DPW Spotlight Interview: Evan Wilson

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

What did you want to be growing up?

To be honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I did have an answer prepared for when people would ask me. I always said that I wanted to be a brain surgeon. I think I came up with that answer because it was the most complicated career path I could imagine and I wanted to impress people.

When did your artistic journey begin?

My artistic journey began when I was a child. I still have drawings from when I was seven years old, so at least as far back as that. Luckily, my parents saved all of my art from when I was that young and it’s fun to look back and see what I came up with at that age.

12am
(click to view)

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

Did you have long periods without creative expression?

I’ve never really had a time in my life for more than a few months when I wasn’t creating something. Throughout my childhood, teenage years, and up until now, I’ve always done something creative. I’m not happy unless I’m creating something and that's always been the case.

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

I really gravitate towards oil paint more than anything. I also really enjoy looking at drawings and charcoal but my heart is always drawn to oil paint. The texture that oil paint can also create adds something very appealing that I don’t find with other mediums. I think that paintings of interiors and nocturne paintings really strike me the most. I’m not super interested in sculptures!

Storefront
(click to view)

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

It’s a fun process! My taste changes and evolves the more art I look at, and I love incorporating different elements I discover into my paintings. Having been painting for only a few years means that I am still pinpointing my personal style but I know what I like to paint (and how) and I know what I don’t like, and that’s important.

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

I really admire Richard Claremont at the moment. There is something very captivating about his style that draws you in and keeps you there. His style makes you think that what you are looking at is the spirit of the subject, not the form. Details are blurred, edges are fuzzy, and shapes are distorted. It all makes sense though and I never get tired of looking.

Passing Sun
(click to view)

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

Start painting now and don’t wait until you’re older.

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

I am always looking at art whether it’s on Instagram or Pinterest, and I usually am finding art that inspires me. Looking at beautiful art usually keeps me on my feet. Going to art stores to browse painting supplies also helps since I always want to buy new material and start new paintings.

Midnight Oil 2
(click to view)

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

Usually going to the gym and/or waiting until the next day makes me feel better. Feelings are fleeting and just knowing things will feel different tomorrow and in a week from now helps.

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

I don’t have any long term goals. My short term goal is to create art that I love and that people love. As long as I’m doing that, I’m good.

Drugs
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success to me means doing what I want. If I have the freedom to do what I want then I am succeeding. Success is not a goal, it’s a process.

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

One of my proudest moments is when I sold my first painting. That feeling doesn’t come twice, but each sale is definitely a proud moment.

Cold Beer
(click to view)

Thanks, Evan!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: John Wallie

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

From John'a DPW Gallery Page:

I’m an acrylic artist based in Ohio. I’ve been painting since 2013.

What did you want to be growing up? 

Many things. I wanted to be a magician, a ventriloquist, a professional chess player, to name a few. Primarily though, I ended up wanting to be a professional game designer. I released many free games online through my teen years. I would make the graphics for the games myself, so in addition to being a hobbyist game designer, I was also what you might call a "digital painter."

When did your artistic journey begin?

Early childhood. I've been using pens and pencils to draw things on paper for about as long as I can remember.

Sliced Tomatoes and Vegetables
(click to view)

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

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

I don't think I've ever had long periods without creative expression. I always find something to keep myself from being bored. There was one time I had no canvases or painting panels left so I came up with the idea to use paper mache to "sculpt" a tortoise and then I painted that.

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

My favorite medium is acrylic paint. With acrylics I can mix any color I want and the cleanup process is easy. I also like to use alcohol markers, pens & pencils for sketches. 

My favorite genre in painting is impressionism. An impressionist painting for me is about escapism. Impressionist paintings act as windows that you can look through to see a world that is similar to the one you live in but different enough to be a fascinating new experience for your eyes. This is why hyper-realism, while it is a very skillful and respectable genre, does not appeal to me as much as impressionism.

