DPW Spotlight Interview: Celine Yong

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

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

From Celine's DPW Gallery page:

I have a life long passion in drawing and painting. Painting is a joy. I am self taught in art. Since 2004, I have been painting as a partial commitment on every weekend. It's about time for me to go on to next level of painting. I am mostly inspired by beautiful nature for landscape painting with my favorite medium, pastel. But I do enjoy working with watercolor and oil as well.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Making art was always in my heart. I admired artists who create a world with their art. I have been inspired by many creative artists in history. I wished art come would into my life. But starting art was not an easy option for me. I did not have any courage to break out from the intimidation of practicality. While working in odd jobs for many years (more than 10 years actually) and being under stressful conditions, I began thinking what I really wanted to accomplish under my name. After that, I decided to make friends with art because I thought painting was the only thing I liked. So, in 2004, I started to paint on the weekends.

Peace at Noon
(click to see original image)

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

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

Lack of courage and insufficient personal economy were some of the obstacles I faced in making art. When I look back at what I did in the past, time spent running around in the mundane seems so meaningless to me. Thinking of this, as a human being I feel I have a responsibility to make my life meaningful. That is what gets me started again when I face stops and obstacles in my art.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

At an early age, watercolor was the only medium available to me. Around 2004, I started looking for other materials to use. I found pastel which had such luminous and spontaneous color, and were easy to handle compared to other mediums such as oil paint. I love all aspects of pastel: the lightness and sparkling effect. I believe pastel is perfect for landscape and helps to create any kind of mood. I also want to work in watercolor and oil.

Forest of Summer
(click to see original image)

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

At first, I stuck to portraits in photo realism. You need an actual person for modeling except for painting self portrait. I could not afford to secure as many models as I needed and soon discovered that kind of system did not work for me. Sometime later, I found myself inclined to impressionist painting and I moved to landscape. Even though my main subject is landscape, I could see myself someday approaching portraits again, this time with a more impressive manner. I used pastel more than 10 years, for now I alternate oil and pastel.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Usually, I am into landscape, but I wish I could explore a mystical mood so that the viewer can expand their imagination through my art.

Passing By
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you most?

Beautiful nature inspires me always. There are so many places to be explored still. As for contemporary artists, I admire pastelists like Elizabeth Mawry and Susan Ogilvie.

What does procrastination look like for you?

When I find myself procrastinating, I feel guilty. I can not tolerate time being wasted. However, I need to take some time out to be inspired.

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

I admire expressionist style and am always trying to develop it into my own individual style.

Eastern Fall
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

To get a painting idea, I refer to photos I took myself while walking, or hiking, etc. But I don't paint every mountain and valley literally. I call upon my artistic license so that some imaginative variation may be reflected into my work. I really love to paint outside as long as time allows.

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

To keep my art fresh, I change some of my painting manners and techniques. For example, I might change from a soft image to a vibrant subject or from landscape to still life or garden flowers. In that way, I think I will escape from some of the boring repetitiveness that one can fall into. Some times, I browse other artists' works in different genres from my own. Looking at old masters' works and reading about their lives and passion helps me regain my energy to paint.

Dream of Forest 2
(click to see original image)

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

As an artist, I think the art world has some mysteriousness to it. Generally, what you expect would be successful turns out be mediocre or a failure. Failure, to me, means that my art is not satisfying. Reaching for the viewer's heart, moving someone's thoughts, is like learning conversational skills. I communicate with the world with my voice, what I use is visual method. When I pour out spirit and soul into it, the skill will be valuable. The more I paint, the more I learn about life.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Looking at my work, if my hands have not failed me. That makes me smile and happy.

Thanks, Celine!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Nancy Paris Pruden

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

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

From Nancy's DPW Gallery page:

I got a scholarship in the 5th grade along with twenty other students in elementary schools across Ft. Worth, Texas. The scholarship was art instruction twice a week and I was in the program through high school. So by the time I got to college, I knew I wanted to be a professional artist.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started painting at a very early age, maybe ten. I was having a lot of trouble in school because I couldn't read and nobody understood dyslexia in the 50's. Naturally I felt stupid, my ego was shot, but my dear Mother encouraged me to draw and paint. By 5th grade, I finally got some help with reading but art was my refuge.

Sonoma at Sunset
(click to see original image)

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

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

Painting and teaching painting is now my life, but while I was single and then when my children were young I made my living doing illustration and commercial art. My first job after college, I worked as a designer and illustrator for Montag Stationary in Atlanta. In the early 70's, I moved to Houston and started freelancing for Advertising agencies and by the 80's I moved into designing contemporary Texas-style Christmas cards. I sold that company to Nu-Art out of Chicago and thought, "At Last! It's time to Paint!" I still consider painting like desert and become anxious if I don't paint just about every day.

