DPW Spotlight Interview: Kim Roberti

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

From Kim's DPW Gallery Page: 

Painting is my life! I favor figures/portraits as subjects. I have found rich and endlessly interesting ways to express myself. I continue to paint and learn everyday. The fast-pace and ever-changing commercial landscape of e-commerce opened an unexpected source of revenue for me.

Through my page at Dailypaintworks, I have garnered thousands of collectors from many corners of the world. My work is very affordable and can be easily collected through eBay. I continue to hone my craft on a daily basis and you can visit my art on kimsartblog./blogspot.com.

Salsa
(click to view)

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

What did you want to be growing up?

At 72 now I still don’t want to grow up! What does this really mean? Get a job, go to work, get a paycheck… start over again tomorrow. Nope that’s not for me. I’m still a kid!

When did your artistic journey begin?

I didn’t think of becoming an artist until I turned 50. A dear friend lost her battle with cancer, and we were the same age. This affected me in a profound way. I re-examined my life and decided the dead-end job had to go and I found solace in visiting museums, art galleries and street exhibits. I got to know a few artists and decided that I wanted to paint. I didn’t really know if I could live just being an artist, but it was better than what I was doing. Tired of the cold New England weather I moved to Texas where it was warm, and the living was easier. Eventually, I joined a few local art organizations and found my way into this creative world, once again a child. I got to play with all kinds of mediums and discovered different genres of work.

Out Of The Blue
(click to view)

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

Not for a long time. I was on fire being a Daily Painters. I put out a large body of work…one to three paintings a day for a decade. When Daily Painters began to lose momentum, I thought I was burned out and even talked of retirement. I just couldn’t do it. I kept my hand in painting and just slowed down a bit. It's easy to get back in the saddle if you never get out!  

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

I love all mediums (remember, still a kid). Oil is my most common go-to because other mediums require a different mind-set, so… it depends on the wishes of the kid. I gravitate towards impressionism but also enjoy portrait, still life and landscape. Not a fan of photo realism.

On The Wild Side
(click to view)

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

I’m still listening for my voice. I really enjoy the process of self-discovery. Trying new things, new ideas, new mediums, new styles… It's all part of the process of becoming a painter. Changing this up keeps the kid from getting bored.

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

This is the type of question that begs for a long answer. I have been painting for 22 years and many artists have influenced me along the way at one time or another. I still discover and follow new artists today. Sherrie McGraw and David Laffel for the chiaroscuro present in their work. I was fortunate to work with them in their garden for seven years and I learned how great Modern Masters work (picked up a few things in the process). I love Steve Huston’s brushwork and use of color harmony. There’s a real beauty and strength in Steve’s work. I will be forever influenced by Milt Kobayashi. It is so playful with juicy brushwork and luscious colors. Finally, Kim English for his use of back light in his watercolors. Oops, I must include Stephen Scott Young! Oh, and Dean Mitchell! And then there is Sally Strand for pastel. Last, but not least, Carol Marine (a little brown-nosing here). Carol’s artwork is like candy to me and I really find her work charming. Do I sound like an actor accepting an award here! I warned you it would be long. 

Bella
(click to view)

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

Who says I’m old! I’m still a kid here! Well, I guess it would be to study hard and be patient. There is no magic trick! Learn the principal elements of design; apply them well and be playful. Learn to let go! 

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

The battle is still raging! Daily Painters trained me to work hard every day… small pieces… time to play! You got to let the kid out.

Dream
(click to view)

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

I keep trying. Life is full of hardships, and you need to just keep putting one foot forward.

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

My short- and long-term goals are the same…getting up every day and painting! Bob (my husband) will take care of the rest!

Onion and Garlic 
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

To live to paint another day.

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

I don’t know if there are any that stand out. I was very proud when I received the Jack Richardson award in pastel. Or, when I was accepted into the Oil Painters of America. Every time I complete a painting, I’m proud indeed.