I've experimented in abstract painting as well and never got too far. For me it seemed important to strike a balance between reality and abstraction, and impressionism is the best balance I've found.

Edge of Woods at Evening
(click to view)

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

To find my personal style I try to experiment by painting a variety of different subjects and simultaneously using new tools & techniques. Sometimes I see interesting effects in paintings by other artists and I'll try to reproduce those same effects in my own work. One question I always try to ask myself before I start a painting is, "Does this subject bore you?" and if the answer is "Yes," then I know not to waste my time painting it. You should only paint something if it looks interesting to you.

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

There are many artists who inspire me. Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Theodore Clement Steele. It's exciting to see how some of these first impressionists could simplify what they were observing in nature in order to put it onto canvas in the form of paint.

Scissors and Yarn
(click to view)

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

Don't paint objects. Paint the shadows and the effects of light.

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

At the end of every day I write a "to do" list of things I want to accomplish for the next day. I place this list in a prominent place where I will see it frequently.

Macaw II
(click to view)

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

When facing obstacles I remind myself to "Do your best, and let God do the rest." (Quote taken from Mr. T) 

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

I've only ever done plein air painting in Ohio, which is the state I live in. Eventually I'd like to go to some of the other states and create a bunch of plein air paintings while going around the country. My short term goals are usually just do a painting every day, or at least every other day.

Lemons and Metal Pots
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

There are two important successes I strive for. Number one is to create a painting that I'm happy with. Number two is to earn a living through my artwork.

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

I have no singular proud moment. Many of my paintings turn out to be failures, so when I complete one that I'm happy with, you might call it a proud moment.

Thanks, John!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Sachi Yoshimoto

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

From Sachi's DPW Gallery Page:

Sachi Yoshimoto is a Tokyo based self-taught artist who works mainly in oil medium. She loves the warmth that the medium gives to her work. 

Artistically inclined from a young age, Sachi has worked diligently to bring her art to life. In 2013, after years of amateur work, Sachi decided to pursue her art wholeheartedly. 

Sachi’s style of work is “true-to-life,” focusing on the breath she finds in organic and inorganic objects. Her vision is to bring life into the objects she’s attracted to in everyday life. 

Apart from regular art commissions, Sachi often donates certain pieces and commission profits to animal charities she loves.

Like her art, Sachi continues to evolve and improve. Her ultimate aim is to have her artistic journey make everyone's life a little brighter. (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

I’ve always loved drawing, but I really had no clue what I wanted to be…

When did your artistic journey begin?

It began when I was 5 years old. I used to go to a kid's art class at my best friend’s house where her mother was teaching. Since I was a quiet child, I really loved the peaceful atmosphere. Thanks to my mom who kept my paintings for decades! If you’re interested, you can see them on my website, in ‘about’ category.

Two Apples
(click to view)

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

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

Yes. My creative urge faded away after graduating from college since life got busy with full time office work.

One day in my early 40’s, I saw a pastel artist on TV and I felt like taking the class in order to get some fresh air. After joining the class, my passion for art slowly came back.

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

I gravitate toward oils. The richness of the colors, how it looks, and how I can manage the texture, I love everything about oil paintings. Currently I enjoy painting still life and seascapes/landscapes. 

In the Sunlight
(click to view)

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

I had no clue about my style or voice for years until I built quite a good amount of work, so just paint, paint and paint. Repetition is the key.

Technically, I paint most of my paintings with Alla Prima (wet on wet) to keep the fresh and spontaneous look. I find a painting knife very useful to express lights and energetic movements in nature. 

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

I truly admire Issac Levitan (1860-1900) who was a classical Russian landscape painter. It’s hard to explain why I’m drawn to his paintings, I just need to get some tissues before looking at his masterpieces.

Beyond Space and Time
(click to view)

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

Do what you love, don’t compare yourself to others, if you need any advice, ask someone who’s already accomplished your goal, just keep going and have fun!

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

Just get started. The rest will take care of itself. Setting a panel and planning what to paint for the next day helps.