Lake Travis, Austin
(click to see original image)

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

I started out with water color and acrylic but quickly moved to oil. There is nothing like the versatility of oil and I love the saturated color.

Initially, I did portraits but felt I was too tight. Then, I moved into still life and found painting from life invaluable. However, in the last few years landscapes have also occupied much of my time. I don't know if I will ever be good at landscapes but feel that plein air work really pushes me.

Home Grown Oranges
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Texture is something that interests me.

Who or what inspires you most?

Right now I admire Fechin, Quang Ho, and Richard Schmid. However, Sorolla and Sargent continue to knock me out for their elegance of brushwork and design.

Etretat, France with Boats
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Who can be procrastinating when "Time's a Wasting!"

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

Naturally, as an artist, I will never be good enough, but as a teacher, all these years of painting have helped. I have a small art school with a great studio in Houston and teach three days a week during the school year. There is nothing like showing instead of telling a student how to do something, so I am painting while teaching. However, I believe you should not make anyone paint the way you do, so I try to help each artist find their own style.

Hay Bales, Fields of Gold
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings? How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

In the summer, I take groups on painting trips to Europe and Mexico. The small paintings I put on Daily Paintworks are plein air paintings from these trips. Because I had so many years as an illustrator, I can draw, but to paint is something else again.

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

I have always loved drapery studies as a time honored discipline and it's great that they are something I can set up in my studio. They really are just abstract shapes so they have a contemporary feel. I will be having a show of these drapery studies in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico sometime next year.

Thanks, Nancy!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Nikita Sonavadekar

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

To enter to win Nikita's painting, "Marina in Reddington Shores" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.

From Nikita's DPW Gallery page:

My name is Nikita Sonavadekar and I love to paint. I am also a mother of two living with my loving husband in sunny Florida, USA. My goal is to be able to paint everyday, right now I paint as often as I can.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

Love of art has always been there since childhood. At the age of 12, I took up a class for oil painting from a lady conducting a group class. All we did the first day was paint mountains and stop for a whole week. I didn't understand why I had to stop for it to dry, all I wanted to do was just keep painting. Needless to say, I never went back. As a teenager, I stuck with watercolor as a painting medium. In 2008, I started my journey of oils. I was couple of years shy from turning 40 and realized that I had never given up my yearning to learn oil painting. I was ready to embark on this journey.

Marina in Reddington Shores
(click to see original image)

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

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

I went to school for applied arts. So painting was just a hobby, until last year. When I was on vacation with my family and was painting as usual at the hotel pool side, two different individuals said they were interested in buying my work. That was my start. Earlier this year, I started my blog and began sharing my art with the world. I feel blessed to be part of this (almost) daily painting movement.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Mediums other than oil have been watercolor, ink and pen, and poster color. I feel at home with contemporary impressionist style, so with the oil medium, which I love, I am constantly experimenting with color harmony, value and my brushwork, and subject matter.

GMC Truck
(click to see original image)

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

OMG! Hands down oil, I do not know why I waited this long, but as I say there is always a good reason for it. Painting process is always meditative; mixing your oil paint and letting you brush strokes translate your ideas and the vision is very exhilarating. Also sketching more to improve. Other mediums will have to wait.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Maybe pastels and clay for pottery.

Who or what inspires you most?

All past and present impressionist artists always inspire me. Inspiration comes from so many sources. I would love to do more plein-air painting, because that is the closest you can get with nature. Light, color and challenging subject matter can be inspirational.

Boat Buddies
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Not something I would like to really think about. Always working on getting my priorities straight. So many roles one plays in life. Raising a family is my first priority, so juggling life plays a role. I aim to be positive while seeing what needs to be achieved in 24 hours. If things fall through cracks so be it. Is that procrastination? I like to look at my how much my glass is full and being happy with it.

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

Juggling my priorities. Just like eating and sleeping, there is also time for painting now. Having a supportive family plus planning ahead (in my mind) always helps.

Let's Celebrate!!
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Time is always a factor in deciding what I can paint. Live props and plein-air require more planning and usually daylight; even though painting from photographs is not my first choice, most of the time I find myself working from them. While traveling I am always encouraging my husband also to take pictures as they become my reference material. Friends have contributed to my photo collection. Limited time means browsing through it and connecting with one any given day.

