DPW Spotlight Interview: Tahirih Goffic

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Tahirih's painting, "The King" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Tahirih's DPW Gallery page:

​Hmmm...What do I say about me?! I'm an artist (obviously), lol, and a mom of two incredible children, and I'm married to the love of my life! My life is full of too many blessings to count, one of them being able to pursue my passion for painting. I believe the world is already filled with enough turmoil, and I also believe that to give something our energy, gives it power, so I choose to paint what I find beautiful. I like to paint almost everything. Some days, it's tomatoes, other days it's my children, and sometimes it's the way the sun is setting behind a cow! I love romance, and traveling, and curling up in my favorite chair with a good book, and I'll paint anything that reminds me of my favorite things.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Well, I clearly remember when I was six, deciding that I would be an artist. I was sitting on the brown shag rug at the coffee table, with my colouring book and a piece of tracing paper. I traced a picture of a dog, and it turned out so good! I was absolutely thrilled, and I decided then and there that I was going to be an artist when I grew up. And I never stopped drawing.

I didn't actually start painting until I was in my twenties, other than a bit for art school. I was very good in pencil, and I was already selling my photorealistic portraits in graphite, so I was scared to venture into paint because I was afraid I wouldn't be any good. On a vacation in Mexico with my husband, I tried a little watercolour painting and it turned out great. I was hooked on colour, and I haven't turned back since.

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

Only when I have to eat, or go to the bathroom, or feed my family! But really, no. I paint whenever I can find the time. I have been consistently painting or drawing almost every day for over twenty years. I expected to have to slow down when my children were born, but I think I actually painted more. Having less time made me really utilize the time that I did have, and taught me a lot about time management and discipline.

The King
(click to see original image)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with? Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away? Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Well, I started out in high school with graphite. I drew very very detailed photorealistic portraits and figurative pictures, mostly on commission. They would take weeks of intense concentration, but I loved how people were so amazed by the finished product. When I broke into painting, I started in watercolour, because someone had told me that it would be the best transition, considering the level of detail that I used. I tried about four paintings in watercolour at that time, and found it frustrating and hard to control. I actually didn't like it at all, so I tried acrylic.

By then I had my first child, and was worried about the fumes and chemicals that I'd have to use with oil paint. During my acrylic stage, I painted a lot of wildlife, and I found acrylic very well suited for that genre. I stuck to my pain-stakingly detailed paintings, every hair on the bear and so on... Again, these paintings took so long, but the finished product was worth it.

Until I found water-soluble oils. Suddenly it was like someone had opened the door to a cage I hadn't even known I was trapped in! I found a freedom of expression that I hadn't found in any other medium. The colours were so rich, the paint so alive! I could suggest something with a stroke that would have taken me half an hour before. I could finish a painting in a day!

I started to paint people more often, my first love, and I found that I could capture an expression much more easily, and my paintings had a freshness that I couldn't achieve with the slow glazing of watercolour and acrylic. Now I paint almost exclusively in oils, and I love to paint both people and animals. I do venture off into landscape or still life once in a while when a particular scene screams to be painted, or when I feel I need a break from things with eyes.

Blanca
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you most?

I think the people that inspire me most are the ones who are doing it. Living life as artists, and proving to the world that we don't have to fit the "starving artist" stereotype. They work so hard, and produce such beautiful work. Living artists whose work inspires me are Jeremy Lipking, Morgan Weistling, Scott Burdick, for their gorgeous portrayal of human life, and Robert Bateman for his incredible wildlife. Also, the deceased masters, John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla and Velasquez for their unmatched skill with edges and brushwork, and Rembrandt for his amazing portraits. I was completely floored when I saw an original like his. He had the ability to make a person "breathe". His paintings look like they're living people, like you're looking through a window at someone... Breathtaking!

What does procrastination look like for you?

Since I don't have a studio, it often takes the form of housework. My excuse is that I can't paint until the house is clean! Then it's, "Wow, I'm really hungry, I should fix myself a snack before I get comfortable at the easel." Then it's, "I haven't worked out yet, and I ate pizza and red wine last night!" So, off for a run I go! Then email, and of course email leads to Facebook, and Facebook leads to checking out other people's likes, and before you know it I'm on Pinterest, and I'm like, "Hey, I should sand my dresser and repaint it with that cool dead tree and bird motif!" and before you know it the kids are home from school... sigh! Lol!

