Friday Feature: Kristen Powers (Kae Pea)

"Garden of your mind" by Kristen Powers

Hi Everyone,

TGIF!!!  This back to school routine is kickin' me in the rear.  I'm one tired Mommy:)  I hope everyone that was affected by Isaac is doing well.  My in-laws live in Baton Rouge and my bro-in-law in New Orleans and they weathered the storm well.  We are getting remnants of it here in Arkansas but it just brought lots of rain which we were in desperate need of.

This week, I'm bringing you a mixed media artist.  Her work is whimsical, fun and colorful.  She's had her ups and downs with art licensing and is currently on her journey to a happy ending.  Please watch her you tube video linked below.  Not only is her work fantastic but she is really on top of her art marketing also and someone I'm looking to as an example.  To see more of her work and story please check out her links.

www.kaepea.com

http://kristenpowersink.blogspot.com

& please follow me on twitter:
http://twitter.com/kaepeaart

How did you get your start?  What’s your artist journey so far?

I got my start when I was five and I melted all of my moms oil pastels on the wall heater! All she said was that it was beautiful!

My journey so far has been a long and winding road. I have dabbled in a bit of all forms of arts and crafts. I lost my mojo for a while after I had a terrible experience with ‘lisencing’ my work. But, ultimately, the creative fire inside of me never died. And the more I tried to repress it, the hotter the flame burned! I went through a series of creative stops and starts and then at age forty, I decided to go back to school to get my degree in art. One of the best choices I have ever made.

"Aligning" by Kristen Powers

Where were you born?

 San Rafael, California….

(in Marin County and my youngest daughter is named Marin!)

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

Hmmm I don’t really know…That is a tough one to answer since I have moved around my whole life (and I am in the middle of moving as I write this!!) I think I would love to just settle in somewhere where I can see the stars at night and have a cozy, artsy house with plenty of room for a garden and my art studio. But there are lots of places I would love to travel to…

"Deep" by Kristen Powers

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I love to paint from my imagination, things that are full of color and exude happiness. Why? Because, I feel that it reveals my true inner spirit of hopefulness. It is my hope to bring a joyful feeling to others through my art. The world is full of enough darkness and sadness and ‘reality’.

 

Could you talk about your painting techniques?  

I have such an experimental mentality. I just want to try everything! My approach varies depending on what medium I am using and even what my subject matter is. I use lots of layers whether I am painting in watercolor or acrylic and when I paint in acrylic I am very generous with my gesso. Lots of times I use acrylic paint in a very washy watercolor way. I really enjoy intuitive painting and often I will paint without any sort of definitive thoughts or plans. I like to see what emerges after I create an abstracted background.

"Random Acts" by Kristen Power

Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?

I paint with both acrylic and watercolor.  I guess I consider myself a mixed media artist since I am very prolific and very “all over the board”.

I have always said my favorite color is rainbow! I can’t help it. I just love bright colors!

Do you have a favorite artist?  Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I don’t have just one favorite but if I had to name one, I guess, I would have to say Matisse.

My biggest inspiration is definitely my mom (even though she is no longer with me, she still continues to inspire me).

My teacher, friend and mentor, Carol Carter, has also been a wonderful source of inspiration to me.

You have had some bad experience with art licensing, could you tell us your story?

Well, it is a long and sad story….but in a nutshell, someone took all of the rubber stamp designs  I created and never paid me  for the use of those designs. I know it sounds impossible but, unfortunately, it is not. Unless you are already really a big company (like Disney or Mary Engelbreit) there is not as much recourse as one would hope. Especially when you are dealing with someone in another state….for more of my story you can watch this short video because, after all, some things DO have a happy ending :)

http://youtu.be/4iqHujJEfrM

What advice would you have for artists in regards to art licensing?

Follow your gut instinct. Always. It is a difficult road to navigate, surround yourself with good people. Ask lots of questions. Licensing is not for the faint of heart.

"Rising" by Kristen Powers

What have been some of your crowning achievements?

Graduating Magna Cum Laude and receiving my BFA at age forty five!

Getting noticed by one of my favorite artists and asked to teach along side of her!

Having a piece of my art hang in the home of another of my favorite artists.

What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)

To teach an art retreat in a beautiful exotic location!

To write and get published, a book of illustrated poems, quotes and inspiring stories for kids and adults.

To have an art shop /studio/ gallery on Main Street in the new town I am moving to.

To take a family trip (and incorporate it with a show or workshop) to a different place every year for the next five years!

To have a successful on-line art and craft ‘channel’.

To have my rubber stamp business thriving and licensing other artists with their own line of stamps! (I know that is 6 but I can’t help it!)