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

Being positive about my art and being focused on my journey. The painting process is also like getting in a meditation stage, because you focus on what you want to say and achieve and because of the amount of concentration it takes. Meditation brings a certain calmness in your active mind. Any positive comment, feedback, and sale of a painting always helps. I respect the burnout feeling, because I know there is a shift happening within. I strive to paint often.

Soaking Up the Sun
(click to see original image)

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

Persistence.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The process of painting and my finished work of art.

Thanks, Nikita!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Dwight Smith

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

To enter to win Dwight's painting, "Spoon Holder with Egg" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Dwight's DPW Gallery page:

Inspired by the still life paintings of Wayne Thiebauld, and the collective works of Edward Hopper, this native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, now residing on Florida's West Coast, has been an active watercolor artist since he earned his BFA degree in 1980 from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio.

Dwight finds inspiration for his paintings from his faith in God and his relationship with Jesus Christ, who allows him to see art in ordinary objects that make up our lives everyday. Dwight's paintings and illustrations are in a realist style and most have a narrative story to tell.

When he isn't painting watercolors or creating pen and ink illustrations, Dwight enjoys life with his wife, step son, and Bandit the Boxer.

Original watercolor paintings and pen & ink illustrations are also available in greeting cards and note cards at: http://www.zazzle.com/dsmithoriginalart

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I began painting in junior high school. I painted landscapes mostly using acrylic paint. Always in the realist style. I always enjoyed painting and knew that was what I wanted to do.

Spoon Holder with Egg
(click to see original image)

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

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

Years ago I walked into an art gallery with a portfolio, got representation, and started selling. Life happens and a lot of time passed without painting anything. My wife encouraged me to paint. Once an artist, always an artist is what she says. Along came our first computer and my first web site was born. I really got excited about the possibility of world wide exposure.

Good Location
(click to see original image)

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I love exploring all the possibilities of watercolor but I also enjoy pen & ink from time to time.

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away? Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

After art school, I spent time at an ad agency and realized very quickly this wasn't for me. I shifted to watercolors (self taught, by the way; never being formally trained in art school with this medium) because I liked the look and feel of it on paper. After college, I threw out all other mediums to paint with. Literally, I threw them out. I love watercolors.

Balance and Grace
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you?

My family inspires me. Food inspires me a great deal. My dog. I inherited being a foodie from my parents.

I use food as main themes in my still life watercolors. I like humor mixed in. Why does everything have to be so serious? Also, light and shadow. I think every artist says that inspires them, and it is true.

What does procrastination look like for you? What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

It isn't self procrastination that keeps me from painting. It 's life and all the other small stuff that keeps me from painting. That's frustrating. No specific technique, nothing is written in stone. I grab whatever time I can to paint. My wife says whether five minutes or an hour, it all counts.

The Spaten Nest
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Ideas come from my surroundings and how I was raised. My family and I brainstorm a lot. I grew up on the east coast of Maryland near the Atlantic Ocean. My parents, brother and I would fish, clam, garden, and even drive to the surrounding states just to get good food and or eat. My parents would hear of an orchard hours from where we lived and we would drive there just for that. Food was very important. I realized not too long that food was going to be my main theme in most of my work.

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

'Fresh' to me is not becoming a 'themed artist'. I can't paint the same topic over and over again.

Milk and Cookies
(click to see original image)

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

I am more relaxed now than thirty years ago. In the past, it seemed to be how accurate I could come to replicating an object. Now, I feel it is spiritual. It's fun and freeing to be able to put an idea on paper.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Comments from viewers. A sale :) My wife says, seeing art in card form. She loves greeting cards. :)

Thanks, Dwight!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Michael Teel

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

To enter to win Michael's painting, "Happy Painting" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Michael's DPW Gallery page:

I'm the Creative Director for Progressity, Inc., a marketing company in Charleston, WV. I was born in Brooklyn, NY. but grew up in West Virginia.

I'm a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I've been married to my lovely wife, Elizabeth, for over 18 years. I have four children, two that live with me (Suzanna and Madeline) and two that are adults (Chasity and Michael). I worked in the Washington DC area for over 16 years for a Fortune 500 company as an Art Director/Senior Designer.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

My “re-birth” began about 2 years ago. I’ve always dabbled here and there throughout the years, but when I turn the big 50, I decided it was time to get serious about it. Kind of a “now or never” mindset.

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

As mentioned above, I’ve had an on and off career. I worked for awhile as a free lance illustrator in the Washington, DC area. I’d get the painting bug and have a few months where I would work. Then, feeling satisfied, I’d decide to take a few days off. Before I knew it, it would be a few months off. Once a year I’d take a workshop to get my juices going. That was one of the great values of living near the nation’s capitol, the variety of workshops available.