Too Close and Very Afraid
(click to see original image)

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

So, to ensure that I actually get some work done, I try to clean the house the night before, exercise as soon as I get up, and then I allow myself to check my email briefly while eating breakfast. I try to only check Facebook during snack breaks or lunch, which I try to keep to fifteen minutes. Notice, I did say try a lot there... In reality, it's usually a combination of this and a lot of real procrastination. It's a work in progress. ;)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I think, like many other artists, ideas come from everywhere. Sometimes a scene reminds me of a famous painting, sometimes it might just be the way the light is falling across my child's face, and quite often it's from my huge collection of reference photos. I consider myself lucky to live in a very rural area, in fact it's one of the last places in North America which still has vast stretches of untouched wilderness.

I grew up on a farm and I feel a particular nostalgia and attraction to pastoral scenes. I miss the direct and real experience of living off the land, and painting it is a way to revisit it. I have friends with farm animals so I often visit and take lots of pictures. Bella Coola is also famous for its abundant wildlife. Deer cross the parking lot of the grocery store, and bears snack on the apples and plums in my yard, offering great photo ops. I've travelled extensively and always bring my camera.

The Shaggy Pony
(click to see original image)

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

I think I keep my art fresh by choosing subjects that I can paint alla prima (all at once). I find that if a work goes on too long, it loses the initial inertia and feeling that I started with and starts to look laboured. I love the opportunity daily painting affords for this very reason. I can finish a painting fairly quickly without losing interest. Painting these small works has taught me a lot, even when I choose to paint larger works.

I try to visualize my finished product fully before I start. I decide on a colour scheme and I often premix my colours so that I don't get stuck in the middle of the painting by a colour or value problem. I find that if I do a colour study, or spend too much time in planning, I feel as if I've "already done this one," and I lose the initial passion of the idea, so I prefer to fix any problems on the fly. Apparently, this is not supposed to be the way to go, but it is what works for me. If I end up struggling with it, it may or may not work it out in the end. But if I lose the passion before I start the painting, the work is a lost cause anyway.

Signs of Spring
(click to see original image)

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

Right now, I'm learning about edges and colour. I'm reading James Gurney's "Color and Light", an amazing and well written book, and also Richard Schmidt's "Alla Prima". There is so much information in these two books. I believe they are must reads for every artist! I'm also learning a lot about what I respond to most as an artist, and about creativity; how to make a work "yours" and not just a copy of a photograph.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I am just happy that I can do it! I have a wonderful, supportive husband, who has allowed me to follow my passion. I'm happy that I can touch people with my art. When I hear from a collector that they just love a piece, or that it reminds them of their beloved pet, or that it takes them back to a special time in their life, then I feel that I am serving my purpose on this planet.

Thanks, Tahirih!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Linda Apple

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Linda's painting, "Musical Mickey Mouse" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Linda's DPW Gallery page:

Linda Apple has been a full-time artist for over 40 years. Growing up in the Appalachian hills of Southern Ohio, she was active in drawing and painting at an early age and received artistic support from creative and loving parents. Awarded a scholarship to the Columbus College of Art & Design in 1964 was her first step of a life-loving journey into the creation of art.

Always seeking new ideas and experiences led Apple to France, Italy, Greece, Sweden, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.A. southwest. Over the past 40 years, her work has gained international recognition being exhibited in Mexico, Canada and the U.S.A. while finding it's way into many prominent collections around the world. Life experiences have influenced and altered her work many times throughout her career. In addition to her painting, Apple has created sculpture for over 20 years. The earlier pieces were large, in a classic style, in wood, marble and welded metal. Now they are smaller figures in mixed media. Technical and personal aspects of her work have merged to produce touching and whimsical images that stir the imagination and inspire the viewer to notice the little everyday moments of our life.

"I would describe my work as a mix of realism and impressionism. The completed paintings have an authentic painterly representation of the subject, often with a touch of humor. I went online with my work and became part of the daily painters network in 2006." Over 1200 paintings have been sold to collectors in the United States and in countries around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and Japan.

Musical Mickey Mouse
(click to see original image)

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

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I have been doing art as long as I can remember. My mother once told me that I started to draw as soon as I could hold a crayon but I have no memory of that. I do remember drawing and painting all the time. It was art or archeology for me so when I received a scholarship to the Art College, the decision was made.

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

Yes, but not by choice. In the early 80's, I was hit by a car while crossing a street and it took about 7 yrs. away.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Lets say that glass blowing is about the only medium I haven't tried. I use to do large stone sculpture - loved that. I still do small (usually humorous) mixed media sculpture and enjoy experimenting with different mediums. I never seemed to be able to settle on just one. I have actually wondered why anyone would do just one thing, when there are so many fun things to do.