Cheery Cherries
(click to view)

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

Play some good music and dance! Change the energy as quickly as possible. I can have a pity party once in a while, but don’t stay there so long. Just set a small (for me 5x7”) panel on my easel, and paint anyway. 

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

For both short and long term goals, I’d like to challenge new things, take lessons, and enter art shows in order to improve and evolve.

Reaching a bigger audience is another one, so that my future fans could find my paintings.

In addition to the above, if I could have my own art studio, it will be super fantastic!

Neutral
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Besides seeing red dots on my paintings :), if I could capture the beauty of nature on canvas and brighten up your day with my art, I would call it a success.

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

This past summer, when I saw a lot of my paintings all at once on the floor, I was proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I’m so grateful for my gift and the circumstance that I get to do what I truly love.

And the moment when I got this DPW spotlight news. Thank you so much for your support and this wonderful opportunity DPW!

Together in Peace
(click to view)

Thanks, Sachi!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Jamie Wick

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Jamie's painting "Sunset Study #9" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Jamie's DPW Gallery Page:

Since I was little I have always loved to observe things and imagine how I would recreate the light, color, texture and movement. But I never actually attempted to until High School. I wasn’t very good at it, but loved learning all of the different mediums and techniques. I quickly grew a passion for it and for better understanding what I was capable of. (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to be a fashion designer or work in advertising. Instead, I now do accounting full time with art as my hobby. I look forward to retiring when I can focus on art full time.

Sunset Study #9
(click to view)

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

When did your artistic journey begin?

I have always loved creating, but don’t know that I was good at it. When I was in High School, I had an art teacher that I had adored. She made me feel that I had potential and I really wanted to please her so I worked harder. I made sure that I was in her class all four years. 

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

I would say all through my twenties I had lost touched with my passion and didn’t feel I was good enough to continue with it. I remember my husband at the time really loved ducks and was an ambassador for a duck foundation. I had drawn him a picture of a duck which in turn, he had donated to an auction for that foundation. At the time, I was upset that he donated his gift, but then I had seen people start bidding on the drawing and the dollar amount it ended up generating made me feel a sense of accomplishment and that I was possibly good enough. I have been pushing myself and challenging myself ever since.

The Reliance
(click to view)

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

I use acrylics from time to time, but I have always loved charcoals and pastels. The idea and feel of moving pigment with my hands on the paper. I have tried watercolors a few times, but I don’t find I get the deep contrast in values that I love and the medium seems a lot less forgiving so I tend to stay away from it. I love pushing the colors found in landscapes that typically go unseen and there is something so fun about birds that I love to paint them as well. 

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

A lot of trial and error and something I still feel I am continuously working at.

Untitled
(click to view)

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

Teresa Saia is one of my most favorite pastelists because of the risks she takes with her bold colors and lighting. I was fortunate enough to take a workshop from her a few years ago and will always value what I had taken away from it.

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

Don’t let the fear of failure stop you. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

Snow Geese on Sunday
(click to view)

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

This is definitely not something I am good at and am easily distracted. I do find myself more creative on rainy days where I can light some candles and make myself cozy.

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

I will typically set it aside and work on something else. I feel that if I look at it long enough I can see what it is that is bothering me about it and I can make the changes I need.

Motionless Glow
(click to view)

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

I have been really trying to show my art more in shows and galleries. My long term goal is to teach art in small class settings.

What does success mean to you personally?

I personally value a sense of accomplishment whether that's finishing up a piece that has taken me a while or that I have struggled with or by being accepted into a juried show that I was really hoping to participate in.

A Light in the Dark
(click to view)

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

I would say recently I had participated in a two-day art festival. I went the extra mile this time in making my booth and display look creative and professional. I was very proud of the outcome and had nearly sold out on the first day of the show.

Thanks, Jamie!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Rina Lubov

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

From Rina's DPW Gallery Page:

Rina Lubov lives in California with her husband, beautiful two kids, dog and bunny. Originally from Russia, educated in LA, NY and Florence, Italy.

