Friday Feature: Marsha Chandler

Friday Feature: Marsha Chandler

"Pear Mosaic" by Marsha Chandler

 Today I have a fabulous Friday Feature, Marsha Chandler.  Her work is gorgeous!!!!  Her studio location sounds amazing and it sounds like Marsha and I work in a  very similar way when it comes to our still life set ups.  

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

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

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t like to draw and paint. At Christmas or birthdays, I always wanted art supplies. Art classes were not available in my school so my first art class was from a local artist when in my mid-twenties. I was hooked. I took classes and painted in different mediums for several years and displayed my work in various local shows. I put my art on hold while my children were growing up. Finally, in 2005, I resumed painting.  I had to start with the basics again so I took classes and workshops to make myself better.

 At first, I tried to loosen up and paint more impressionistic. I didn’t think you were supposed to paint realism anymore. I painted landscapes and got in a few shows and won a few awards which made me feel good about what I was doing. But I kept seeing realism in magazines that won awards and thought if other people can paint that way, I can too.  When I began painting realistic still lifes, I started getting in shows and winning awards. I felt like I had come home. It’s what I love to do, what I do well and what makes me happy!

"Cherries Jubilee 3" by Marsha Chandler

 Where were you born?

I was born in Boaz, Alabama where I grew up on a farm. My daddy made a living farming, so my three brothers and I always had a lot of chores.  I couldn’t wait to get off the farm! Guess where I live now? On a farm! I think you could call it a ‘gentleman’s farm’ because it is my husband’s hobby, not his living. Now I really enjoy the peacefulness.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

I’ve reached a point in my life where I don’t dream about anything other than what I have. My 2 children and 2+ grandchildren (#3 is due in June) are within 20 minutes of me so this really is the perfect place to live. My studio is a mobile office with two sides of windows that sits a few hundred feet from my house. It is surrounded by pasture and trees and feels like my cabin in the woods that I have dreamed about. Two places I love are the beach and mountains. The beach in less than 5 hours away and the mountains is about 2 hours from here. We are only about 25 miles from Atlanta, so the art world is at my fingertips. I have the best of both worlds.

"Green Apple Kaleidoscope" by Marsha Chandler

 What’s your favorite thing to paint and why

I love painting still life paintings. Most of my paintings are of fruits and vegetables and include silver or glass. What I really love painting is anything shiny or clear that reflects or refracts light.  I’m working on a painting with aluminum foil and have several paintings in my head using plastic. Reflections and refractions intrigue and excite me. I’m trying to incorporate other things so I’m now painting candy in a jar or to be exact, spilling out of a jar. The possibilities are endless.

 Could you talk about your painting techniques?

I set up my still lifes outside in the early morning sun so I get soft light that creates long shadows. I use a digital SLR camera and take probably 200 pictures of the same setup from different angles, perspectives and with things moved around. After loading the pictures on my computer, I study them for hours before I decide on the one with the best composition and light. I print out a 13 x 19 image for a reference and I use my computer to zoom in on the image to see the details. I usually paint local colors but I enhance them a lot. If you were to compare the reference photograph to the painting, you would see a lot of difference in the two. I want the painting to jump out and grab you so I pay a lot of attention to detail but not so much that it is photorealism.  Painting in layers, I always paint from light to dark

"Lemon Kaleidoscope" by Marsha Chandler

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

Winsor Newton- New Gamboge, Sap Green, Aliziran Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Aureolin, Cobalt Blue and Ultramarine Blue

Daniel Smith-Quinacridone Burnt Scarlet, Quinacridone Burnt Orange and Quinacridone Gold   I have a lot of other colors that I use, but these are my most frequent colors                                              

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

I love all artists that paint realistic still lifes especially watercolor artists. Laurin McKracken and Chris Krupinski are two of my favorites. When I first started painting still lifes, I emailed them an image of a painting and asked them to critique it which they did, not knowing me at all. This was a big help to me and I appreciate what they did so much.  Recently, I took a workshop from Chris in Atlanta and felt like I was in heaven.

"Pear Go Round" by Marsha Chandler

 What have been some of your crowning achievements?