Bicycle Blues
(click to see original image)

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

I stay mostly with oil painting because it's the easiest to sell and having art as my only income, that is important. Most of my art was very large for many years but now I reserve the larger work for galleries or commissions. I miss doing large stone sculpture but it has become physically too difficult for me, so I have tried to fill that gap with small sculptures.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I am exploring new ideas everyday in my painting and working on different subject matters and concepts. I think that when I work on sculpture it gives me a different perspective. Working in three dimensions gives me more insight into light, shadow and design. I think what draws me to do sculpture, is the fact that I can combine all the different skills I have learned over the years. Sculpting, design, painting and sewing all into one.

Have a Coke
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you most?

Humor, people and animals. I love to put a bit of humor or a little twist of some sort into my work.

What does procrastination look like for you?

Awful! of course I do it, who doesn't? I usually procrastinate by doing my daily mundane chores that we all have to do and which rarely ever involve art. Art is the fun, easy part!

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

Well, I don't know if you would call eating a technique (more like motivation) but when you put it into the context of no art = no money = no food, works for me! Basically, I don't make time for my art, I do it all day, almost everyday!

Woman on Cell Phone
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I am a lurker. Watching people, looking at details, a lot of sketching, reading and movies. I also go to the museum and do a lot of online viewing of art. Keeping in touch with what others are doing can spark new ideas. For instance, my son is an avid cyclist and being around that gave the inspiration for my bicycle shadow series.

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

Well, that's a good question. I think that when you do anything for many years, you are going to get burnout. I used to get upset when I felt like I didn't have a new idea in my head or couldn't seem to "do it" but now I think that it is a time when your brain is figuring out new things and processing information. So when it happens, I try to relax and go with the flow. I go out and do a bit of metal detecting or get away from it all, even if it is just a few hours. Also, I spend some time playing with other mediums; sculpture and sketching will almost always give me a new idea. It is one of my essentials to creating.

The Adventure
(click to see original image)

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

After forty-three plus years at this, I really have no idea. Most of the time, it comes as a surprise. Something just pops up and I think, "oh, that's new"!

What makes you happiest about your art?

The fact that at sixty-six years of age, I still love doing it. I also love to hear the joy from my buyers and how it touches them. I get a chuckle to know that a painting is hanging on a wall in Hong Kong or Australia. Going online was the best decision I ever made. Forty years ago, I would have never thought that would happen.

Thanks, Linda!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: James Coates

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win James' painting, "Port and Peach" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From James' DPW Gallery page:

James Coates is an artist working out of a studio in Sheffield, UK. He works mostly in oil paints and finds inspiration in reflections, surfaces and textures. In his paintings he aims to celebrate and capture the simple beauty that can be found even in ordinary everyday objects.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

As a child, I was always drawing and painting. I was always the best in the class and thought for most of my childhood that I would become an artist. I am not sure what happened to that ambition. I drew and painted often even into my late teens, but I think that at some point I realised that I wouldn't be able to pursue art as a career. Things were different then, there was no internet, no Daily Paintworks! I suppose I just didn't know where to start.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn't really make any art for over 20 years. I only picked up a pencil and paper occasionally when a flash of inspiration struck. I took the traditional year out to travel the world, which lasted seven years and then returned to the UK and studied law. I worked as a lawyer for many years.

Suddenly, last year the artist inside me could not take it any longer and I started drawing in my spare time, in pencil and charcoal. Then I tried painting with acrylics for the first time, with mixed results. Some artists do wonderful work with acrylic paint, and I shall try them again one day. However, I needed more control. I needed paint that didn't dry so quickly. I work slowly.

I think the idea of working with oil paints can be quite terrifying. There is so much mystery about them. Take it from me, there is no mystery, no magic involved.

What a revelation! Now I could do exactly what I wanted and because of the drying time of oils, take as long as I needed.

Some people are surprised to learn that I started painting in oils in October 2012. On 4th February 2013 I stopped being a lawyer and became a full time painter. So far, with the support of my wonderful wife, family and friends it is going very well. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Port and Peach
(click to see original image)

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

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

Not so far. Now that I have started I hope I never stop.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

As mentioned, charcoal, acrylics and oils. I tried watercolours recently which I enjoyed. As I usually work in oils I had to adapt my way of thinking for watercolours which was a challenge. I hope to do some more soon.

I love painting portraits and am hoping to expand in this area.

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

Oil paints have definitely stuck. They are by far the most versatile medium in my opinion. I guess that is why they have been around for so long.

Coffee Cup
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

When it comes to materials, I am open minded. Everything has been used by artists. I often try to think of materials that have not been used by artists. Every material you think of has probably been used at some time by an artist somewhere. I really would like to experiment with as many materials as I can when I have the time. I am very keen to have a go at printmaking. In terms of genre, I would like to try some abstract painting.

Who or what inspires you most?