Happy Painting
(click to see original image)

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

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I was a big watercolor guy for years. Most of my illustration work was watercolor. Very tight rendering though. Not your typical lose, free flowing watercolor style. Most of the freelance work I was doing was for science and educational magazines, so lots of detail work.

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

Well, I’d like to “unstick” the tight, need to be precise type work I used to do. I think I suffer like a lot of new painters do, overworking my paintings. Since starting with oils a few years ago, I’ve gotten better at it. But I have a long way to go. In some ways I feel like I’m starting over, starting from scratch with oils. Trying to paint in a “painterly” manner. I know what I want my work to look like, I’m just working hard to get there.

Field of Flowers
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I’m always striving for the “less is more” philosophy. I’m a web and print designer by trade, and that’s always been my modus operandi. I just keep plugging away and taking my time as I paint. I think what happens to me as I’m painting is I tend to get lost in the moment and forget my goals of simplicity and definitive brush strokes. Oh well, hopefully I’ll have at least another 30 years to work on that.

Who or what inspires you most?

Well, Carol Marine inspired me to take up the painting a day blog. Though, mine have been more like “painting a day, then one month off blog”. I like to search the internet for other artist’s work. I’m a big fan of some of the illustrators from the Golden Age of Illustration like Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth. I also like the regionalist painters from the mid 20th century.

Bird with Flowers
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I have a great wife and two lovely daughters at home, so sometimes I use them as an excuse to not paint. Right now I’m getting ready to exhibit some work locally, so I’ve been busy building homemade frames to display my work in. Once I get through this week I’ll be able to start up my blog again, which by the way, I’ve re-titled “Michael Teel’s nearly 2 paintings a week blog”. And, I’m already behind.

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

I have to begin right after I get home from work or right after dinner. Being a Dad, I sometimes need to help with my daughter’s school projects. See, there’s that procrastination thing again.

Evening Rain
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

For my small blog paintings, I’ve been collecting items at second-hand stores and keeping them in my studio. I’ll just grab a few things and start moving them around. I also recently discovered fabric swatch books at the local thrift shop. These books are great for helping with color choices. I just pull the books apart and use them as backdrops or set my items on them. For my larger pieces, I just have ideas come to me as I’m day dreaming or just driving around town with my camera.

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

I like to Google other artists to see the possibilities. I haven’t quite found my “niche” yet, so I’m constantly searching for my way.

Puppy Dog Tails
(click to see original image)

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

Patience and perseverance. I once read an article about a famous artist. She stated in the interview that she “loved having completed the work, but hated the process”. Painting can be an emotional rollercoaster. How I feel about myself as an artist is based on the last painting I just completed. If it turned out nice, I feel great. If it turned out poor, I think I’m not getting anywhere with my work and I need to do something different. Hopefully my ride will be less bumpy as I get better.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Seeing a finished piece and knowing that I did my best. But also knowing that I’ll only get better the more I work.

Thanks, Michael!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Kristy Tracy

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

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

From Kristy's DPW Gallery page:

My mother used to say I was born with a box of crayons in my hand. I've been an artist all my life, quickly graduating from crayons to finger paints, then watercolor, acrylics, and oils. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee (with that box of crayons clutched tightly in my wee little fist), received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Colorado in Boulder, lived and worked as an artist for the past 22 years in Palmer, Alaska, and recently transplanted to the delightful town of Prescott, Arizona. Wherever I live, I find inspiration for my art in the scenery, wildlife, history, and culture of my surroundings.

I'm a recent convert to daily painting. After many years of laboring over large, detailed paintings, trying to create what I thought others might like (with little success), I find painting smaller and quicker a very freeing way to paint. Now I paint for the sheer joy of the creative experience... kinda like back when crayons were my preferred medium.

I love color. I love movement. I love light. If I can combine those three things in a painting, I'm a happy painter.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

My earliest memories include coloring books and finger painting. My parents recognized I had some talent, so when I was a teenager they enrolled me in classes with an internationally known Memphis artist, Paul Penczner, who taught me the old world approach to painting. I went on to earn a BFA from the University of Colorado. My art took a detour when I became a craft designer for several years. After moving to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska in 1989, I continued to do freelance design work while raising my family.