 Got Milk?  
(click to view)

Thanks, Kim!

© 2022 Maddie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Brad Bisbey

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

From Brad's DPW Gallery Page: 

When I was young, I suffered from several health problems. I couldn't do sports, so I began to draw and paint, and I didn’t stop. I went on to receive a B.A. degree in Art from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Later I studied with renowned portrait painter Daniel Greene in Chicago. I also teach portrait, figure, and landscape painting at Beréskin Gallery in Bettendorf, Iowa. My work is in many private collections around the United States , Canada, and Europe. 

For me, everyone and everything is a potential subject. I try to stay awake to all the possibilities. All art is a search. I realize that what I am painting must first have an emotional impact on me, and then, hopefully, it will touch others as well. My painting is a search for this balance between intellectual and emotional responses to the world around me. I hope to remain endlessly curious.

I live and work in Moline, Illinois, located along the banks of the Mississippi River.

Sunset
(click to view)

 What did you want to be growing up? 

For as long as I can remember, I was interested in art. I had asthma and couldn’t do sports, so I occupied my time drawing. My mother had a series of art books that caught my interest. From age 9, I really knew I wanted to be an artist, but where that would take me I did not know!
 
When did your artistic journey begin? 

All I really wanted out of high school was out of high school! College was a different ball game and it took a while to find a sense of direction. It was the 1970s after all. Many miles on the brush were required to find my authentic thoughts that eventually found their way into my work. I think my real journey began after studying with Daniel Greene in Chicago in 1992. His teaching resonated with me and really awakened a creative side that I can’t explain. But I am not sure the artistic journey actually has a beginning or an end. It is an ongoing search that encompasses all our experiences.
It is a search that renews itself every day!
 

Deliverance
(click to view)

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

I did go through a long creative block where I didn’t produce much work and I really thought I was washed up as an artist and it looked as if I would never draw or paint again. Nothing anywhere inspired me to paint! So I didn’t. I just read books on what to do when you can’t paint! That didn’t help. How did I begin painting again? I began painting. And I painted bad paintings. The old saying is, How do you paint good paintings? Answer. Paint lots of bad paintings. So I did. 
Eventually, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the once Daily Painters.com. And I painted. Now I know I won’t live long enough to paint all the paintings that I want to paint!

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

I worked in oil for many years, and then developed a severe allergy to the solvents. That almost put me out of business. I had to find another medium. I worked in watercolor quite a bit, but I like a paint with more body. Acrylics have come a long way since my college days, and now I wouldn’t go back to oil paint even if I could. I love pen and ink and watercolor as well!

I love all subject matter and approach portrait, figure, landscape and still life on an equal playing field. For me, painting isn’t about painting; painting is all about seeing.

Ballet Dancers
(click to view)

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

I was really hung up on my personal style and my personal voice when I was younger. Now when I teach painting I tell my students not to worry about it because it is already built in. It came with them when they were born! It’s like their handwriting. They don’t have to go searching for their handwriting! I can have 12 students all paint the same subject and they end up with 12 completely different paintings. Just paint. And learn the nuts and bolts of good painting. Your voice is in there!

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

My personal list is long! I love Norman Rockwell and have always admired his painting skill and the themes of his work. He was the first artist whose work I couldn’t get enough of. As mentioned earlier, I love Daniel Greene, who was a world class pastel artist and portrait painter and was an incredibly generous teacher. His technique has stuck with me for over 30 years. 
The French Impressionists are favorites for their paintings and for their biographies. 
I am kind of a sponge when it comes to looking at art. If I see a work or even part of a work that I like, I will soak it in.

The Bride

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

Love more! Don’t be so hard on yourself!
 
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle? 

Have won a few battles! Haven’t won the war!