You could ask me that question every day and each time you would probably get a different answer. Firm favorites include Velazques, Hals, Sargent, Matisse, Titian, Chardin, Courbet, Rebrandt, Vermeer and Bacon to name but a few. I admire any painter that has mastered the craft and can also engage the viewer and successfully provoke thought or emotion. My latest favorite is Gerhard Richter. I like his figurative work and also his abstract work.

Lemon
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I'm English so it looks like a cup of tea.

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

I always think it would be a good idea to plan my week in advance so I know exactly what I am painting. However, this never happens and I end up running around the house in the morning looking for inspiration. Luckily my kids are good at coming up with ideas for me. By the time I have taken them to school I usually have an idea. If not, then I go down to the shops and usually something catches my eye and hopefully it is some kind of cream cake.

Fruit Jellies
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

As above. However, I am becoming increasing fussy about the composition of my still life paintings. It can take me an hour or so to set it up perfectly.

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

Every time I sit in front of a blank canvas it feels as though I am painting for the first time. I hope this makes my paintings look fresh. From a practical point of view I think that the most important lesson I have learnt as a painter is to keep your brushes clean whilst you work to avoid colours getting where they should not be.

So far, I have not had a problem with burnout. I think that composition is important to make paintings engaging. I think about composition a lot and would like to create paintings with greater narrative . This is easier to do with figurative work, which I hope to do more of, but it can also be done with still life if you choose the right objects and compose them in the right way.

Three Peaches
(click to see original image)

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

Everything!

What makes you happiest about your art?

Painting is both the most frustrating and the most rewarding activity. Most of the time I spend many hours on a painting not knowing how it is going to turn out (and usually thinking that it is not going very well) until somewhere near the end when suddenly it all starts to come together.

It is a kind of magic that you can't get from anything else. There are, of course, times when it doesn't work out, but those times you have probably learnt a lesson. Other than making myself happy, I love it when my painting makes others happy. I get great feedback on my blog, Facebook page and Daily Paintworks. Keep it coming!

Thanks, James!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Mike Daymon

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Mike's painting, "Egg for One" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Mike's DPW Gallery page:

Art is my life. As a kid I arrived at the idea that I'm an artist because I make art, and I make art because I'm an artist.

I'm drawn to a variety of styles, media and subject matter. I work primarily in acrylic on MDF.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I was in 3rd or 4th grade when I watched my mother draw a picture, and that totally fascinated me. I recall thinking, I want to do this. That was when I began drawing. A 5th grade girl showed me how to draw a squirrel using just one continuous line.

I started using oils early on. One day, in the 6th grade, I'd done a painting of the Flintstones and brought it to class to show my classmates. A few days later, a classmate also brought in a painting of the Flintstones, and it put mine to shame! It turned out that her father had painted it for her, and he was a commercial artist. I asked her what a commercial artist was. When she told me, I knew that was what I wanted to be.

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

One. I developed a tremor that became so bad I could no longer paint. I quit painting for 10 years; the only time in my life that I quit. Last January I decided to try again, but I have to work differently now, and much slower, than I have in the past.

Egg for One
(click to see original image)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Almost all of the usual favorites: oil paint, acrylic, pencil, colored pencils, pen and ink, oil pastels, pastel chalk, charcoal, gouache, watercolor, felt-tips, and silverpoint. I've also worked in collage, mosaic, clay and welding.

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

I've stayed with oil and acrylic. I recently did 3 large charcoal works, my first in years. Welding is dangerous and requires a safe area to work, which is not in your garage (I still love welding but can't do it without a handy welding shop). Gouache was standard in commercial art, which I did for decades, but not lately; computer technology has replaced it. The tremor (focal hand dystonia) keeps me from doing any refined drawing, such as pen and ink, or colored pencil.

Eggplant and Fig Jam
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I'm excited to learn more about working with acrylics, more in the way of technique. And collage is a medium that I'm sure I'll come back to at some point.

Who or what inspires you most?

Fascination with art inspires me continually. When I see a work of art, or a interesting technique, I want to be able to do those things. Great painters, with Van Gogh being at the top of the list, continue to inspire me.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I don't think I procrastinate very often with art. But if you see me doing domestic chores, cleaning, housekeeping, or even paying bills, then I'm probably procrastinating, and should be painting instead.

Paris Street Singer
(click to see original image)

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

I have been doing art daily for nearly my whole life. I've been a commercial artist for decades, which kept me not only doing graphic design, but also doing quite a bit of illustration work. Doing art is my default habit.

The primary underlying art of graphic design and advertising art used to be the ability to draw quickly, with style and precision. "Roughs," "layouts," and "comps" all required artistic skill. New technologies have changed commercial art, so that the recent generations of commercial artists (designers), typically can't draw at all. I saw this change in the industry firsthand, because I taught commercial art and visual communications for over 30 years as a part-time instructor at two colleges.

