Work In Progress Wednesday: "Crash Course" working title

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would share my progress.  These cars take forever!  I'm having a hard time being patient and not filling in the background, which is a blown up photograph, while I'm painting the cars, but I want the colors to all be consistent so I will wait.

Carrie

Work In Progress

Hi Everyone,

work in progress, watercolor 16x20 by Carrie Waller
www.carriewallerfineart.com

I'm starting a new painting.  The inspiration for this painting comes from my Grandpa.  I recently acquired a lot of the family pictures and one of the pictures in the box was of my Grandpa on the Indy 500 test track.  My Grandpa passed away when I was 6, but my best memories of him are watching him work on cars at his auto body repair shop.  "Smitty" as everyone called him was the best in the area at doing auto body painting.  So you can imagine what a great experience being at the Indianapolis 500 test track must have been for a guy who's passion was cars.

When I found the photo I knew that I wanted to build a painting around this, so I blew the photo up and placed Hotwheels cars all around the photo.  Painting these cars is really fun, even though the glittery purple truck almost took an entire day, who knew glitter would be so difficult to capture.

I'll be sharing my work in progress pictures with you, and you can always like my fan page, I post pictures as I'm painting throughout the day.

I also was featured on Daniel Smith's page the other day, they did an interview and everything:))

Carrie

Friday Feature: Chris Krupinski

"Lemons and Grapes" watercolor by Chris Krupinski

Today's Friday Feature is a special one for me.  When I first started painting I couldn't look at Chris Krupinski's work enough.  Her light and realism are amazing.  At my first LWS International show I almost died because I had a painting in the same show with Chris.  I felt so blessed to see a piece of her art in person.  So, you can imaging my excitement last week when she invited me to her home while I was in the Washington DC area.  Not only did I get to she her studio (AMAZING) and get to chat with her and Janet Belich (another favorite artist of mine), Leslie Saeta and I also interviewed her on Artist's Helping Artists  show(a must listen).  

Today you are in for a treat:)  To see more of her work visit her website and  facebook page.

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

I have always had an intense interest in creativity. Even as a young girl I loved drawing, coloring, and painting. I liked the magic that happened when a plain sheet of paper would be transformed into something from my own hand and thoughts. My mom was an oil painter so I was accustomed to living in a creative environment and had access to creative materials. 

Where were you born?

Esslingen, Germany. My dad was in the service and married a German girl. I was only 9 months old when we came to the U.S.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

 I guess I would live right where I am. It isn’t so much the “where” you live, but the people that are around you. 

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

Uh … let me think here … lol. Still Lifes. Years ago I painted a lot of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia scenes. I painted a lot of the old brick buildings. I liked the challenge of painting the complexity of the bricks (and yes, I painted each and every brick). After my son was born, I received a baby quilt as a gift. It was made up of individual 1” squares of fabric of different colors and patterns. I was immediately motivated to try to capture this in a painting. I put some oranges on the quilt, took a picture and started painting. This is when my fruit and fabric era started. As I continued along this road, I noticed how design was becoming more and more important in my work. Everything I used in my still lifes became nothing more than shapes. And the lighting added to those shapes by creating intense darks and lights. Not only were the shapes important, but the lines were too. The lines of folds in the cloths or the design within the cloth served to lead your eye around the painting.

Could you talk about your painting techniques?  

I have always loved color and have found that painting the traditional watercolor wet-in-wet doesn’t work so well for me.  Therefore, I use many glazes of color on dry paper building the color to rich vibrancy. I also use a lot of dry brush to achieve texture. When beginning a painting, I focus on the focal point and paint that area to completion. This sets the tone for the rest of the painting. I cannot paint all over … my mind just does not work that way!

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

Winsor & Newton’s Antwerp Blue is my very favorite color. But, on my palette and in all of my paintings you will always find French Ultramarine, Alizarin Crimson, and New Gamboge.

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

I have a lot of favorite artists and I hesitate to mention all of them here for fear of forgetting one. But, Andrew Wyeth has always been a favorite of mine. I love the attention to detail in his paintings and I love how his color selection is core to creating the mood found in his work. My biggest inspiration though was my high school art teacher. He pushed me so hard and never let me quit. I would think I was finished with an assignment and he would say, “No, you’ve only just started.” I would get so frustrated, but continued to work hard to finish. He believed in me and he made me believe in myself.

What have been some of your crowning achievements?