New Orleans Model
(click to view)

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

I really had some no nonsense teachers. They were hard core about getting things right the first time! That was a lot of pressure for a poor art student and it carried into real life. I overcame this by understanding that maybe I didn’t have to get it right the first time! What if I didn’t get it right the first time? The world actually didn’t come to a screeching halt! I began to lighten up a little bit, and I didn’t look back. Now when I have self doubt, I lighten up a bit! I understand, as Ansel Adams said, ‘The perfect is the enemy of the good!’

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

I think my goal at this time in my life is examine the parts of my work that appeal to me the most, probably in terms of brushwork and mark making, and incorporate these into future paintings. I have always believed that one grows as an artist by paying close attention to those areas on the canvas that appeal most to the artist, whether they were applied on purpose or by accident, and also by avoiding those marks which appeal least to the artist. It all comes down to being more and more proficient with the brush.

Fields
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally? 

Success to me used to mean being able to paint every day! But now, success to me means being kind, and being more than generous with the grace of God!
 
What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

Creatively speaking, I am most happy with being a Signature Member of the Painters in Casein and Acrylic Society and having work hang in the Salmagundi Club in New York City. 
 And teaching 4 year olds how to paint and having them grab the brush from my hand and say, ‘Let me show you how to do that!’ That has happened several times!

Dancer
(click to view)

Thanks, Brad!

© 2022 Maddie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Brenda Kay Paintings

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

From Brenda's DPW Gallery Page: 

Brenda Kay Paintings, abstract artist painting representational and plein air paintings
•Inspired by and responding to beauty, culture, and my Creator
•Color filled layers of meaning and paint
•Often complex, always thoughtful

With a commercial art degree from UNW St. Paul, I started out in advertising, but have turned my focus to painting full time in my home studio.  I enjoy using my art training and life experience to build strong abstract compositions.  I love walking in the woods, wind-tossed water, coffee and chocolate, and especially my Beloved Husband and two adult kids.

Brenda has been awarded the BoldBrush Award for Abstract, BoldBrush 1st prize for Abstract, and has received several regional art awards. She has been selected to participate in the Hoosier Salon, the SALI National Abstract Art Exhibition, and is a Hoosier Woman Artist. She was also juried in to a workshop with renowned artist Makoto Fujimura in 2018.
Member: Fort Wayne Artists Guild •Hoosier Salon • Lakeland Art Association• Hoosier Woman Artist

Maple en Plein Air
(click to view)

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

What did you want to be growing up?  

Well, the first thing I remember wanting to be was a cowboy, and when I realized that girls could only be cowGIRLS, I was severely disappointed!
I really could not decide what I wanted to be, but when I was entering my second year of college with an undecided major, my Dad said, "You know, you will always be drawing. Why don't you study [commercial] art so that you have a way to earn a living, and then if you still want more school, you can go back and get more." The better I get to know artists, the more I recognize how unusual that parental direction was! And he was sure right.
 
When did your artistic journey begin?  

I was the kid in elementary school that was often picked to do the art stuff, like painting Christmas scenes on the windows and 'fixing' the out-of-proportion US map.  Maybe that was the start of the journey.
 

Good Morning!
(click to view)

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

I did. I set aside my art for many years while we raised and homeschooled our (now adult) kids. We had just been through traumatic times and my health was compromised during that time, so we decided to put first things first. I did still dabble with some art here and there, but it was not until our kids were on their own that I really started to refocus on my art.

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

I love acrylics, and my primary artistic calling is abstract painting! I really delight in expressing concepts in non-objective art.
Plein air and somewhat representational painting is my new side pursuit, and I am finding a lot of joy in learning and getting more skillful in these genres. Daily Paintworks is a great place for me to share these paintings.
I have difficulty appreciating photo-realism/realism in painting.

Pasture Grazing en Plein Air
(click to view)

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

Interestingly, I had always done representational art until dear friends commissioned me to do a large abstract painting for their home. I didn't even know where to begin to paint a quality work of art that was non-objective, so I began to study and practice abstract works until I found my abstract painting becoming second nature, and I found that I could communicate effectively with that genre.
Now I am in the process of studying and practicing more representational art and plein air painting and I am finding that I don't yet have that inner direction that comes almost naturally in these genres. Particularly in plein air painting, I am finding so many factors that require my attention that I struggle to find my stride! But I am feeling it coming along as I practice.  