Anaheim and Fresco
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas come from anywhere at any time. Sometimes I see something in the world, or in a photo or painting, that challenges me to attempt to paint whatever I'm seeing. Other times I'm inspired by a movie or novel, or a person in history, and I do paintings that relate to that inspiration. And I'm inspired by things that I like and that matter to me. The "Greek Fisherman's Cap" and "No Tea," are personal items that I'm fond of.

And, of course, being a commercial artist, I've often been asked by clients to do illustrations that I never would have thought to do myself. Such as a painting to promote the opera, "Carmen," or 36 ink drawings of hearing aids. My problem is not finding ideas, I generally have too many ideas.

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

Making sure to look at a lot of art. Daily Paintworks makes this easy to do, with so many artists represented. But before the Internet was around, I had collected a lot of books about art and painters, and explored art continually. Seeing a new show at the Fine Arts Center almost always gets me to try something different.

Put Me In, Coach!
(click to see original image)

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

Right now, I'm learning how to paint with a tremor. Things I used to be able to do easily, I find are more difficult, or worse, impossible. So, I'm rebuilding my skills. Also, I have not done many still life pieces, so I'm making an effort to understand some of the best practices involved in still life. My favorite part of still life is lighting. I'm enjoying using light and shadow in a controlled way.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Robert Frost says in "Two Tramps in Mud-Time": "My object in life, is to unite / My avocation and my vocation."

For me to have made my way in the world, through doing art, still amazes me every day. When others are affected by my art, it's icing on the cake. What more could a 6th grade kid wish for?

Thanks, Mike!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Lauren Pretorius

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Lauren's painting, "Magic 8 Ball" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Lauren's DPW Gallery page:

My name is Lauren Pretorius. I live in the lovely state of South Dakota with my husband, two pugs, and two parrots. I graduated in 2008 from Northern State University with a degree in graphic design and have been selling my paintings online since 2005. I absolutely love to paint, take photographs, and design anything that can be designed.

My artwork is inspired by nature, music, and ample amounts of caffeine. I choose subject matter that is simple and recognizable and emphasize its defining characters to make something that is not normally considered interesting... well... interesting! On occasion, I like to involve a little humor as well. I feel it's important not to take life too seriously and I strive to never lose my childish enthusiasm. Cheers!

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I can remember painting as a very young child with my 'kid friendly' water color kits that my parents were ever so great to purchase for me. My mother has always been a painter, and I attribute a large part of my ability to her. I remember trying to paint like her with my goofy plastic kid brushes on watercolor paper. My paintings were nothing close to being a masterpiece by any means, but my parents treated them like it! I recall entering drawing contests in Elementary school as well... I began to win a few of the contests and got really great prizes (mostly little trinkets and books) which really sparked my interest in the subject. I was having fun!

Magic 8 Ball
(click to see original image)

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

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

When I began college I pursued a degree in pre-med which allowed no time what so ever for my artistic endeavors. During college, I slowly realized that what I was going to school for wasn't quite my calling. After my second year of pre-med, I completely switched gears and changed my degree to the opposite end of the spectrum... Art! To be more specific, graphic design.

There was only that short span of time where painting wasn't in my life--- it was a pretty lack-luster and boring time to say the least! Ever since I charged back into the art field, I have been painting. I graduated from Northern State University in 2008 with my degree in graphic design.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have tried almost every single medium at some point, except gouache. To be honest, I have no idea what gouache even is or even how to pronounce it for that matter!

Painting, however, was definitely my medium. Acrylic was really great for a while, but then I was introduced to oil paint and have never turned back. There is something about the buttery consistency of the paint and the capability to move the paint around if you need to without it drying.

As for a painting surface, I prefer a hardboard panel. I don't like to have the texture of canvas to paint on. I like the smoothness of hardboard, but I do like to add a little 'tooth' to the surface by gessoing with a foam roller. This gives the board a very uniform texture without strokes which I have come to love.

Dew Drop Tulips
(click to see original image)

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

I have dabbled in landscape, animal, and still life painting. Still life painting has really been the genre that has stuck with me the best. I am still exploring a bit, but I think I have pretty much found my niche. I will leave the landscape and animal art to my other love... photography.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I think I have attempted almost every genre and have always gone back to still life painting. If something new comes up, I will definitely give it a try.

Who or what inspires you most?

I get the most inspiration from the people that surround me. Friends, family, and people in the art community inspire me to continue to create new works of art that stand out and that are unique. I also am inspired by the vast number of artists that are currently in the art community. It is amazing to see new ideas and techniques that other artists are using. Having the ability to see other artist's work always keeps ideas fresh and inspires me to shoot for new things.