Oh my! Crowing achievements keep happening as we continue through our lives. I remember the first time I entered a national show and was accepted. At the time, that was my crowning achievement. I still remember it … so random. I entered the National Watercolor of Oklahoma show and was accepted. I remember when my first painting was accepted into the AWS show. I opened the letter in my kitchen and actually screamed! Earning signature membership in AWS, NWS was important to me and then to eventually win awards in both shows. I felt honored to become TWSA Master status. I earned the first ever Platinum signature status in Alabama Watercolor Society. I was honored when Cheng Khee Chee selected me as a “master painter” in the first Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary International Watermedia Masters in 2007 in Nanjing, China. Each and every time that I accomplish something with my paintings is important to me. Each and every one of these accomplishments is a crowing achievement. I paint what motivates me and get lost in the process of painting. I NEVER paint to try to achieve any of these accomplishments, the achievement is the validation of my motivation.

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

I learned a long time ago not to look too far into the future because it will never be what you expect it to be. So, for the most part I look at right now as being important. Right now there are things happening or have happened that I would never have dreamed of so I would rather just bask in these achievements rather than dream of what could be …

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

Don’t be so judgmental of yourself and understand that when people look at your work they won’t see what you see. 

Be true to yourself. Paint what motivates you and not what you think people want to see.

Paint … paint … paint. You can only improve through the time you put into your work.

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

Paint who you are and not what someone else tells you that you need to be.

Chris in her studio

Her amazing studio.  She had it added on to her house.

Her amazing work!!

Chris, Me and Janet Means Belich having lunch

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? 

Ahhhh!!! Depends on the mood I am in!

Your dream vacation spot?

Italy

Book or movie?

Book every time!!!

Favorite author?

David Baldacci

Favorite movie?

Field of Dreams

Romance or comedy?

Comedy

Favorite dessert?

Bread pudding

Night owl or morning person?

Both … just not enough time in the day to sleep!

Thank you so much Chris for your feature and inviting me into your studio.  

Carrie

"Love, Steven and Sam"

"Love, Steven and Sam" 8x10 watercolor by Carrie Waller

I'm currently traveling back from Washington DC where Maria Bennett Hock, Lorelei Taylor and I curated the first National Military Spouse Small Works Show.   This show took place during the annual career summit for military spouses.  It was a fabulous show and reception and we're looking forward to it growing each year.

I created a painting that was used for the marketing material that I shared with you last week. In addition I exhibited 3 other works. "Love, Steven and Sam" was created specifically for this show. The theme was "together we serve" and I felt this painting really showed the impact that military life can have on the kids. Military kids are incredible and have to endure so many crazy obstacles growing up in a military family. They survive deployments and constant moves. When you talk to military families you will frequently hear "I went to 3 different high schools". My husband attended 9 different schools up to high school ( he's a military brat). And through all this you will not meet a more open and adaptable group of kids. 

I'll blog more about the show on Wednesday. 

Carrie

Friday Feature: Janet Belich

Friday Feature: Janet Means Belich

Hi Everyone,

Janet Means Belich

This week I'm featuring Janet Belich.  I just love her work.  I first noticed her work during the Japanese art auction and she auctioned off "Snowy Hydrangea", too bad it had already sold because I would have loved to have that in my collection.  I love the delicate feel and the way she crops her composition.  Her paintings are just beautiful.  Someday I hope to meet Janet in person.   

To see more of her work visit her blog  and facebook page.

"Snowy Hydrangea" watercolor by Janet Means Belich

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

Few people know this but I invented encaustic painting. I say that because at about five or six years of age, I had a really old, ugly, metal desk lamp in my room and when I was supposed to be asleep, I was melting crayons on it. The smell always gave me away, though. Seriously, like many have said before, the journey began at a very young age. It was just always assumed I would do something in art but in those times it always meant teaching. That's what my degree is in, art education. It was a very, very good education from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. They had a very tiny art department but it covered every aspect of studio art as well as art history. 

The "journey" has taken several "detours" due to raising a family. My first job out of college was in a framing shop that sold art supplies. There were many times when women came in who had been art majors and wanted to start painting again after having a family. I made a conscious decision that would not happen to me. I never gave up painting. I always did it when ever I could. But it's only been the past five years or so that I've gotten back to that "highway". I have a very good friend that pestered me to join a co-op and that was just the kick I needed. It was about the same time I was juried into the Baltimore Watercolor Society, one of the oldest in the nation and the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. I started a blog and pretended it was a website. The internet has been the best/worst thing to happen ! The interaction & networking of artists is so incredible. Somehow, Jane Freeman found me and now I'm a member if her Artcolony blog. What a delightfully supportive group it is and I thank her so very much. 