I was inspired to return to painting by the story books I read my little children before bedtime. I began creating whimsical watercolors of Alaskan animals doing Alaskan things. This morphed into a commissioned series of acrylic murals for a pediatric dentist office and, voila! I had found a niche I was comfortable with. After moving to Arizona in 2011, I had the opportunity to take a workshop with Dreama Tolle Perry and Leslie Saeta in Pasadena. That experience brought about a paradigm shift in my art. I switched to oils and began practicing a more painterly approach to my work. This is the vortex in which I now reside.

Pumpkin Patch
(click to see original image)

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

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

Sure. During one season of my life I got so burned out on large, intricate paintings that I didn't paint anything unless I had a commission for it. Now I paint almost every day, but life gets in the way sometimes, and a week or two (or three) will go by without a brush stroke. It's hard, because I tend to let painting take a back seat to family. And housework. And sleeping. And the dog.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I've used oils, watercolor, pen and ink, acrylics, pastels and graphite. I've done everything from large, realistic wall murals to spot illustration. I had some fun with abstract art in college, along with printmaking, jewelry making, and mosaics. I've done graphic design and illustration. Recently I've been experimenting with a more painterly, impressionistic style.

Pink Towel
(click to see original image)

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

As far as mediums go, my all-time favorite go-to's are oils, acrylics and watercolors. My early mentor, Paul Penczner, thought it important an artist should be able to draw and paint any subject the way it actually looked. Having served in the Hungarian army alongside the Nazis, he didn't seem to care that it was "The Seventies" and art was supposed to be open to interpretation. He rallied past my creative sensitivities to lay a solid foundation of Realism for me to build upon. To tell you the truth, I will always be grateful for that.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

Actually, I'm helping organize the Great Alaska Plein Air Retreat in June 2014. I'm not really a plein air painter, so I'm basically jumping in with both feet. It's going to be a week-long event with a great group of featured artists and guest instructors. We're traveling from Vancouver, BC to Whittier, Alaska aboard the Island Princess with Princess Cruises, stopping along the way to paint. There is no sign-up limit, and it's open to non-artists, too, so it should be a wonderful chance to meet and paint and learn with other artists from all over the country. Here's a couple of links with more information: http://pleinairalaska.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GreatAlaskanPleinAirRetreat

Tally in the Snow
(click to see original image)

Who or what inspires you most?

I like whimsical fantasy, such as the artists of the Golden Age of Illustration, especially N. C. Wyeth, Arthur Rackham and Charles Robinson. My favorite subject matter is animals. And people. And animals acting like people. I 'm also enjoying exploring all things Arizona.

What does procrastination look like for you?

My dog.

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

Having a place where I can leave out whatever I'm working on makes all the difference between painting or putting it off. I don't have a studio, so I use a space in our family room downstairs . I keep all my art supplies on shelves within easy reach. I have a long workspace/desk where my latest project is always waiting. A great technique for me is a goal or a deadline. Right now I'm doing Leslie Saeta's 30-Paintings-in-30-Days Challenge. Also, selling a painting always inspires me to make time to paint.

Arizona Cottontail
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

I draw a lot of inspiration from the human and the animal world. It's just more fun for me to paint something with a personality. I like to anthropomorphize animals (Say that fast 5 times!). In my imagination, a dog isn't just hanging out the window in the car next to me. He's wearing a fighter pilot helmet, scarf and goggles, pretending he's a World War I flying ace. Holidays inspire me. And the magical, whimsical, pretend world of children is a wonderful place to find ideas.

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

I keep art "fresh" by trying new subjects, new techniques, or new products. Painting with other artists whose work I admire always challenges and stretches me. Taking a workshop from a professional artist I admire is advantageous, too. I actually experienced a huge burnout about 3 years ago. After many years laboring over large, detailed paintings, trying to paint what other people would like or buy, I was ready to quit. Then I discovered the Daily Paintworks concept of painting quicker and smaller. It changed my whole approach to painting. Now I really enjoy painting. I'm less attached to my work because I don't take it so seriously. And I learn as much painting small as I did painting large, with less investment. It's a very freeing thing for someone like me who had burnout.

Muleheaded
(click to see original image)

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

I'm trying to learn to control color and light better. And to loosen up and not be so tight. And how to market myself online.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Making other people happy.

Thanks, Kristy!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Jane Palmer

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

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

From Jane's DPW Gallery page:

Hi, My name is Jane. I live in a small village near Ruthin, North Wales, UK. I bought my first set of oil paints in June 2010, and I haven't stopped painting since! I enjoy painting small still life subjects from life. Most of my daily paintings are 7x5 or 6x6 inches, but I have recently started painting larger works and hope to paint a lot more larger works in the future.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I started painting a few years ago, but it wasn't until 2011 that I would really class myself as a painter. I did a lot of artwork at high school to build up a portfolio that got me into art college where I spent three years studying Art/Design crafts specializing in glass. I then started my own business and worked as a stained glass artist for over 10 years.