Old No. 7
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Procrastination is a terrible word! I have never been much of a procrastinator myself. If I know I have something that needs to be completed, I will make sure that it gets done when it needs to get done. Knowing that there is something on a checklist that needs to be checked off keeps me going. It is impossible for me to relax unless its done!

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

I adhere to a pretty strict schedule. I set certain hours for myself during the week to dedicate to my art. I also try to make sure that I reward myself with the weekend. The weekend is my time to do what I want to and when I want to; it helps me recharge to be creative again during the rest of the week.

Avocado Slice
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I go shopping! I love to go on a shopping trip in order to get 'prop's for a photo shoot to use for future paintings. The grocery store is usually my number one 'idea' place as I love to paint any type of food. But I also love to hit up antique stores and even community 'rummage sales' to find unique items to bring out their character. My last 'prop' shopping trip involved the purchase of various vegetables, children's play marbles, a magic 8 Ball, a yo-yo, and a bottle of wine. I can only imagine what the cashier was thinking.

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

I like to paint things in a different light. For instance, imagine a painting of a pear. Normally, a pear is quite an interesting subject to paint with its color, slight texture, and slightly bumpy appearance. But, I like to take it one step further--- slice it horizontally and stack it back together--- or bake it and drizzle it with maple syrup. Different is the key for me.

Goldfish Lightbulb #3
(click to see original image)

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

Art is an ever-evolving medium. I will never know all there is to know about art--- every day there is something new to learn. If there is something that I have learned from in the past it would be to never take things too seriously. Art is about creativity, expression, and above all else, having fun.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Honestly, the best part about creating my art is the last few moments I have with it--- After someone has given me the honor of being it's new owner. The oil paint has finally dried and one last coat of protective varnish has been applied. I prepare my little painting for it's greatest journey ever--- to a different place in the world, knowing that it should hopefully bring a few smiles at it's final home for years to come.

Thanks, Lauren!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Cecilia Rosslee

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Cecilia's painting, "Late Afternoon Roses" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Cecilia's DPW Gallery page:

Cecilia Rosslee is originally from South Africa where she studied Fine Arts. She has for ten years been publishing her art work on a large range of stationery and has many clients across the world, including Sun International Hotels, Planet Hollywood and many private collectors.

Cecilia now lives in picturesque Carmel, CA with her husband and three wonderful kids, where she is inspired by the natural beauty of the Monterey area and all things French! Her work is inspired by the contrast of warm light against interesting shadows and she works in high quality oil paints on canvas.

Cecilia Rosslee's work reflects scenes from her immediate surroundings, whether it be special object d'art around her, figurative work or beautiful French inspired floral studies.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I think very soon after birth! My entire family is creative, and I just happened to be fortunate enough to have grown up with easels, canvases, sketch boards and pottery wheels around me! I thought the entire world could paint, until I went to school and realized I was the only little girl in class that knew how to paint a river like it really looked and everybody else's... well, let me not comment, but I remember being shocked at the thought that painting wasn't a natural ability for everybody.

Late Afternoon Roses
(click to see original image)

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

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

As it later turned out, I realized that painting might have been the only talent I had! Therefore, I could not afford stops and starts in my painting career! I remember being pregnant, balancing on scaffolding planks, painting Tromp l'oeil images on ceilings for The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, breast feeding my newborn baby onsite, while painting Planet Hollywood at the Waterfront, and I'm still painting everyday, picking my kids up from high school covered in oil paint.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

There is maybe not a thing I haven't tried! Water colors... too unpredictable; acrylics... too quick drying; murals... too labor intensive; landscapes... too bad for words; so I decided to stick to my beloved oils!

Dappled Light
(click to see original image)

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

I guess, like everything else in life, everything works together at the end of the day, and so I have taken something away from everything I have ever set my hands to, and apply it to what I do today. I am so blessed that I have had the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, styles and paint mediums. Also, it helps to know what not to do, and when to stop painting!

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

In my opinion, oil painting is really a science as there are so many different colors to work with and so many millions of combinations to reach. I'm guessing it will take me the rest of my life on this earth to really get to know it all!

Orange Study
(click to see original image)

Who/what inspires you most?

For starters, I love looking at all the new DPW paintings that come up everyday; what a wonderful inspiration to see what all the other artists are up to! But mainly, Ovanes Berberian, Sorolla and Sargent are my ALL TIME FAVES!

What does procrastination look like for you?

Balancing my elbows on the back of my garden chair so as not to shake the camera too much while it's on the longest shutter speed because there are only two more rays of light in the day to capture my daily painting for that night's posting!