1. Receiving an Honorable Mention in Watercolor magazine’s What do You Love competition and having the painting published in Watercolor Artist magazine.
2. Receiving Signature Membership in Watercolor Society of Alabama in 3 years and in Georgia Watercolor Society in 4 years.
3. Being accepted into the Annual Southern Watercolor Society Exhibit twice.
4. Being juried into the International Guild of Realism.
5. Being in the Atelier Gallery in Charleston, S. C.

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

1. To be accepted into the Annual Southern Watercolor Society Exhibit again and receive Signature membership.
2. To be accepted into America Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society and then receive Signature Membership in them.
3. To be accepted into the International Guild of Realism Annual Exhibition.
4. Have an article published in Watercolor Artist magazine
5. To be in Splash 16.

"Vegetable Medley" by Marsha Chandler

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

Find out what you love to paint and stick with it. Paint, paint and paint until your paintings are professional quality and build a cohesive body of work. Enter competitions to begin building your resume. Start out with local competitions and work your way up to National competitions. Join a local artist’s organization and at least one national organization. If I had done this after I had my first art lesson, I don’t think I would have ever quit painting. It’s important to have other artists to share with.

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

I received the above advice several years ago and adhered to it.

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

Your dream vacation spot? France

Book or movie? Book

Favorite author? James Patterson

Favorite movie? Gone With the Wind

Romance or comedy? Romance

Favorite dessert? Carrot Cake

Night owl or morning person? Morning Person

Thank you so much Marsha:)

Roses in glass means what??????

Hi Everyone,

Untitled watercolor by Carrie Waller 9" x 14"

So I finished my painting, yay!!!!!  So happy to have this one finished.  The idea for this painting came to me in a dream.  Has that ever happened to you?? It was a first for me.  I had to figure out where to find the glass balls and how to set up the still life and photograph it.  It was an interesting process.  I'm not done with these glass spheres, I have some more ideas, we'll see where it takes me.

After finishing the painting comes the arduous task of titling it.  Sometimes I feel like all of my creative energy is gone and coming up with a title is just the hardest part of the whole process.  I've been wracking my brain.  Glass menagerie popped in my mind, but I've never been a Williams fan and I'm not a fan of that play.  So I headed to google and did a search for roses in glass.  I had absolutely no idea that it's a term for a crack pipe??????  What???????  Evidently at the gas station they sell roses in class tubes, they are used as crack pipes.  FANTASTIC, just what I was going for:))  So now I'm officially stuck, any ideas?

When I started this painting the idea of fragility or a secret garden came to mind.  I asked my boys if they had a title and Sam, my 4 year old, said "Submarine Roses".  Now my husband says I must title it that because Sam came up with it:)  But that makes as much sense to me as Miley Cyrus' performance at the VMA's last night, I suspect she may already be familiar with roses in glass:)

So any ideas would be great!  I could use some help:))

Carrie

Friday Feature: Vicki Monette

Hi Everyone,

"Greetings from Nepal" original watercolor by Vicki Monette

Today I have a fabulous Friday Feature:  Vicki Monette.  I met Vicki through the Louisiana Watercolor Society a few years ago.  I had the best time getting to know her a little and her art and story are beautiful.

To see more of Vicki's work visit her website and facebook page

How did you get your start what has been your artistic journey so far?

Art was always an important part of my life.  I grew up drawing and painting, and took art lessons when possible.  My high school had a great art program, which inspired me a lot.  I studied Art Education at Louisiana State University.  After graduation I was offered a job in retail advertising.  So for the next 7 years I drew newspaper advertisements for JC Penney, Woman's World, Godchaux's and  other clothing stores. I loved drawing in pen and ink,  loved the details an patterns of clothing.  The job was absolutely my dream job, and i loved it.   I had to leave that work when we moved to a small town.  I went back to oil painting which I had done since the age of 13.  Then I saw some big bold watercolor paintings that I couldn't get enough of, so I took a class from the artist.  Watercolor has been my first love in art ever since.  I was totally hooked because of the luminosity and beautiful textures that can be achieved with watercolors.  I bought books and DVDs and took workshops to continue learning.   I have met some wonderful artists at workshops, including Carrie.  Having artist friends is a great inspiration to continue learning and painting.

Where were you born?

I was born in Tampa, Florida.

"Massai Market" original watercolor by Vicki Monette

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

I would live in the country, surrounded by nature.   I love the peacefulness and beauty of country living.