Over 25 years of painting and I am still learning to paint, unfolding complexity of playing with the paint and having fun.

Artist for life.

What did you want to be growing up?

I loved school and I wanted to be an elementary teacher.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I started to draw a little at school, but really my journey began when I was 16 years old. My father told me that we would be immigrating to America and I should learn some skills that might help me there. Since he was connected to some artists, I begun taking private classes for drawing and painting the year before we left.

Just Wondering
(click to view)

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

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

No, I really didn’t have any periods without painting. If I don’t paint for a couple days, my mood shifts and I become unpleasant. Painting is my Prozac.

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

Every time I paint I am concerned about learning to paint, which to me means, "how can I do this better, more poetic, what new thing can I discover." I am not concerned with finding my voice or style, for me it will be a cage, a limitation, stagnation, kind of, "this how I sound, this is how I look, this is me." No I don’t want that, I have split personality disorder when it comes to my painting - one day I paint happy flowers, another day I paint cloudy sky, I just make sure I do the best painting I know how at this day.

Perrot, The Hairstylist
(click to view)

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

It’s a long list, but David Leffel will be #1. He has taught me so much and I am forever in his debt.

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

Get as strong of a foundation as possible and build any sandcastles that you want on top.

My Name is Sunshine
(click to view)

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

I really don’t have those. Painting feeds my soul, cleaning, laundry or anything else doesn’t. My choice is always an easy one.

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

Critical doubt is constructive, self-doubt is not. I always tell myself that painting is challenging and it’s a problem-solving experience, so if I can identify the problem I can search for the solution (try different variations, look at other artists and how they solved similar problems or just erase and start over.) I always  say to myself, "I can do it!"

Sofia's Garden
(click to view)

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

I have no goals, I just want to paint, be inspired, learn more, take classes, the rest will follow by itself.

What does success mean to you personally?

Success means freedom, I can do more of what I love.

Natalie
(click to view)

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

When I first erased my painting, I realized that we have complete freedom over our creations. Having a great show is also a burst to my ego, but the next show could be not a success and it’s the same paintings (so I feel not so proud about the same paintings.) I really think an artist is vulnerable to so many exterior conditions that we become insecure in our creations. I suffer from it too, except deep inside I know it doesn’t matter.

Guardian II
(click to view)

Thanks, Rina!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Elen Vejaya

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

What did you want to be growing up?

Really I was an active and noisy child. I learned to read and write early and easily found something to do. But I had no clear idea of adulthood. I definitely enjoyed creating something, and painting was part of that process.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Although I have been drawing since childhood, I consider February 2015, that is, 6 years ago, to be the start of my art career. Then I came to drawing consciously and with maximum determination.

Bird Portrait
(click to view)

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

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

Yes, I did. This period lasted about 10 years and was after graduating from a school of art. By the end of the education, I had the skills, but there were absolutely no ideas and topics that I would like to express in my work. Then it seemed to me that it was closer to me to design buildings. I entered the architecture department at the university. Drawing was also part of the curriculum, but I didn't want to draw so much that I skipped classes. I left my studies. Over time, I understood myself and realized that everything that I want to translate into reality, I can first create on paper. I quickly realized that missing 10 years was bad for my level. And I decided on the challenge "1 day - 1 page", and lasted 2.5 years. This helped to gain confidence in drawing. 

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

Now I use paint markers, black gouache and acrylic paints. Step by step, I go to combine painting and drawings, different materials in my works, and add new methods. I want to complicate my work, to make them with a lot of composite.

I don't think I want to paint with watercolors or oil paints right now. I also like to look at realistic paintings, but I do not know how to create it. I prefer surrealism and some absurdity in my works.

Eel Fish
(click to view)

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

Once I finished a small drawing, I felt complete unity with the image and the medium. After a while, the same thing happened, but with a different theme and different medium. Now I have formed an idea of how my works and my style should look in the future. And I'm just moving in this direction. I explore new topics, master mediums, combine techniques. My current style is only one stage of development.