Due to health problems in my early thirties, I had to give up my glass business. Having been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition and waiting for a second surgery on my hip I started painting with acrylics to pass the time. In June 2010, I bought my first set of oil paints and I loved them. I had my hip surgery in September 2010 and while recovering is when I really started painting a lot. By the following year, I was painting almost daily. My decision to become a full time painter came in early 2011 after I entered a competition as a professional artist rather than an amateur. My painting was selected for exhibition and I haven't looked back since.

Apple and Pear
(click to see original image)

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

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

As my painting career only started a couple of years ago I haven't had any stops as of yet apart from the odd week off.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Before starting with oil, I did do quite a bit with acrylics. My acrylic paintings were mostly folk arty and a lot of mixed media was used on them including adding paper and cloth collage, stitching and buttons. I also did a few semi-abstract textured landscapes. Over the years I have used many mediums from pencil/coloured pencil, watercolour, pen and ink, and pastels. I hadn't painted a still life since art college until I started painting with oils.

Lemon Coke
(click to see original image)

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

Oils and still life have definitely stuck. I loved using oils straight away and I like the simplicity of still life. I still do a few folk art paintings when I have the time. Watercolour is the one thing I have given up on totally. I have to admit I am hopeless at watercolour!

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I have recently started to drive again so I am looking forward to getting out and about more and doing some local landscapes around North Wales.

Who or what inspires you most?

Hmm that's a hard one, but I think I would have to say the colour of nature inspires me most at the moment. Before I started painting, a plum was just a plum. Now, I see all the fantastic colours in just one plum and it makes me want to paint it.

Strawberry on Cloth
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Lol, Facebook and Twitter!

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

As painting is now my job, I feel I have to make time for it. It's great being my own boss though, so I don't have strict painting times. With my pain condition and bad hips, I have had to learn to pace myself and take lots of breaks. I tend to deal with sales and packaging and other day to day jobs in the mornings, then I have the rest of the day to paint.

Egg #4
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

For my still life paintings my ideas really come from whatever is around me at the time. If I see a lovely looking pear in the shop or Mum is baking scones or at this time of year I go down to my Dads garden and see what fruit or vegetable is ready to be picked and painted.

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

I think I have avoided burn out so far as a painter as I am still learning so much with each painting. I very rarely use reference photos, I prefer to paint from life so I spend quite a lot of time setting things up and changing things around. I have recently been trying out how different types of brushes add a different texture to my paintings' finish. Even though I have painted the same subjects many times, I haven't tired of them as each apple or pear or whatever is different. I like the imperfections on each fruit or vegetable that makes them unique, I even like the little stickers on them that most people take no notice of.

Glass Marbles
(click to see original image)

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

I am still learning a lot about colour mixing. I am learning to have more patience and not rush things.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The many people from all over the world who have purchased a painting and left fantastic feedback makes me very happy as without them, I would not be able to do what I do as a career. Also the great comments I receive via Daily Paintworks, my Facebook page, and my blog make me smile every day.

Thanks, Jane!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Fred Schollmeyer

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

To enter to win Fred's painting, "Ivory Iris" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing his interview.

From Fred's DPW Gallery page:

Fred Schollmeyer has been painting professionally since 1989. He holds a degree in Art Education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and has studied art at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He recently retired from teaching Elementary and Middle School art after thirty years.

Fred has received numerous awards including “Best of Show,” People’s Choice Awards,” and “Purchase Awards”. His work has been featured in the “Top 50” juried exhibition at the Missouri State Fair. Airbrush Action magazine published his work in its April 1997 issue. In 2004, he became a “Signature Member’ of the Missouri Watercolor Society. From 2008 through 2012, his work has been featured in the prestigious Watercolor USA Exhibit in Springfield, Missouri. In 2008, he became a member of the Watercolor Honor Society. In 2012, his painting “Survivors” was featured in the National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Best of America Exhibit in Bolivar, Missouri. His work is included in collections throughout the USA and Europe.

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I’m one of those people that started producing art as a child. My parents would save grocery bags for me so I could produce craft projects. Drawing and coloring was always something important to me growing up. I attended a small rural high school which only offered one art class. My history notebooks in high school were covered in doodles. While in college I became very enthused about painting. My painting professor had been a student of Thomas Hart Benton.