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

There are so, so many! Fred Ingrams, for simplicity in design and excitement in color
Jim Wodark, for plein air chops and interesting color
Bob Burridge for teaching skillfully and compelling color
David Huang, metalsmith, for detail and brilliance in his vessels
Timothy Botts, calligraphy, meaningful design and lots of color
And also lots of poets, musicians, dancers, actors, authors, and other artists

Swimmer Warm-up
(click to view)

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

I still need to tell the same things to myself now - don't get too uptight about the results. Do the next right thing, and keep at it, and let the results be left up to God's timing. Just don't give up.
 
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?  

Whew, this is a tough question! I do find it is helpful to get SOMETHING on the substrate, and then respond to what is there. It helps me to remember that, as I heard from artist Kathie Odom, "While I am painting, nothing hurts!" Ha ha!
 

Walk By Faith
(click to view)

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

Another tough question! I find that my first response has to be to ask my Heavenly Father whether I am following His lead. More than anything, I want to be doing what He calls me to. So sometimes He will prompt someone to send me an encouraging note (or an invitation to be a featured DPW artist!), or maybe I will win an award or sell a painting. Sometimes I just begin to feel more confident by doing the next thing as a matter of discipline. And sometimes I just have to choose to paint as a discipline even if I don't feel better!

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

I really don't have goals. I know that is not the way I am "supposed to" answer, but it is the truth. I would love to be able to paint when my Beloved Husband retires, and help support our family if possible, but I wouldn't call it a goal.

Dandelions
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?  

I have asked myself this question before, and my best answer is that I want my art to communicate - to bring truth, goodness, and beauty into the world in a way that helps people see that God is True, Good, and Beautiful, and that He is extremely fond of us! It is a very tall order for paintings to do that, admittedly!
 
What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

There have been significant moments in my artistic journey, including awards, invitations to juried exhibitions and events, and good sales of my work, but at least today as I type this, I think one of the "proudest" moments for me was seeing the impact of one of my paintings on someone. Most years I host an open studio/open house in my home, and I invite as many people as I can get my hands on to come and see my new work! One particular year, I saw a lady in my studio gazing at an abstract work that was on my easel. It was a very meaningful work to me, but I was not yet sure that it was communicating like I wanted it to. But there she stood, weeping in front of that painting. She asked me about the meaning of it, and yes, she had indeed been impacted in the way that I had hoped. Not much can top that. 

DeFries Garden en Plein Air
(click to view)

Thanks, Brenda!

© 2022 Maddie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Mark Rosenbohm

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

From Mark's DPW Gallery Page: 

I am a self taught artist and native New Orleanian. I've spent my career as a graphic designer, illustrator and visual artist. As a college student, my first job was working as an artist in the t-shirt screenprinting industry. However, most of my career has been working a freelance artist, with a client list of small and large businesses. I work in a variety of mediums and styles, including watercolor, acrylic or oil.  I have produced posters and t-shirt designs for a number of local festivals and fairs. A lifetime of local music, food, art and architecture provide a rich inspiration for the work you see. 

Brown Pelican
(click to view)

What did you want to be growing up? 

I think my vision of what I’d be as an adult was much the same as most kids who are influenced by what appeals to them as they discover it. I think it was ever changing…a policeman whenever we had them visit our classroom as part of the ‘Officer Friendly’ program. Some days it might be a schoolteacher if I was particularly fascinated with my teacher that year. Art has always felt the most natural for me, so that has guided me to a career as a creative type. 

When did your artistic journey begin? 

Some of my earliest memories are drawing, the same as many kids. In my case, it has always been a part of my life. I was always the kid who was known as ‘good at drawing’. 

