratification of the medium to others has gained her teaching experience at the American Academy of Art, Purdue University, and many local art organizations and groups since 1974. She also has been teaching drawing and painting in her studio since 1974. (click to read more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I don't know when I started to paint, I think I was born with a paintbrush in my hand. Like most kids, I was always doing some kind of art. At sixteen, I remember getting my first "real" set of watercolors. I still have that set. At sixteen I also took an 8-week drawing class with a lady who had classes in her home studio. I knew then that I wanted to do the same when I grew up and I have been doing that for forty-five years.

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

I would have to say that once I started to paint that I never stopped and I have enjoyed every creative moment.

"Cool Paintings to Warm the Heart" # 12
(click to view)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I always loved watercolor and sketching. I have been trying some acrylics the last few years and I am enjoying working with them.

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

I do have some really nice large sets of pastels, but I never really got into them. I could never understand how they can get such detail with them. To me they were always messy and I never could figure out how the pastels would stick to the paper.

Streets of Chicago XII - Skating Under the Bean
(click to view)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I recently bought a selection of oil paints. I have never painted in oil but I always admired the work that I saw here on DPW in oil. So I went and bought the oils that mix with water and I hope I can adjust to them. We will see.

Who or what inspires you most?

The person that inspired me most in watercolor is Irving Shapiro AWS who was my instructor at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Now I am inspired by so many water color artists that I have met on FB and Instagram. I am amazed by so many of them and what they are doing. Watercolor has come such a long way and so have the pigments.

Peonies
(click to view)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Procrastination? That word is not in my vocabulary. I am more the opposite... I am obsessed and I do not know how to stop.

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

My time for my art is a bit unusual... I love the night so I work from 10pm 'til about 5am. Sometimes I start even earlier. During these hours everyone is sleeping so no one bothers me and I am not going to go out in the middle of the night. Perfect time to paint.

Beets
(click to view)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Since I do not like to travel, my subject matter is usually found within an hour of my home. It is amazing how much subject matter that I have in the area where I live. Since I am mostly a landscape painter, I love painting Chicago scenes, Industrial landscapes, the Dunes, and the many farmlands that are near me. My ideas come to me from photo shoots when I venture out to all of my favorite places.

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

I don't know why I don't get burned out. I just love what I do so I just want to keep doing it. Wish there were more hours in the day. Sometimes trying new paint, colors, brushes, or paper excites me.  Sometimes I will challenge myself to try new subject matter. I have had many shows and that is definitely a way to keep you fresh and motivated.

Waiting to Hear From You
(click to view)

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

Right now as an artist I am at the point where I paint because it is my passion. If someone likes my work, GREAT. If they don't, that's OK, too! I am not trying to please anyone. I am trying to be true to myself and to please me. I try to make each painting the best that I can and hope that the next one will be better yet. I try to keep growing for self fulfillment.

What makes you happiest about your art?

What makes me happiest... the more I paint, the more I paint!

Thanks, Kathy!

© 2019 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Betty Felenchak

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

From Betty's DPW Gallery Page:

"Every artist was at first an amateur"
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I started painting in the fall of 2014 after being inspired by the book Fail Fast, Fail Often, by Ryan Babineaux. I have taken some lessons and followed YouTube tutorials. I am currently taking a class with Sean Beavers at Sanctuart Arts in Elliot, Maine. I have a full-time job as a software engineer.

I am attempting to do "daily painting" as a way to move forward in my art journey.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Two things happened about 4 1/2 years ago that got me started painting.  The first is that a friend started painting fairly seriously after years of hardly painting while his kids were young.  He started posting these great paintings to social media at about the same time as I was reading the book, "Fail Fast, Fail Often" by Ryan Babineaux.  This book discussed how adults don't like to try new things because we don't like to fail, but that failure is an integral part of learning any new skill.  Someone can't expect to play a Chopin Nocturne when they first start piano lessons, but instead must be happy with "Mary had a Little Lamb". I decided that since I had always wanted to be able to paint, I should just begin, with the understanding that my first couple hundred paintings were going to be bad, but that I would try to learn from each one.

I took some lessons from local teachers, and also followed along with a bunch of YouTube tutorials.  (Thank you Angela Anderson and Cinnamon Cooney for all your virtual lessons.)  And yes, a LOT of my early paintings were really bad.  But over the years I have seen progress.  I am currently taking lessons from Sean Beavers at Sanctuary Arts in Elliot, Maine.  (See some of his work here: https://www.artsy.net/artist/sean-beavers).

Ring Dings
(click to view)

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

What does procrastination look like for you?

It looks exactly like a Samsung Galaxy S7 phone.

I can always find something to do such as scrolling thru social media or art websites such as Daily Paintworks, playing games, or searching though photo websites for ideas to paint.  Watching other people paint on YouTube tutorials is a great way to put off actually going to the easel myself.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Because I haven't been painting all that long (4.5 years), sometimes I stand back from a work, and I am amazed that it looks like what I am trying to do!  Also, it is really satisfying when people like my work.  And if they like it enough to buy it, I am over the moon.  But what has been the most satisfying is to see that I am making progress in my art journey.  I have been working hard at it and I can see improvement.   I am an engineer in my full-time job, so painting unlocks a different section of my brain and allows me to relax.

The Kiss
(click to view)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

When I first started painting I thought that Water Colors looked easy.  I was so wrong!  I have such admiration for those people who make it look so loose and easy.

I have painted mostly in Acrylic and Oils, going through phases where each was the preferred medium.  For a while I tried Acrylic Pouring, but decided that it was more abstract than I wanted to do. (It was loads of fun, though!).  I also went through a brief period where I tried plein air painting as well.  But again, that is harder than it looks to do successfully.

White Lily
(click to view)

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

Currently I am painting mostly in oils on small canvases in the Alla Prima style.  I am trying to do "daily painting", where I try to complete a whole painting in one sitting.  Because I have a full time job, sing in the choir, and (try?) to go the the gym, my time is limited.  My goal is to complete a small painting in this style about 3 or 4 times per week.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I recently began a class in Representational Oil Painting that will teach me a different method from the Alla Prima method that I currently do.  We will be doing an under-painting and then glazes.  I am looking forward to learning this as I feel that certain paintings need that level of dedication.

I can also recognize that I need to take a drawing class, as I usually trace my design from photos onto my canvas, rather than draw/paint them freehand.  This skill will help with painting from life and plein air.  And someday I would like to get back to learning Water Colors.

This Little Piggy
(click to view)

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

I have found that the hardest thing is to just get off the couch and walk to the easel.  Having a goal of at least 3 paintings a week has helped keep me motivated.  I also find that taking a class once a week helps to keep painting in the forefront of my mind.  I had a couple shows (local library and coffee shop) and that was very motivating to have enough quality work to show.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I am mostly inspired by photos or artwork by other artists.  Sometimes I see a photo that just begs to be painted.  The Facebook group Photos for Artists is great inspiration as the photos are all available for artists to paint with no copyright restrictions.  Sometimes I get into a theme for a while.  Currently I am in a theme of painting food.  Maybe having a New Year's resolution to eat better is the reason I am painting junk food: donuts, cake, cupcakes, ring dings, etc.

Toll House Cookies
(click to view)

What do you most want people to know about you as an artist?

I think what I most want people to know about me is that I am committed to improving my skills and growing.  I am a busy person in the other areas of my life, so I don't have tons of time to make art.  However I am motivated to learn and grow as an artist.  If you check up on my Daily Paintworks website occasionally, hopefully you can watch my progress as I travel along this art journey.  Enjoy!

Thanks, Betty!

© 2019 Sophie Marine