What has been your favorite thing to paint and why?

I like to paint whatever stirs my heart and keeps me awake at night thinking about how that paint it?  My favorite subjects include details, colors, and light and shadows.  I like to paint the people of Africa with their bright clothing and beautiful beaded jewelry.  My husband and I have been to Kenya five times.  we travel there to do Marriage Conferences for African Pastors and their wives.  After the conference, we take a few days for a photo safari.  We just returned a few days ago from our most recent trip.  I am looking through hundreds of photos to see what painting is waiting there for me?  Two of my paintings , "Massai Warrior" and "Massai Woman" were painted of the people I met in Kenya.  Another painting, "Greetings from Nepal", came from  a photo that medical missionaries showed me.  That painting is my favorite right now.  I also like to paint southern scenes.  We live about an hour from New Orleans and I am working on some paintings of the French Quarter now.

"Massai Warrior" original watercolor by Vicki Monette

Could you talk about your painting techniques?

I paint from photos that I have taken.  Sometimes I can only get one photo of a subject, but when possible I like to have many photos to look at.  I use tracing paper to work out my composition.  I cut, rearrange and redraw the picture until I get what I want.  Then I transfer to Arches 300# Cold Press Watercolor Paper.  The paper has been soaked about 5 minutes then stapled to a board.  When the paper is dry, I mask all white areas.  I begin painting from light to dark.  I work around the entire painting in many thin layers of paint, blending and softening edges.  I truly enjoy the painting part of it  so I am not in a hurry.  I love seeing the painting develop.  Most of my paintings have many glazes on them.  I build up layers of thin glazes to get subtle changes of color, depth and shape.  Sometimes I pour the paints on the paper and let the colors mingle and blend to make beautiful lights and shadows.  My "Rockers" paintings are poured.  As I paint I make notes of the colors used and where I used them. I write colors and mixes on a separate piece of watercolor paper.  Sometimes I put sticky tabs on my palette with notes like "This yellow", or "Skin Mixture".  So when my painting time gets interrupted by travel or meetings, I can pick up where I left off.

"Massai Woman" original watercolor by Vicki Monette

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

I do not have a favorite artist, however there are many artists that do gorgeous work and I love seeing their work.

My biggest inspiration has been my family, friends, and collectors who encourage me.

What have been your crowning accomplishments?

A few years ago I started entering juried competitions.  I recently got my signature membership in the Louisiana Watercolor Society.  I am hoping to receive signature memberships in a few more art organizations.

"Rockers" original watercolor by Vicki Monette

What 5 things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?  (Dream Big)

I would like to be juried into more shows and receive recognition, awards, sales.
I would like to have my paintings shown in galleries.  I have done this in the past, but in recent years, I have been slack in chasing this dream.
I would like to write a book of step-by-step art lessons.  I would like to share what I have learned with others.
I would enjoy a month to just paint.  That would be wonderful and hopefully productive.
To dream big, I would like to have a larger studio, with more room.  I guess that is every artist's dream!

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

My advice is to take workshops.  Learn from master painters whenever possible.  Another way to learn is to buy, rent or borrow DVS's and books by artists, and learn their techniques.  Also helpful is to have painting buddies to encourage you to paint.

"Blue Hydrangea" original watercolor by Vicki Monette

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

Paint what inspires you, and paint often.  Even if it is just an hour a day, make time to paint.  It is worth it!

Speed Round

Chocolate or Vanilla?  Chocolate
Dream vacation spot? Hawaii
Book or movie? book
Favorite author?Joel Rosenberg
Favorite movie? classics
Romance or comedy? Romance
Favorite dessert?  Chocolate cake with chocolate icing
Night owl or morning person?   morning

Thank you so much Vicki.  Can't wait to see the paintings that come from your latest adventure.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Carrie

Feeling a little all over the place.

Hi Everyone,

I'm a little all over the place lately, literally and figuratively.  We have had a cram packed summer at the Waller casa.  We have moved our household, traveled to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Charleston, SC, Montgomery, AL and had family visit a few times in between. I've taught a workshop, planned a show for military spouses (click here for details, deadline August 31st, open to artists that are military spouses, a spouse of a retired military member or veteran), forgotten to register a kid for school (problem resolved), had my 6 year old become a 7 year old, I became another year older and almost lost my mind in the process.