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

From classical art, Mikhail Vrubel inspires me. The characters in his work and the complex color combinations made a huge impression on me.

However, now I follow digital artists more. They create whole incredible worlds, three-dimensional models, locations. They are not limited to one plane or format of the painting. This is great freedom.

Headlights
(click to view)

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

Perhaps I have no advice. Each step taken, each obstacle overcome has led to the present creative self, and will lead to the future creative self.

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

There is one trick. I have a huge stock of ideas and everything that is not created and not painted. What is already planned will be enough for me for three to five years of full time work. And every new book I read, every movie I watch, gives me more ideas and images. If I feel tired of one idea, then I simply choose another from the list or change the medium.

Puffer Fish
(click to view)

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

It is difficult to answer. Each new step and each new drawing gives me determination and self-confidence. Looking back, I know what path I have come across. And I can pass it again. So I just push forward.

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

Right now, my short-term goal is to make money from my creativity so that I can do it all the time. Now I additionally work in the store.

As for the long-term goal, when I come to my final style in traditional mediums, I want to design a digital environment filled with art. An environment in which architecture, painting and sculpture will be woven together. It seems that I am only at the very beginning of this journey.

Tea Service
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

I think about a lot of my artwork around the world. Different sizes, different contents, different mediums. This will be my success as an artist.

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

Last year I created the cover for the first issue of a new literary magazine "СКОБЫ". That project suited me.

Shoal of Fish
(click to view)

Thanks, Elen!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Margaret Mayer

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

From Maggie's DPW Gallery Page:

Growing up, Margaret Marya Mayer (aka Maggie) was always an artistic person, who recognized beauty in everyday life. Since childhood, she has experienced life in places all over the world from the Colorado Rockies to Europe and the Middle East. She lived in Atlanta, GA for most of her adult life and moved to Mississippi in 2019 to be near her elderly parents. Maggie currently works in marketing for the Madison County Library System and paints during her spare time and on weekends.

She grew up in Mississippi where her family owned a log house and land off the Natchez Trace Parkway. When her father was offered a two-year contract job in Saudi Arabia the family moved overseas so, Maggie, age 15 at the time, got to see the world. Her life on the farm, love of nature, and travels abroad have a big influence in her work.

"My hope with my work is to paint from my heart and bring joy to the viewer.”

What did you want to be growing up?


I didn’t have a plan for what I wanted to be when I grew up. I can remember being a dreamer as a child. I loved to daydream and often had my head in the clouds. I would create all kinds of stories in my imagination and plans for a future. Back then my dad was a traveling medical supply salesman, and he would sometimes take me with him on his road trips. Since my dad was a master storyteller, we would often collaborate with these dreams turning them into stories, building castles in faraway places with horses and lots of land. 


When did your artistic journey begin?

When I was in 5th grade, I had an art teacher that believed in me. She saw potential in me and that I had a desire to learn. She encouraged me and was very patient, gentle and kind. I felt comfortable making art in her class. That was the beginning.



Mick's Garden
(click to view)

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

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



Fortunately I haven’t had too many times in my life without creative expression. I can think of times in my life when I had to schedule time to paint because of other commitments like when my kids were very young or other family commitments. Also, while working full time I set aside time to get in my studio even if that means saying no to other fun things to do. One thing that has kept me on the horse is having a permanent place to paint in my house… somewhere I can leave my paints and easel set up so that when I do have time I’m ready.

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

I gravitate towards oils. I have also been using gouache quite a bit lately. I’m still learning the water ratio. I love the mat finish but not so much how fast they dry. I paint many different subjects. I like to paint scenes that appeal to me on an emotional level. Sometimes it’s a memory or feeling that I try to capture on canvas. Sometimes it is dependent on the light. I love to look for subtle nuances of color shifts and try to capture that in my piece. It seems if you look hard enough you can see many different colors in a scene but the shifts are slight. I love the challenge of putting it all together in a painting and having all the design elements like value and composition work. Sometimes I leave parts of a painting unfinished but that’s intentional if it’s not necessary. This also allows the viewer to participate by finishing the painting themselves.