French Chair
(click to see original image)

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

Getting dressed in my paint clothes: it kind of reroutes my ADD type personality back to the easel!

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

From pealing potatoes at the kitchen window and catching a glimpse of sunlight through a glass vase in the window sill to going through an old American Artist magazine before falling asleep at night... I guess I find it all around me all day long. When I am having a conversation with someone, I often find myself observing their skin tone, thinking of what colors I would mix to paint their face!

Roostafel
(click to see original image)

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

Going back in time and referring to the old masters is what does it for me.

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

The different degrees of temperature in oil colors and how to juxta position it so as to increase the emotion I want to convey when a viewer looks at my art.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The fact that I am able to use my God given talent to earn money to support myself, my kids and be a blessing to others.

Thanks, Cecilia!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Cathy Engberg

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Cathy's painting, "Morning Joe" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Cathy's DPW Gallery page:

My name is Cathy Engberg and I currently live in the Chicagoland area, painting a slice of everyday
life 'almost' everyday. I’ve loved to draw for as long as I can remember, and being good at it was something I was proud of as a child. As I got older this translated into the love of painting and I’ve had the honor of working with some great teachers.

My artistic path has not been a straight one. There have been a many detours along the way. After 11
years in corporate web development I have once again started to follow my original dream in fine art. As of December 2011 I am painting full time and loving every minute of it.

I have been inspired by many of the masters. I am also inspired by today’s Daily Painters. Working small and often makes complete sense to me and I see my work evolving. I try to post several times a week on my blog “Color Notes” which shows my journey.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I've always had this dream, ever since I was a child, that I was standing at an easel painting a figure. I remember painting each stroke in the dream. I still have similar dreams. I drew a lot as a child. My mother encouraged each of us kids to have a sketch pad and draw during rainy days and on long trips. It wasn't until I was in my mid-30's that I had a chance to take some formal courses in drawing, color and design, oils and watercolor. After my first class, I was immediately hooked and I kept signing up for others. My love for oil painting started during this time.

Morning Joe
(click to see original painting)

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

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

Yes. In the 90's when I was in school, I was not exposed to much direction on how to take your art to the next level and make a living. While I was taking the art courses at the local college, I noticed that some new classes were being offered in a strange new thing called HTML. That's when I started to get involved with computer art, HTML, CSS, JavaScript. I discovered I could earn a paycheck in that field and all my focus went to that for the following 11 years. My major creative outlet during those 11 years was learning photography.

Then I noticed all the incredible paintings that people where selling online. I was so thrilled to see people making it work. I was especially drawn to the daily painters Carol Marine and Karin Jurick. I credit them for inspiring me to come back to what I wanted to do since I was a child.

Mad Dash
(click to see original painting)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I've always been creative even when I wasn't drawing or painting. I enjoyed fiber art and had a rug loom at one time. I would weave rugs and sculpt baskets from collected woods and fibers, and then sell them at local art/craft fairs when my children were small. I've experimented with pencil, charcoal, conte, ink, pastel, oils, and watercolor. More recently, I have found quilting to be another creative outlet that I can do in the evenings. It lets me play with color and contrast which I love so much in painting.

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

Oil is definitely my favorite. I still quilt in the evening and I'll use pencil & charcoal for sketching. I'm still playing with photography because it is related to my paintings. I never thought my photos were complete. I always felt they needed to be painted.

Scratch & Peck
(click to see original painting)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I'm pretty focused on oil painting right now. I just went to the Picasso exhibit at the Art Institute this last weekend and he had done some clay tiles that started a small spark in me. It involved carving through layers of color to develop a design. Hmmm...

Who/what inspires you most?

Color and contrast attract me first. I like to paint happy moments in life, a sip of coffee, or someone relaxing in the sun. My art doesn't have a hidden meaning. It's all about shape and feel.

I'm inspired by many many artists. The list grows every day.

What does procrastination look like for you?

I'm very self motivated. I can get myself into the studio on most days. I found that if I plan my paintings too far in advance then I tend to drag my feet starting them. But if I choose my image on the day I paint it, I'm gold.

Underwater
(click to see original painting)

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

I found it close to impossible to be creative and paint while I was still doing web development. All I could think about was painting so I ended up taking in less and less web work so that I could go into painting full time. I set goals each year and modify them throughout the year depending on how things are going. So far, it's been working well.

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Since I'm interested in everyday moments, ideas are everywhere. I'm living an everyday life! I have my camera with me most times. I use 2 cameras. One is small so it's easier to be subtle while taking photos. The other is larger and allows me to snap quickly and zoom from long distances.

Topsy Turvy
(click to see original painting)

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

I change my painting subjects often. I enter online challenges like the ones on Daily Paintworks. I've also created my own personal challenges on my blog. I finished one recently called The Portrait Project. Choosing the image I paint on the day I paint it keeps things fresh and impromptu.