Ivory Iris
(click to see original image)

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

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

When my children were small in the 1980’s I painted very infrequently. With my teaching career and small kids at home there was very little extra time. As my kids grew older I became very careful about my free time. It sometimes meant working only a half hour per week on an artwork. One painting would take several months to complete.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I was first captivated by conventional oil representational art. I found the conventional brush to be somewhat limiting, however. I also produced some traditional watercolors. Once again I felt limited with the process. At one point I became enamored with abstract art.

Laid to Rust
(click to see original image)

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

Today I almost exclusively paint acrylic using the airbrush for color application. I still paint occasionally with watercolors. However, the majority of paint in that medium is also applied with airbrush. I know the airbrush is a non-traditional tool in fine art. At one time it was a major instrument for commercial art processes. Chuck Close and the Photo Realists of the 1970’s were some of the first to use the airbrush in fine art processes.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I would like to include non representational elements into my representational paintings. For example, a realistic figure with an abstract background. I would also like to continue my exploration of different subject matter. It seems for me a subject that works well and is commercially accepted becomes a series of paintings of the same subject. Sometimes artists tend to stay in their comfort zone because of this. I want to explore subjects that are uncommon for most artists.

Who or what inspires you most?

I live in a rural area known as the “Foothills of the Ozarks”. The landscape for the most part is unchanged. Rural homes and barns that have weathered the elements for years are very inspiring to me. I also look for inspiration in such diverse mediums as comic books, vinyl album covers and art magazines. As I mentioned earlier the Photo Realism movement continues to influence my work.

In the Eye of the Cat
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

For me, I tend to avoid working if I can’t develop a concept for a painting. Sometimes this can keep me from my studio for some time. I’ve recently developed the philosophy that as long as you’ve conceived the idea in your mind then you should go with it. If it fails then at least you’ve been painting. The only thing wasted is time and a few drops of paint. The business end of the profession is always time consuming and can cause one to delay painting. I try to limit the business processes to a certain amount per day. It might seem difficult to believe but sometimes while I wait for the paint to dry I do small business related activities like apply for shows & sign prints.

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

I try to develop the concept for a piece the night before or in the morning. This includes taking photos and doing rough sketches. I usually finalize the drawing around noon. I then mix paint and start painting. My favorite time to paint is mid afternoon to late evening. I try to keep this schedule as regimented as possible. If I follow this schedule I am usually productive.

A Couple of Snowbirds
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

My ideas come in different ways. I might see a freshly baled hay field at dusk. I usually grab my camera and set off to take reference photos. I might find a unique 1960’s toy at a flea market. Soon I’m setting up the toy in a still life. I’ve developed as an artist to the point that I am continually thinking of possible painting ideas.

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

Seeing the finished painting keeps me going. After the completion of a piece I start conceiving the next one. I’m also continually looking for new sources of inspiration. Viewing art websites and browsing my library of artist books keeps me continually striving to keep my work interesting. I feel it’s my responsibility to keep my artwork developing to new heights. I’m perfectly aware that painting an inferior piece is part of the game plan. If unsatisfied with a painting I stick it in the archives and forget it. It is then time to move on.

Keep Your Eye On the Ball
(click to see original image)

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

I still feel I am continuing to develop as an artist in numerous ways. Composition and color theory are foremost in my mind at the present time. I am constantly looking at improving these two elements. It might involve mixing colors in a different way or pushing the focal point in a composition to a different location.

What makes you happiest about your art?

Seeing the actual finished artwork is one of the most enjoyable experiences associated with the painting process. A customer with a happy expression after purchasing a piece of art at an art fair is always satisfying. Reading a positive comment from a DPW viewer is another thing that excites me about my work.

Thanks, Fred!

© 2013 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Pat Fiorello

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

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

From Pat's DPW Gallery page:

Pat Fiorello is a professional artist who especially enjoys capturing the beauty and energy of nature in her paintings. She is known for her romantic paintings of landscapes, gardens and florals and paints in both oils and watercolor.

Pat shares,"as an artist, I have 3 primary intentions: to continue the lifelong process of developing and growing as an artist, to create paintings that are exquisite, elegant and luscious, and to inspire others."

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

It’s probably not your typical artist’s story. I had given up on art in the 3rd grade. My teacher was always yelling at me to clean up the paints. I didn’t like being yelled at, so every Monday I would pretend to be sick so I did not have to go to school. After a few weeks my mother and homeroom teacher figured out that I was avoiding on Monday was art class.