 Where were you born?

Greenville, Pennsylvania 

If you could live anywhere where would you live? 

We've moved several times and I love to travel so I've seen quite a few places. Where we live now in Maryland is a nice mix of rural and urban areas. It is becoming more crowded but still it offers access to museums and events that not everyone enjoys. Some of my favorite spots though would be Copenhagen, Denmark , Kalmar, Sweden or Geneva, Switzerland. 

watercolor by Janet Means Belich

 What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

Landscapes have always been my main interest from the very beginning. I love trees. I love the positive and negative shapes that they make. But that doesn't mean I haven't strayed to other things. Being a member of the co-op gave me renewed appreciation of seeing abstract elements in realism. An other dear friend commented that she thought I would be know for my Indian corn paintings. The jury is still out on that. 

Could you talk about your painting techniques? 

I love the opaque paints. For a time I used only gouache but I used them as one would the transparent. Now I use both but not necessarily together. The fascination for me has always been the process. I love to see the paintings evolve and watch the depth build. I layer colors to reach the darkest value possible to feel that one could go back through the painting forever. For that reason mine don't have the beautiful luminosity that some watercolors have. But I think ones technique is always evolving. 

watercolor by Janet Means Belich

 You seem to really enjoy texture in your paintings is there a common theme throughout your works?

As a theme…hmm…I'm not sure there's an intentional one. The only thing in common to all of them is that I still have a boat load to learn. 

watercolor by Janet Means Belich

How did you arrive at your current style? 

I think a style is like handwriting. Once you learn to make the letters I'm not sure it changes too much. There are always aspects that show through a persons work that tells you who did it. So arriving at a current style wasn't really a deliberate destination. I look at some things I've done and exclaim, "Geez, have I learned nothing at all over the years ?". Some may agree whole heartedly. 

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

Alway's been & alway's will be Winslow Homer, but also Sargent. 

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist? 

Painting is so solitary. I find it really hard to work if there is something on my mind that interferes with that percentage of concentration that I need. I try to have positive attitude and thoughts. Maybe that's an other reason artists get a bad wrap sometimes. We try to shut out the real world & problems so we can concentrate on what we're doing at the time. My favorite things are the furry critters that keep me company, a Shetland Sheepdog & two black cats. 

watercolor by Janet Means Belich

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

I've always used Winsor/Newton paints but Jane Freeman introduced me to Daniel Smith which I like too. I'm constantly looking for my perfect red. I'm not sure what it is but if I find it, I'll let you know. Always on the palette : Alizarin crimson, Antwerp blue, Winsor violet, Olive green, Winsor blue &my new favorite Quin gold. 

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

Well, dreaming really BIG here…AWS & NWS signatures ! More travels to plein aire paint. I can't think too big…I've been very fortunate. 

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

Network with other artists ! We can help each other so much. Show your work to everyone that has a pulse. 

"Jersey Girl" watercolor by Janet Means Belich

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

"Being able to draw come about by drawing". 

A painting should look as good up close as it does from back there. 

watercolor by Janet Means  Belich

SPEED ROUND! 

Chocolate or vanilla?…Seriously ? Vanilla ??? 

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat? …Mountain retreat but it's got to have a lake or stream. 

Book or movie?…yep. 

Favorite author?…Barbara Kingsolver 

Favorite movie?…Sound of Music 

Romance or comedy? comedy 

Favorite ice cream flavor?…peppermint stick 

Night owl or morning person?…morning but I need my nap too. 

Cake or Cupcakes?…cake 

National Military Spouse Network

"NMSN" original watercolor by Carrie Waller 16" x 20"
Commission

I'm on my way to DC, government shutdown or not:)  I'm helping curate a military spouse art exhibit during the National Military Spouse Summit next weekend.  I can't wait to see all of the art work that was submitted in person.  It will be fun to see some of my art friends on the east coast as well.

I'm sharing the painting I did for NMSN for this years marketing material.  The president of NMSN, Sue Hoppin, and I collaborated to get this still life composition.  She wanted it to convey the story of what a military spouse endures during their active duty years.  In this image I used the vintage airplane tags and tickets as an indication of all the places the military can send you.  The globe is to share the world mission and where all the assignments can take you.  The 3 books Sue asked me to include, they are all on the subject of the military spouse and trying to find employment .  The Dummies book Sue co-authored.  The ipad on top shows the logo and mission statement for NMSN.