Work in Progress, watercolor by Carrie Waller

Another work in progress, watercolor by Carrie Waller

 During all this chaos little painting has happened.  I did manage to finish a commission that I can't share yet, and I'm currently in the research phase of another one.  I do have 2 other paintings going, which is not like me at all, I normally finish a piece before I start another but I've had one dragging on since last March and my current painting is anxiously awaiting.  I'm feeling hopeful that I will log in some painting hours this week, school has officially started.

Left is the beginning of the day, Right side is a happy 1st grader:)

It was an emotional 1st day for for 1st grader, I left him crying at his desk this morning which made me want to yank him out of school and start homeschooling.  However, by lunch time all was right with the world, phew!!!  My youngest is starting Pre-K, we had orientation today.  Tomorrow is his 1st day, say a prayer for us both:)  He left today saying he wanted to come back lots of days to his class, so I take that as a good sign:)  He already has 1 friend from pre-school in the class.  How do you parents do this?  It's going to be a long 12 years of Elementary and then you have to send them off to college, it's just too much:)

Good luck to all those school aged kids that have started their first days, may it be a successful year for you and your parents!  Now I'm off to cook dinner, pack some lunches, lay out some clothes for tomorrow and hopefully get brush to paper for a couple hours:)

Carrie

An Award and a trip to Charleston, South Carolina

Hi Everyone

"Reminiscence" original watercolor by Carrie Waller received the $250 1st Timer's Award 

I've been off again vacationing:)  The kids and I went to South Carolina to visit my Mom, Step Dad and Grandma, we also visited my brother and sister in-law and nephews on the way in Alabama.  It's been a jam packed week and a half.

While I was away I won the $250 1st Timer's Award from the Mid-Southern Watercolorists 43rd Annual Juried Exhibition (my first time entering the exhibit).  The Arkansas Times did a nice write up about the exhibit and included the image of my painting in the article.  To read the article click here.  My wonderful hubby went to the reception and received the award for me:)

I also got the chance to meet Helen Beacham in person and paint with her and got to see Nancy Rhodes Harper's art in person at the Atelier Gallery in Charleston.

Perfect Charleston Charm!

Isle of Palms

Mother Nature gave us a perfect Charleston Night:)

Friday Feature: Nancy Rhodes Harper

"Lavender Heels" original work by Nancy Rhodes Harper

Nancy Rhodes Harper grew up in a  small town in the Ozark Mountains surrounded by paint and brushes in her fathers sign shop.  She started painting at a very early age.  Continuing to study in school she received a BA degree in Art Education from the University of Central Arkansas.  After marriage, and completion s of Nancy's husbands Phd in Physics from Auburn graduate school, the couple landed in Huntsville, Alabama.  Nancy continued to paint and grow as an artist while working in interior design, sign painting and freelancing as an artist.  After raising a son with the support of her husband and family Nancy decided to pursue painting full time.  Using bold color, lush descriptive brushstrokes and very often whimsy she sets about doing what she loves painting everyday.   She creates whimsical women in everyday settings with exaggerated features such as elongated hands, arms, unusual faces and long lean bodies with wonderful color.  Her work is collected in many states across America and can be found in the Atelier Gallery, Charleston, SC, Nelson Fine Art Gallery, Wilmington, NC and  in Art in Miniature in Tubac, AZ.

To see more of her work visit her website, blog and facebook page

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

My father was a sign painter so I had access to art supplies at a very young age. I started drawing and using pastels around the age of 5. I knew I wanted to pursue art and nothing else from that time on. I drew constantly and had my first art class experience in high school . After that, I went to college and while I only wanted to do studio work in order to continue school I had to get a degree in art education so I could get a student loan. I continued to paint in watercolor doing portraits and fashion illustration with a few shows. Following my husband as he worked on his Phd. there was little opportunity for further study for me as I worked in non art related jobs, with no internet and a small family budget. Raising our son like many other women my art was put aside for many years. Once he was grown I began work as a daily painter just for myself. That is when I started painting in oil exclusively. Taking many workshops with internationally known artists. I focused on plein air but knew that was not my love. My love had always been painting women and putting them in fashion that I liked. I made the decision only 2 years ago to stop painting anything but women, that I call my "ladies".