"Time Brings Roses" by Kristen Powers

What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?

Don’t compare yourself to others and never, ever give up.

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?

To not compare myself to others and to never ever give up!

"Up Do" by Kristen Powers

 SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate

Your dream vacation spot?

Hilton Head Island

Book or movie?

Book

Favorite author?

Dr. Seuss

Favorite movie?

Fried Green Tomatoes

Romance or comedy?

Comedy

Favorite dessert?

Hot apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Night owl or morning person?

Morning Person

Kristen, thank you so much!!

I'll see everyone Monday with more of my Hopper series:)  Can't wait to share my Hemingway painting with you!

Carrie

Hemingway work in progress

Hi Everyone,

So I'm working on the second in my three part series based on Edward Hopper.  The accompanying pieces to "Hopper" are about people that inspired his art.  Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Killers" was the inspiration for "Nighthawks" so I decided to run with that.  These 6x6 compositions are interesting, I want to put enough info in them to have a link and story to each other but still keep them visually strong.  For this still life I checked out the only Hemingway books our little library in town had, researched Hemingway's favorite drink and drinking hole and placed them in the composition as well as a nod to Hopper with the painting "Nighthawks" peeking out in the bottom right side of the composition. 


I'm working away like a crazy lady and enjoying my 2 days a week that both boys are in school.  I got a lot done today.  My process takes a lot of time with a lot of glazes but I was really happy with my progression today.

And  if you missed my last post, here is "Hopper".  I was so happy it was chosen as a Daily Paintworks pick on Tuesday.

"Hopper" watercolor on 260lb Arches 6"x6" original by Carrie Waller

See you Friday for a new Friday Feature:)

Carrie

Hopper

Hi Everyone,

"Hopper" original watercolor on 260lb Arches 6" x 6" by Carrie Waller

So I interrupted my regularly scheduled painting to work on a series of paintings for a competition I read about on Karen Jurik's blog.  The Edward Hopper House is having has a call for entries due very soon and you have to submit at least 3, so I got off on a tangent and decided to paint for the challenge.  This is the first of my 3 paintings.  I have to say this is one of my favorite paintings I've done so far.  It incorporates Art History and painting.  Not only that but I love Edward Hopper.  I had a lot of fun doing research for the entire series.  You'll have to wait and see what paintings 2 and 3 are going to be about.

For the painting, "Hopper" I decided to feature a clear cup of coffee sitting on a post card of "Nighthawks" and the back of my book on Hopper featured his self portrait.  I really love the placement of the saucer.  It has the illusion of him looking through a window.  I thought it was very Hopper-like to have him looking at us through another plane.  I wanted to capture the solitude, the feelings in his paintings. The coffee cup is a play off of "Nighthawks".  A contemporary, diner prop.  I'm in love with the colors that Hopper used in his paintings, they made for a fabulous composition.  Can't wait to share the next 2 paintings with you:)

I invite you to like my facebook page where you can view the work in progress shots of this painting.

Carrie

Friday Feature: Dottie Turner Leatherwood

"Sunshine On Her Shoulder" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

Hi Everyone,

Today I'm interviewing Dottie Turner Leatherwood.  Dottie recently co-hosted Artists Helping Artists and I came across her beautiful oil paintings.  her colors are vibrant and her compositions are beautiful.  She's at the beginning of her career but I see a long amazing journey ahead of her.

To see more of her works visit her blog and website.

How did you get your start?  What’s your artist journey so far?

_         I have always loved to draw.  I had this huge imagination as a child.  My real world wasn’t where I wanted to be so I escaped into my imaginary world which had everything I wanted and needed.  Drawing to me was a way to make things real.  I wanted lots of dogs and horses ….so that’s what I drew.  I wrote long epic stories and drew elaborate house plans where I would live one day.  All my stuffed animals had personalities and I rotated which ones got to sleep in the bed so they wouldn’t get their feelings hurt!  I told you….a vivid imagination!!  I actually minored in art in college, which really amounted to taking more drawing classes.  I have always done something creative.  I have painted murals, painted pottery and refinished and custom painted furniture. But I have always wanted to paint.  I guess you could say my mid-forties got to me and I decided if I was ever going to do it the time was now.  So at the beginning of 2011, I bought oil paints and canvases and haven’t looked back.   I do love a challenge!

"Rusty Bug Needs Love" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

 Where were you born?

-          Savannah, Georgia.  I couldn’t get away fast enough after I graduated high school and I have been trying to get back ever since!