Looking forward to meeting a lot of fellow military spouse professionals:)

Carrie

Friday Feature: Diane Hoeptner

Hi Everyone,

"Perfect Storm "by Diane Hoeptner

Today I bring you a feature from the amazing Diane Hoeptner.  I have been a fan of her works ever since found her blog a few years ago.  I love the patterns in her backgrounds and the masterful handling of her subjects whether it's a still life, a cat, a dog, or a person, she can do it all!

To see more of her work visit her blog, website and facebook page.
You can also check out her videos as well.

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

I can't remember exactly...I've had a few times around as an "artist" in different venues.  I spent a several years doing 3D modelling and animation as a digital artist in LA.  I've worked more than a few art-related jobs.  My best start was latching onto the daily painters movement and learning (again in my 40s) to paint in oils.  ...and I know I sound old but it's true:  The advent of the internet allowed me to share in a way that was nothing short of miraculous.

Where were you born?

Portland, ME

"Daffodils on Pattern" by Diane Hoeptner

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

My husband and I (mostly my husband) bought and fixed an old motor boat.  It's nothing fancy, but lately I'm obsessed with boating and all things water. To live in a home on the water's edge with a dock would be the bee's knees.

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I keep coming back to floral still lifes...and my cats.  It's a tie.  Flowers are cheap and available models and they offer an abundant variety of color and compositional options. The same can be said for our cats but they present a further dimension of personality that begs exploration...  I enjoy painting animals in general, want to do more of that.

"Daisies on Gray" by Diane Hoeptner

Which of your paintings was the most enjoyable to paint? Which was the most difficult?

The most enjoyable paintings are the ones that sort of fall into place, where my initial attraction to something corresponds with my ability to convey it.  ("Perfect Storm" It's an oldie but it was one of the first times I was able to paint yellow and gray exactly like how I wanted.) Paintings that sell (!) get extra points for enjoyment.  LOL.

The most difficult paintings:  human portraits are the most difficult.

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

Jeremy Lipking, Tiina Heiska, Bryce Liston, Johanna Harmon, Juliette Aristides, Daniel Gerhartz, Sally Strand, David Hettinger, Sarah Blumenschein and Carlo Russo.  My biggest inspiration and one of my all time favorite artists is Chase Chen who I knew when I lived in Los Angeles.

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist?

1) Long uninterrupted hours in my studio 2) Sales

"Nasturtium" by Diane Hoeptner

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

Burnt umber, I use it in every painting.  It's not always the greatest or most "glamorous" color and that's something I'm working on.

Do you ever get artist’s block? And what do you do to overcome it?

Yes.  Making art is a such a personal thing and when you aren't feeling it, it's very bad.  I try not to think of it as getting "blocked." Art is my livelihood, so there's that. If I was a teacher or a fire fighter, I wouldn't have the luxury of "taking time off" and I try to apply that approach to making art.  The most effective way to overcome it is to soldier on and make art anyway. However, when I'm really in a slump-- I find myself doing oft neglected marketing and tweaking my online presence.  That can sometimes kick me back into gear.  Switching out subject matter, media of choice and trying something new is also helpful.

"Alter Ego" by Diane Hoeptner

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

1) A bigger studio

2) More travel to far away places 

3) More freedom to explore different subjects

4) My blog will get as much traffic as the Huffington Post

5) I would love to collaborate with other artists on themed shows.

"Dragon Cat" by Diane Hoeptner

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

Make a lot of art and keep doing it.  Try a lot of things, keep doing the ones that work.  Remember it is valuable to find out when things don't work because you'll know not to do them again (or alternately tweak and try again.)  Don't wait for your muse, keep regular hours. Learn how to accept rejection so you're not too put out when it happens.   If they are introverted, they should buy my .99 e-book "A Guide for the Introverted Artist."  

"Tyson" by Diane Hoeptner

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

My friend Chase used to tell me to just "make more" and "don't be so precious." Andy Warhol said it very well:  “Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

"Russy" by Diane Hoeptner

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?

Sunny beach

Book or movie?

Movie

Favorite author?

Barbara Kingsolver

Favorite movie?

Leon:  The Professional

Romance or comedy?

Comedy

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate/Peanut butter

Night owl or morning person?

Morning

Cake or Cupcakes?

Cupcakes

Thank you so much Diane:)