Urban Morning
(click to view)

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

Miles of canvas. I believe my voice and style came out after I had been painting for many years. I have been all over the board with my voice but I think it settles into you the more you paint because you discover what you like. I found that I was really having an opinion when I looked at artwork.

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

I love the work of Jill Soukup, an equestrian painter. She captures the solidity of the horse in both her drawings and paintings with composition, color, values, and edges. I like the work of Russian painter, Slava Korolenkov because of the expressive quality of his work. I admire the work of Anne Blair Brown from Tennessee. I took a workshop from Anne. She is an amazing colorist and I love the mood and subjects of her paintings. I appreciate the Northern California coastal paintings of Jim McVicker. There is so much mood and feeling in his work and I am constantly asking “how did he do that”.

Clare Bowen is an English painter who I met at a workshop. She is such an inspiring person to know and gave me some great advice about pursuing my plein air work. I love Clare’s tonal plein air paintings. I just discovered Kathy Odom and I’m so inspired by her plein air paintings. I like her underpainting work and then how she boldly puts paint on canvas sometimes with a palette knife not to disturb the layer underneath. Her work is so fun and joyful to me just like her personality.

Famous painters: Nicolai Fechin and Joaquín Sorolla. I admire both of these painters because of their bold and expressive work.

Chellberg Farm at Indiana Dunes National Park
(click to view)

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

Take workshops from artists whose work you admire. Don’t get discourage when you make bad art because it’s part of learning. Don’t compare yourself to others. Think of making your art as play and have more fun. Enjoy the process and not just the finished work.



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

If I’m very busy and over committed to other things I still try to paint for only 30 mins to an hour every day. This is an antidote to creative blocks. I’m stealing this advice from the book The Artist Way by Julia Cameron because it works. Making small amounts of time each day means that I’m moving forward with my work and more likely to show up again the next day.

Cellist
(click to view)

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

I pray and journal and remember all my blessings and recall what I’m grateful for… sometimes even writing these things down in a gratitude journal. I’ve struggled with self-doubt, stress and anxiety at times in my life. I don’t know if this comes from my sensitivity but it draws me closer to God. Giving it to God and surrendering clears the junk and fear that holds me back.

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

Short term: To keep painting every day and take a Kathy Odom workshop. 

Long term: A dream of mine is to paint our National Parks.

High Hill Hopes
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Doing something that I enjoy to bring someone joy is a success and success is courageously going for it and not asking “what if”.

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

The opportunity to be an artist in residence at Indiana Dunes National Park. This was an honor and I’m grateful.

Hound Dog
(click to view)

Thanks, Margaret!

© 2021 Sophie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Fu-Hsuan Liao

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

From Fu-Hsuan's DPW Gallery Page:

HELLO!

I'm Fu-hsuan, 'noting' things with different materials, presenting what I "received" in colorful drawings. I work principally in oil pastels.

Before I studied and worked in fashion design domain, and now I'm trying something new!

If you would like to give my drawings a new home, please contact me by mail or instagram! Thanks! (click to read more)

What did you want to be growing up?

Teacher while I was in elementary school, then someone capable of feeling the world in every way.

When did your artistic journey begin?

I am not sure whether it could be called an artistic journey 'cause I have never been trained or followed a typical systematic art class. Let’s call it draw-something journey. It began when I didn’t know how to write my name. In my country (close to Japan), Japanese comic style (characters with giant eyes) was trendy, therefore I drew for around thirteen years giant eye characters with pencil. My mother still keeps one of my drawings (a girl in a sleeve-less top and jeans holding a small purse) - done as a 6 year-old.