Fast forward many years later to age 35, I was a corporate Marketing VP. On one particular day, which was a real low point, I had a talk with my boss about my frustrations. He gave me some great advice, “you can’t control work or men, so you need something else in your life - something that replenishes you no matter what’s going on at work or with your relationships." Basically he was telling me to “get a life." I had no idea what that would look like but was open to discovering what that would be for me.

Shortly after that, I was on vacation at Canyon Ranch Spa and took a one-hour painting class, just to do something different. My first painting looked like what I call “refrigerator art” - it could very well have been on someone’s refrigerator door under a magnet since it looked like a 3rd grader had done it. But painting was fun and magical and I was hooked. I came home and started taking classes on weekends and at night after work and within a couple of months, still not knowing what I was doing, I signed up to go on a workshop in Provence. That immersion into painting really ignited my passion for painting. That was about 18 years ago. I still continued working, and studying whenever I could with excellent artists and teachers. About 11 years ago, I left the corporate world to pursue my passion for painting full time and I’ve been painting and teaching others to paint ever since.

Beyond the Poppies
(click to see original image)

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

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

Once I started painting, my involvement only deepened with each passing year.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

Initially, I started out with watercolor and kept with that exclusively for about 10 or so years. Then I expanded into oils. I continue to do both and have worked to develop my skills in both areas with a goal of being equally facile and confident in either medium. Occasionally, I do both on the same day, which can be a challenge switching my painting process from dark to light and light to dark in the same day.

Hydrangeas & Silver
(click to see original image)

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

Oil and watercolor are the only two mediums I actively use. I have tried pastels and acrylic and really didn’t enjoy either as much as I do oils and watercolor. I definitely prefer handling a brush to pastel sticks or pencils.

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

At this point, I am interested in developing mastery in painting in my chosen mediums. I do not anticipate expanding into other mediums. I like to focus. Not to mention the practical issue of no more room in the studio for supplies required by another medium.

Who or what inspires you most?

Beauty. My favorite subjects are flowers and landscapes that contain a bit of architecture. I love looking for dramatic light and shadow.

Lake Como View
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

Getting distracted by the computer and the list of things on my to do list. Sometimes I feel the need to get a few things off my plate and off my mind before I can have a clear head to concentrate fully on painting.

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

I block days on my calendar for painting. Just like making an appointment for a doctor or haircut, I make appointments to paint on my calendar. Usually, on Mondays I do marketing and other activities related to my art business. Tuesdays I teach and prepare for upcoming classes. Then I have Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays painting and maybe one day of the weekend. I average 4 days painting/week. It’s not as rigid as it sounds, but I shoot for this and then when travel or other activities conflict, I reevaluate and see where I can swap out days so that painting time is not compromised.

Daffodil Days
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

Visual inspiration that I see in the places I go. Whether it’s travel to Italy or France where I teach workshops or the local botanical garden or my own garden, I am always on the lookout for a good composition and great light and shadow.

I work both en plein air and in my studio.

Sometimes I do set up still lifes in my studio and will start with one particular type of flower or ceramic piece and build from there.

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

From time to time, I will start work on a new series. I go thru all my photos for that subject, select maybe the top 20 that would make great paintings, print them out 8 x 10 and put them in plastic sleeves in a loose-leaf binder. This way when I’m ready to paint, I have pre-screened possible subjects that I know I love and can happily choose from that group without having to reinvent the wheel everyday in search of what to paint. Sometimes, I’ll pick something out the night before so I am excited to get up the next day and get started.

Also, taking an occasional workshop helps re-energize me.

I even have taken workshop in related areas - like flower arranging - to open my mind to the possibilities of new sources of inspiration.

Tuscan Corner
(click to see original image)

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

I have been working on color and brushstrokes in oils. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to study with Russian Impressionist Ovanes Berberian in France. I am interested in learning more about depicting light and shadow thru color temperature.

Also, this year, I have been working on a book which has just been printed entitled “Bella Italia, Italy through the Eyes of an Artist” which contains over 80 of my paintings of Italy. How to go about putting together a book and the technical issues involved in preparing art to be printed was a big learning curve for me. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to the printer to color proof the book on press and got to see how books are printed and assembled which was very interesting. You can see more about the book on patfiorello.com/bella-italia.

What makes you happiest about your art?

The magic of painting - it blows me away to think that you can basically put down shapes of color and value in such a way that it communicates something to someone else.

I also love doing commissions that are a special gift for someone. It is very satisfying to be part of the process of creating something meaningful for someone to give to someone they love.

Thanks, Pat!

© 2013 Sophie Marine