Streetcar sketch
(click to view)

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

At various times, life gets in the way. I’ve felt very unproductive during those times. I usually seek inspiration by looking at the work of others. It always makes me want to start creating again. I have a large library of art books to browse, but social media makes that so much easier now. 

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

I’ve worked in so many different mediums. Currently watercolor is my preference. It’s more portable, so I can draw while sitting in front of the television. Once I have a drawing, I can often sit down and complete a piece in one sitting. I’ve felt that way about acrylic painting at times, but it usually involves me dedicating time to work only in my studio. I haven’t had a real desire to paint only in oils, but I do use them with acrylics from time to time. 

Porch kitties
(click to view)

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

I’ve been at this most of my life, so I think of style as a natural way of drawing, painting or mark making. It’s the sum of outside artistic influences colliding with methods and mediums that I find comfortable. My current line and wash work has been a really intuitive way of working. If it felt like a task to create, I would be frustrated and not bother. 

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

There are so many. Lately, I’ve been looking at quite a lot of urban sketchers…Ian Fennelly, Paul Wang and an artist named Charlie Breen whose work is quite playful and enjoyable to me. I love illustrators like John Cuneo and Joe Ciardiello. These are only a fraction of people I follow. I really appreciate artists in a variety of mediums and approaches. I could go on all day. 

Lucky dogs
(click to view)

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

Don’t get caught up in trying to create a style. Soak up the work of others you enjoy, but have fun making your own art. Enjoying the process will give you more joy than anything else. 

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

For me, it usually takes simply sitting down and drawing. Sometimes you create things you don’t like, but everyone has to get those bad drawings out before the better stuff comes along. Don’t beat yourself up over dissatisfying results. 

Tabasco
(click to view)

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

Everyone has bad days. Sometimes, it just requires stepping away and coming back to it later. Involve yourself in something that’s totally unrelated to take your mind off of it. Exercise, put on your headphones and listen to music or a podcast, take a shower, take a walk, or read. I like to cook, so that usually takes me to a different place. 

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

My immediate goal is to continue to explore watercolor, especially as it pertains to the urban sketch type of work that I’m currently creating. I’d also like to try exhibiting at some art markets after our sweltering summer has passed. Exploring other working methods in the near future is on my to-do list. It seems that working in a new or different medium, like watercolor, informs the way I work in others, so I’m anxious to explore different techniques in acrylic. It’s a bit vague for me right now, but I have a few ideas I’d like to try. 

Audubon Park Oak
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally? 

Enjoying the process is most important. Learning and evolving comes with that. If others like my work, that is a big plus. I suppose acceptance is good for most of us. If someone feels a connection to something I’ve created, that’s a really good moment for me. I’ve especially seen that in recent commissions and some other works. 

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

I don’t think there is a single moment. There are so many happenings along the way. Sometimes I complete a piece and feel really proud of the individual work. There are other times when I receive a commission and worry that I won’t make my client happy, but I give my best and it works out. That makes me really proud of the work I’ve produced.

Near Rampart
(click to view)

Thanks, Mark!

© 2022 Maddie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Carol Betker

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

From Carol's DPW Gallery Page: 

Former art teacher in public schools, I now just enjoy painting alla prima everything in my path.....I have studied artists like Jessica Zemsky, Richard Schmit and Dreama Tolle Perry and love to play with light, edges and emotion.  Thank you for taking a look at my work and may it bring a smile to you!

A Little Light
(click to view)

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

What did you want to be growing up? 

I remember this question back in high school as looking forward and saying "an art teacher"....maybe it was a lack of knowledge on my part of what careers were available for women, but after 5 years of stops and starts, I went back to college and finished my teaching degree, with an Art major. 
 
When did your artistic journey begin? 

We moved around a lot as a child following my father's work so maybe it was partly filling in the alone time (not lonely but just alone) that I always had my pad and pencil drawing over and over until I felt some sense of controlling those contours of whatever was in front of me, usually photos of horses. 
 