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

Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. It's my mantra. I tend to get too fussy. I'm always working on this. I'm also working on design. One of my favorite parts of the Picasso exhibit was studying his sketches. He would draw the same motifs over and over and would modify the subject into better design elements. Better shapes. I think this is key to successful composition. Which is a lesson I'll be practicing for a looooong time.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Once in a while, and it doesn't happen on all paintings for me, I hit the absolutely correct value and color and drop it into the shadow. The shadow almost disappears. Happiness is in the shadows for me. This is what I love.

Thanks, Cathy!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Gerard Boersma

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Gerard's painting, "Classic (Coca Cola Can)" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Gerard's DPW Gallery page:

I am a professional artist and have been internationally recognized for over 10 years. I’m a master of acrylics with my own distinctive style of realistic painting. My art is in museums, galleries and private collections worldwide. Paintings were shown alongside some of the biggest names in art history at leading art fairs in Europe and the United States. I live and work in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

As a kid, I first got interested in graffiti. You could say my use of color still stems from this. Later on, I moved from graffiti towards painting because I felt I could say a whole lot more painting than I ever could doing graffiti. After high school, I made a conscious decision to do what I love to do best, no matter what; that was painting. I decided to study to become an art teacher. Got the diploma, but never really did anything with it as I was fortunate enough to paint full time right from the get go.

Classic (Coca Cola Can)
(click to see original image)

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

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

After graduating at art school in 2001, I started painting full time and have never stopped. The only stop I can imagine is when I'm so old I can't physically paint anymore.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I experimented with all mediums and genres during art school. The only exception being oil paint. I can't stand the smell of both the paint and turpentine. Plus, to me, it takes too long to dry.

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

All, except acrylic on masonite. And of course realism as my genre.

Pick And Choose - Painting Of Woman In Bookstore
(click here to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

None. I don't feel the need to explore any new materials nor genres. I'm pretty much settled on realism and acrylic. That's all I need to make the art I like. I do, however, always love to explore my subject matter. That's way more important to me than my materials.

Who or what inspires you most?

Modern people and todays society. I love to paint people on the streets, in public transport, stores and museums, or zoom in on popular brands for my still life paintings. I feel it says a whole lot about who we are, how we see ourselves, interact with each other, or are influenced by modern developments, in many ways. I observe it, enlarge it and paint it. That way, our fast and busy lives are forever captured in a moment. Finally ready to be observed quietly.

Self Portrait With QR Codes
(click here to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Doing the minor things last. I do the important stuff first, every other little thing can wait. That's the only procrastination I do. I love to paint and I can't get to my studio fast enough. Anything that gets in the way or keeps me from doing just that I see as an unwanted form of procrastination that needs to be eliminated fast. Once at my studio, I start painting and don't procrastinate whatsoever. It's just too much fun to waste any time!

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

I'm doing this full time, so I always have time for my art. I love to keep regular hours, almost like a 9-5 job. That feels right to me; plus, the light is best during those hours. As a painter, you have to have self discipline. I like to remind myself that an appointment with myself is just as important as an appointment with somebody else. And I should keep it, but as I love my work, it really isn't an issue to me.

ATM - Street Scene Painting Of Man WIth Bike In Front Of ATM Machine
(click here to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I don't think I ever came up with anything. This might sound strange, but it always just sort of happens. I have the intention to do it and then ideas seem to pop up in my head effortlessly or I happen to see a wonderful scene by accident while taking a stroll, for example. All I have to do is notice it. That's the hard part, noticing it all.

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

I never try to do tomorrow's work today. I like to close the studio door behind me at the end of the day and not think about art for a while. It doesn't always work out that way, but I try. I need enough time for play and relaxation. There's more to life than painting. In my spare time, I try not to look at too many other artists, as I've discovered that when I do, I often (unconsciously) end up trying to paint like they do and not like myself. I also like to take a step back every now and then and look at what I created over the past few months. That's also a good way to keep things vibrant.

Fountainhead - Still Life Painting Of Books By Ayn Rand
(click here to see original image)

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

It's not really learning I guess, but I'm struggling to accept (and at the moment I don't think I'll ever be able to) that art just doesn't have that big of an impact as I believe it used to have on public discourse and society. I'm afraid art is becoming more and more like a show business with its own celebrities, red carpet events and what not. I can't stand it. Art should give people what they need, rather than what they want.

What makes you happiest about your art?

I'm the happiest when somebody tells me my art has had a positive and profound impact on their lives. That's what it's all about.

Thanks, Gerard!

© 2013 Sophie Marine