Where were you born?

I was born in Berryville, Arkansas a very small town in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

I often think of moving and living in other places but I suppose if I had my choice, I would live in Eureka Springs, Ar. that is where I am the happiest and I draw greg energy from being there.

"Traffic Stopper" original work by Nancy Rhodes Harper

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

My favorite things to pant are women either portrait type or full figures, To me making up a face, a body position, putting the character in any setting I choose, is complete freedom as a painter. They belong to me they are in my mind.

Could you talk about your painting techniques?

I like to paint large and small. I usually begging with a quick sketch in oil on the canvas or panel. I very rarely do a preliminary sketch. I do use references at times for body positions or what a piece of furniture looks like or search for an usual pattern in a fabric but over all I make the composition up in my head and not from life. Everyone should paint from life at some point but now I find it frustrating as I can paint a person doing exactly what I want without having to pose someone. I often exaggerate things like necks, hands, legs, facial features.

"Purple Poppy" original work by Nancy Rhodes Harper

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

I tend to gravitate toward very cool colors and rarely will I do a warm color painting, although I am trying to get better at that. I love pinks, lavenders, soft blue greens. I then add touches of yellows and oranges and I am always aware of using complimentary colors for harmony.

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

My favorite artist at the moment is Milt Kobayashi and I have been privileged to study

with him and call him a friend. Also when I was younger Andrew Wyeth was a huge inspiration. But now Milt is my favorite by far.

"If The Hat Fits Wear It" original work by Nancy Rhodes Harper

What have been some of your crowning achievements? 

I have won awards and sold paintings but truly not one thing stands out to me other than being accepted in fine art galleries. To me that was a goal I worked hdd to achieve.

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

In the next five years I would like to go to Paris and Italy continue to study with Milt Kobayshi every year. Hopefully continue to find success in new art galleries and perhaps even make a little more money doing what I love.

"Striped Pajamas" original work by Nancy Rhodes Harper

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

 If I had the opportunities offered today with the internet and the many varied accomplished artists etching through workshops I would skip college and use the money to study with as many as I could afford. I would draw and paint as many hours as I could manage and never stop. I would not let anyone stand in my way with opinions about my work. You have to believe in yourself more than anyone else does and study all of the time. You will never learn all there is to know. Be open to new possibilities. Paint for your joy and love of it.

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

I am a stubborn person, When I was 5 I entered an art contest drawing a picture of Emmet Kelley the clown. My work was refused because they didn't fell I had really done the work myself. That had a huge impact on me and from then on I had something to prove, that I could do the work, I could be noticed and they would not stop me. It turned out that little bit of criticism by a teacher, someone who wasn't even qualified to just an art contest was my best inspiration. So I would say it really wasn't advice it was a personal drive. When I grew older I thrived on my work and loved it so much I didn't care I just wanted to paint for myself. To this day I don't really care for entering art competitions as they are judged by the opinions of others which doesn't really matter to me. It is nice to be recognized and appreciated by wards don't drive me. I drive me and my love of the work.

"Twilight Indeed" original work by Nancy Rhodes Harper

SPEED ROUND!

 Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Your dream vacation spot? Big Sur, Ca.

Book or movie?
Movie

Favorite author?
I hate to read...eek.

Favorite movie? Being There starring Peter Sellers

Romance or comedy?
Both

Favorite dessert?
Blackberry Cobbler

Night owl or morning person? Morning Person 

Thank you so much Nancy:)

A different kind of painting

Hi Everyone,

Master Bedroom

I have completed a commissioned piece since I last posted but I'm not allowed to share it with you yet:( 

So I thought I would share my weekend project.  I was painting this weekend just not on paper.  

We recently moved into this house and we'll only be here for a year so I didn't change the wall colors.  I wanted to lighten this green wall color up so I have white bedding and I wanted to add white lamps without spending  fortune.

So I visited Goodwill and found these 2 beauties for $5 each.  Bought a can of spray paint and voila, new lamps:)

I stopped in at Hancock Fabric store and they had the blue and white lampshade that I thought would be perfect but they only had one, but they were 50% off so I rummaged through their shelves and found the same pattern but in orange.  I came home and pulled out my acrylics and changed the color.