Restaurant Omnivore in Pau II
(click to view)

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

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

I did, while I worked from 9:00 to 19:00, plus two hours of commute and language classes after work till 10pm. In this period I didn't feel eager to create even a quick sketch, literally nothing. After I left, everything got back to normal. It seems to me I'm either always being in a rush and exhausted or being creative, not both.

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

Oil pastels, charcoal, and oil paints, sometimes acrylics, mediums textural. Even better if it’s textural, rough and thick at once, such as oil pastels. Mediums usually used to create a transparent effect, like aquarelle, is not that attractive to me. For genres, it must be Post-Impressionism and Fauvisme where people detach the reality from realistic painting and separate painting from representing what we see by observing/encountering the outside world in multiple ways. I would like to mention the minimal art and conceptual art as well which I appreciate the idea, but for simply the visual side, I personal prefer artwork more pictorial.

Beer bottle II and a plant decoration on table at restaraunt ishikawa bord 
(click to view)

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

I started with pencil from don’t know when, till my seventeen-year-old with a Japanese comic style; since college, in fashion design we needed clear and readable illustration, therefore, I switched to fine-liner pens, Staedtler, Uni... in order to accumulate all silhouettes illustrated. Coloring with Copic Markers, and this fine-liner and Copic marker combination has lasted more than ten years until the readability didn't seem to me as important as before - that’s the moment where I needed something more rough, less clear and delicate, such as oil pastel. In other words, I switched to unmodifiable and textural mediums.

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

Van Gogh and André Derain.

Van Gogh for calling himself too unstable and unrealistic, but painting real objects (such as flowers, people, countryside views) allowed him at least to stay in the connection between himself and the stable outside.

André Derain for his composition of colors and rough traits shown in his paintings during 1904-1907 or even later, 1908, where his style changed radically (though it changes all the time). It seems to me that every part of his paintings (in this period) can stay alive separately but meanwhile their vitality won’t change - even being gathered in one canvas. It’s like a big biscuit is a biscuit, but after being cut in dozens of pieces, these pieces can still stay legitimately biscuits. Not like how a lizard’s tail won’t be alive once it's separated from the body, but more like how one cell separated in two, then four then eight, works perfectly as the first single cell.

Travel to Bilbao-on the bridge to Casco Viejo
(click to view)

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

That pursuing the narrow gap between real and unreal, optique and non-optique would never hurt, it’s the entrance of everything.

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

No, I draw, create and think because I receive from the exterior, no way this transmission from interior to exterior could be stopped even while being isolated in a cave. Therefore this nonstop process of releasing what is received happens naturally as instinct, exactly as if we eat because of hunger, rest because of fatigue, and the ‘distraction’ doesn’t really appear in this situation.

Restaurant Bouchon Les Lyonnais
(click to view)

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

I don’t have any special tricks, however in my opinion doubt (or self-doubt) is natural also neutral, think-doubt-act are three elements that work reciprocally. As a normal circulation. There is no need to feel uncomfortable (or comfortable) while doubting.

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

Short term goal is to refine the colors in my drawings, sometimes they are way too much. Long term goal is to start a boutique with mixed offerings: a selection of product ceramic, clothing (a minimum), plus a corner studio where I can work on drawings or any kind of creations and display them right on the site where they are created.

Black Teapot

(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Being consistent and impartial. All actions and pursuits must present the same coherence.

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

The moment where I finally realized there is no need to deliberately avoid drawing recognizable shape in order to make it look less real, vice versa. A house is a house, whether I agree or not, whether it appears green or pink in my eyes, the existence of this house is absolute, the nature of things won’t change any, what I need to do is to draw while thinking about a house existing independently in its ‘house way’. After this moment, I start hearing some interesting comments, ‘your lines are moving’ or ‘they are alive in your drawing’. I appreciate that people see through drawings and paintings 'cause they are way more than just an image representative of an objet.

Thanks, Fu-Hsuan!

© 2021 Sophie Marine