To The Banquet
(click to view)

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

I don't think I had discipline for a long time to do daily practice of painting, I was teaching and one thing I remember not wanting to have my students influenced by my style (no surprise I had no style back then), I threw every kind of art medium my budget would allow for these kids to experience: drawing, painting, pottery, printmaking, etc....I was a one man band in small school districts! But when I retired about 10 years ago I started to take the time to explore what made me happy artistically. PLUS I have a husband whose wildlife photographs offer me endless inspiration and reference !!

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

I enjoyed acrylic for several years because of the vibrant color, but now that oil has low odor, I prefer the blending ability of the creamy oils. Watercolor works for times when I'm sitting in the car and can't do messy kinds of painting. I lean toward impressionism trying to keep the painting loose, I appreciate abstracts but don't do them , and other expressions of art can be fun but I don't care for "dark" art that provokes... If I want to be depressed I'll turn on the news, right?

Berry Big
(click to view)

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

I started like a lot of artists very tight, controlled, trying to make that thing look like what my mind was saying it should look like.....but I was using techniques with my students from "Drawing On The Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards and "Drawing With Children" by Mona Brookes and I was relearning right along with the kids. I was aware of some rules of composition and now I was also breaking those rules, with boldness...at least it seemed bold for me!

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

I studied the books by Richard Schmidt and loved how his edges just brought his beautiful oil landscapes to life! I took a workshop by Jessica Zemsky and learned that there are no excuses for not painting everyday, ...I fell in love with her portraits of children because I had young daughters at that time....and now my favorite artist is one of DPW's members, Dreama Tolle Perry. She has put the fun into my work and the encouragement to try any subject! I think I've taken every workshop she offers and it's the best investment I've made ! And I think Carol Marine is a master at lost and found edges!

Pretty Boy
(click to view)

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

For me it's 'be authentic' ...learn what you can and then be your own voice. I'm still learning this by the way.
 
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle? 

I keep my easel and paints set up, and a good supply of gessoed small boards. Small 8 x 8 or so can be finished fairly quickly with the alla prima style I prefer.
 

Peek a Boo
(click to view)

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

Just start again, sometimes a little break to get inspired but it comes down to start again, get the brush moving, paints blending, and stay with it.

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

I don't know if I have the energy anymore to do sidewalk sales and those types of shows. I seem to sell in galleries and venues that open up their wall space for art like we have a lot of wineries in eastern WA State who love the arts. I enjoy selling, and hope my work brings joy to the patron....that's satisfaction enough.

Promise
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally? 

If my work can make the viewer take a slightly longer look and feel some emotion in that moment then I'm getting close to success. 

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

I have won some recognition awards in juried shows but I had an international validation moment a couple years ago when a viewer in Japan bought one of my large pieces from a local gallery .I am also grateful for DPW for opening up a platform for artists around the world! 

Awaiting
(click to view)

Thanks, Carol!

© 2022 Maddie Marine

DPW Spotlight Interview: Sheila Marie

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

From Sheila Marie's DPW Gallery Page: 