For around $30 I have 2 new lamps and I think they look great in the room.   I now have a hand painted lampshade which would cost big $$ if you were to purchase from a designer store.  The picture in the middle is a beach scene from Ireland that we had blown up.  And of course I have some ball jars with sand and candles.

Thought I would also share some studio pictures with you.  This is my new painting area.  I just love the huge windows.

I hope you have a great week!  Happy Painting!

Carrie

Friday Feature: Pablo Villicana Lara

"Eh Kneek II" original watercolor by Pablo Villicana Lara

Pablo Villicana Lara was born in a small village thirty miles sour of the California/ Mexico border.  He came to the U.S. when he was five to receive medical attention need due to contracting polio when he was two years old.  He alway intended to go back to Mexico, but by the time the medical attention was over, he had been in school for several years so he decided to stay and finish his schooling.  He received his BFA from St. Mary's College in Moraga, California, then went on to receive his MFA in drawing with distinction at California College of the Arts in Oakland.  Though he was raised in both Mexican and American cultures, most of his paintings reflect his Mexican Native heritage.  Through bold color, dramatic lighting, handmade objects such as pottery, baskets, blankets, musical instruments, cultural objects, and portraits of family members and traditional people, he creates paintings that speak of the heart of his people and the culture that many are trying to preserve.  He tries to evoke a sense of ancient history and tradition as well as weave symbols of stories passed down orally from generation to generation.


To see more of his work visit his website and facebook page.

 How did you get your start what has been your artistic journey so far?

I found myself hiding in the art and music rooms during high school so when I went to college, naturally I declared a business major and practically flunked every class. It took one art class and a "why are you in the business dept" from a wise art instructor to transform my college career from academic probation to the deans list. That got me into an art college where I devoured everything from ceramics to paper making to acrylics to fiber arts but nothing compared to the challenge and satisfaction I got from watercolors which is what I have been working with for the last 24 years.

"Preparing for Eclipse" original watercolor by Pablo Villicana Lara

Where were you born?

A little pueblo 30 mins south of Mexicali Baja Ca

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

Somewhere in the mountains.

What is your favorite thing to paint and why?

Portraits are my my first love but I also really enjoy the diversity of still lifes.

"Shell Keeper" original watercolor by Pablo Villicana Lara

Can you discuss your painting techniques?

I have no painting tricks or special techniques, I paint very directly, using as few layers as possible to keep the colors clean and fresh. I like to mix the colors I want to see on the painting in the palette although I really enjoy seeing how colors interact when I float different colors into wet areas. I try to plan out paintings before I put paint to paper but also stay open to happy accidents that change the direction of the painting. My mantra is "Slop it on and make it work!"

What are your favorite paint colors?

I work with a fairly limited palette, some of my favorites are Ultramarine Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, New Gamboge

"This Little Piggy Went To Market" original watercolor by Pablo Villicana Lara

Do you have a favorite artist?

Georgia Okeefe, Joseph Rafael, Andrew Wyeth, Mary Cassatt, Stanislaw Zoladz, Victor Martinez

What have been some of your crowning achievements?

My first solo show was the first time I stepped back and really looked at what I could do which has inspired me to push myself further and work harder at what I do. I've been fortunate enough to do well in the society competitions.

What are 5 things you would like to have happen, dream big here:)

Show my work in a major museum.

More solo shows.

Buy land where I can build a separate studio from the house.

That's all I really need.

"I Scream" original watercolor by Pablo Villicana Lara

What would be your best advice for an upcoming artist?

As an instructor, I've always encouraged to draw every day, learn techniques and know your colors so you can explore what they can do for you but as an artist, I encourage being creative in every aspect of your life.

What's the best advice you have received?

I'm trying to listen to advice but I just can't do it!  I tend to listen to my own instincts.

original watercolor by Pablo Villicana Lara

Speed Round

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate!

Dream vacation?

Retracing my grandparent's and great grandparents footsteps  and visiting the traditional villages of Mexico.

Book or movie?

Both

Favorite Author?

Rudolfo Anaya

Favorite Movie?

I only watch intellectual movies like Dumb and Dumber.

Romance or Comedy?

Comedy

Favorite Dessert?

Anything Chocolate!

Night Owl or morning person?

Morning person, but I also enjoy staying up to late.

Thank you so much Pablo:))