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:)