I married young and we started our family a couple of years later. Creating fine art went to the back burner as I raised my kids and worked at multiple jobs that would allow me to be with my kids. Designing and fabricating stained glass for custom home builders, teaching stained glass, helping my husband build custom homes. When the kids were older I began working with a start-up company. There were three of us, the inventor/president, an accountant and myself. I started out helping with accounting and sales. As new challenges came up I volunteered to research and figure out the solutions. I ended up running operations and manufacturing. The first 14 years with this company, were incredibly exciting, fulfilling, boundless opportunities to grow, learn, create and be challenged every day. I'm still so thankful that the president of the company believed and had so much trust in me. An abrupt change almost 10 years ago changed my role dramatically. A role completely the opposite, sucking away the passion and joy that drove me. After several years of being very lost I found an old box of Grumbacher oils in my basement from 41 yrs. ago that I had played around with as a teen. I pulled those oils out, took a class at the Art League. I began to find my way. Slowly I began to dream again, to feel the excitement, fear, joy, challenge and strength of learning and growing again. Now almost 25 years later I have quit that job and will start again, another exciting journey. I work in oils painting plein air and in my studio. I love the outdoors and you'll see I lean towards landscapes. I do mix it up some with animals, still lifes and life drawing. Painting is all together exciting, challenging, frustrating, joyful, peaceful, leaving me exhausted and fulfilled. I'm continuously working on design, value relationships, soft and hard edges, and brush strokes. My goal, in the end, is to simplify, capture the mood, the essence and the emotion of that moment in time. Creating a work that will bring a beautiful statement to the home of its admirer.

Joshua Tree
(click to view)

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

What did you want to be growing up? 

It wasn’t just one. I loved watching stage shows, musicals and variety shows as a kid. I thought it would be so much fun to be a dancer. 

When visiting the Natural History Museum and viewing the backdrops showing the natural surroundings of the animals I felt I could so easily walk in, feel the heat, the cold, hear the wind howling, birds singing and the insects chattering. How much fun that would be to go to those places to study, and come back to design and create those backdrops. 

And, of course doesn’t every little girl dream of being a fashion designer? Drawing lithe, graceful, beautiful women and men dressed in my creations.

 

When did your artistic journey begin? 

 

When I was in 5th grade I had a major crush on a boy in my class. He was really good at drawing and painting. The school would hang his pictures in the school hallways. I was extremely shy so I would never consider starting a conversation with him. But, maybe if I could be an artist he would like me and would ask me to go steady. Well, that didn’t work out but what I did discover is how much I enjoyed drawing.

 

Last Days of the Irises

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

I’ve always been involved in creative endeavors. Thankfully no dry spells. 

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

Oils and charcoal. I love the outdoors so landscapes are my main draw. I do also work on figures, still lifes, animals, just about anything as they bring much to my understanding of my practice.

 

I enjoy most genres. In the past, I just did not get abstracts. Over the past few years I have discovered a few abstract artist works that I enjoy. 

I do not care for works that are dark with a lot of angst and I definitely do not see a toilet bowl as a work of art, hah. 

Spreading Light
(click to view)

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

I’m still looking, lol. But really, I don’t even think about it. I kind of feel like it might stagnate me if I landed on a ‘style’.

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

Oh my gosh! There are at least a hundred and I’m sure hundreds more if I live long enough to discover them. A few off the top of my head, Len Chmiel, Walt Gonske, Nicolai Fechin, Jerry Jordan, Zoey Frank, Richard Schmid… I love their stories and their work which provides me hours of study. I never tire of looking at their work.

Tangerine Blues
(click to view)

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

 

Put away those photographs and paint and draw from life! It will expedite your learning and you will discover far more. After a few hundred paintings and drawings from life you'll begin to see what a photograph cannot. After another few hundred from life you'll be ready to pull out a photo every once in a while and refer to it to jog your memory. 

You will never reach the end of this journey and that is a wonderful thing. The more you learn, the more you learn what you still have to learn. This journey just gets more challenging, joyful and exciting.

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

 

Hah, I haven’t figured that one out yet!

Winter Park Spring
(click to view)

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

 

I just do. If not forward, it’s either standing still (boring) and I won’t even consider going backwards.

 

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

Both long and short I will simply continue to study and produce art. I will always be available to share, educate and mentor other artists.

 

Sipapu Cabins

What does success mean to you personally? 

 

Always pushing myself further and further. Completing works where I can see I reached higher and made it there. It builds my excitement to jump in right away and go even further. 

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

 

It is a joyful moment when a collector loves one of your works for the good memories or feeling that it brings them.

Moab Early Evening Light
(click to view)

Thanks, Sheila!

© 2022 Maddie Marine