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

-          Definitely somewhere by the sea. I can see it in my head….white house that is more porch than house, a great kitchen, a sea of green grass and sparkling water as far as the eye can see,  and that pungent smell of the marsh filling me with that “ahhhhh…” kind of peace.    The salt air is good for my soul.  I try to get back to visit as often as I can but it’s never enough and just makes me miss it more!

"Fresh Local Shrimp" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

 What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

-          So many things to paint…. So little time! I paint everything …queen of “Painting ADD”!    I think I paint memories and personalities.  I have always felt, since I was a little girl, that if I could just put an image down on paper or canvas,   I could capture that moment in time forever.  It’s kind of a compulsion in a way, I guess.  I always try to capture the spirit or personality of what I see ….whether that is a place, an object or an animal.  I guess I still retain that overactive imagination of a child.  Everything has a soul. 

Could you talk about your painting techniques?

-          I love color.  The brighter and bolder the better.  I like to use a lot of paint and when I can’t get the effect I want with a brush I love to use a palette knife.  I paint alla-prima and tend to paint very fast.  Sometimes I will work on a painting over several days if I am layering a lot of color but usually I am done in a day.  If I leave the painting for too long …I tend to lose interest and never finish it.  A painting teacher once told me I paint paintings like I am cranking out widgets in a factory.  I do produce a lot of paintings but as all artists know, not all of them are keepers.  I paint in oils and lay in my painting with a wash of transparents and safflower oil (thank you Dreama Tolle Perry!). About half the time I lay in the first layer using the complement of the colors that I intend to finish up with.  I like using a very gessoed non-absorbent surface or either a panel.   I want my brush to fly along the canvas, not get stuck in the weave.

"Allegiance" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

  Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?

-          I took a workshop with Dreama Tolle Perry and she introduced me to the transparent oils which have totally changed the way I paint. It was what I had been looking for all along but just didn’t know existed.  I love Gamblin, Rembrandt and Richeson paints…the consistency is perfect for my way of painting.  Right now my favorite color is Permanent Rose, but like my old stuffed animals, that could change tomorrow!!

-           

Do you have a favorite artist?  Who has been your biggest inspiration?

-          That would be like picking my favorite child …impossible!  I love all of the old masters of course but I guess the artist that really inspired my love of color would have to be Betty Anglin Smith.  I just love her sense of design and bold color.  There are so many fabulous artists out there today and thanks to my computer I can spend way more time than I can afford, just immersing myself  in their art. 

     I would have to say that my friends have been my greatest inspiration.  I have such a strong network of friends believing in me and cheering me on.  They really lift me up.

"Oaks and Palms" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

 What have been some of your crowning achievements?

-          Hmmm….I’m not sure I have any big ones.  I have really only had my paintings out in the world for about a year so I am just beginning.  I think just plugging away day after day is an achievement sometimes!  I celebrate the small things… getting into a show, getting to co-host the AHA show with Leslie Saeta, selling a painting, the perfect brushstroke that just makes the painting sing. All of those are so exciting to me!!

What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)

-          1.  I am starting to seek out gallery representation (scary!) so that would definitely be in the top five.

-          2.  I want to paint and eat my way through Italy, Greece and France. 

-          3.  I want to conquer the world….kidding!  I want to be able to support myself with my painting. 

-          4.   Keep improving my painting and get accepted to some of the bigger shows.  I always think I am going to get in even though I am nowhere near ready.  I have that deadly combination of optimism and impatience!

-          5. World peace or at least peace in my world.  :)

"Reflections of a Shrimp Boat" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

 What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?

-          Paint, paint and paint some more.  You cannot develop unless you put the hours in on canvas.  And when you get stuck, find someone to help you...take classes or workshops, ask questions.  Never be afraid to put yourself out there and try something that scares you.

"Come Sail Away" original oil by Dottie T Leatherwood

 What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?

-          Don’t compare your art to others.  Believe that what you do is unique and has value and build on that.

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate

Your dream vacation spot?

I would love to go on an African safari

Book or movie?

Book.  Movies seldom capture my full attention.  I guess it’s that imagination thing again!

Favorite author?

If I had to pick just one it would be Maya Angelou.  She inspires me.  But I love great southern authors with eccentric characters that remind me of my family and where I grew up!

Favorite movie?

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Romance or comedy?

Romantic-comedy  :)

Favorite dessert?

mmmmm……warm bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce

Night owl or morning person?

Most definitely a morning person if I am working.  But I do love to hang out with my friends and family and have a reputation as being the last one home from a party or night out.  I don’t ever want to miss a thing!

Dottie thank you so much for your interview!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!  Can't wait to share my newest painting with you on Monday:)

Carrie