Carrie's Creations

Friday, June 15, 2012

The Best of Friday Features, Suzanne Berry

Friday Feature: Suzanne Berry

Self-Portrait 10 x 10 by Suzanne Berry

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the thick of moving this Summer, so I thought I would share some of my favorite Friday Features.

If you're interested in being a Friday Feature this Fall please e-mail, carriewallerart@gmail.com

It's time for another edition of Friday Feature. This week I'm proud to feature Suzanne Berry. I came across Suzanne Berry through this wonderful blogging world! I think I was first mesmerized by her bug paintings and have since become one of her biggest fans. Her works are amazing!! The amount of detail, color, light, and emotion that she is able to capture on he canvas leaves me awe struck every time I see one of her masterpieces. Aside from her mad talents she is also very real and raw with her blog posts. She shares with us her ups and downs. I find everything about Suz inspirational and am thrilled to call her a friend.

To see more of her works check out her blog and website. She is offering a fabulous sale right now, you don't want to miss it.

"Betrayal" 20 x 20 oil by Suzanne Berry

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

If by “start,” you mean painting full time for a living – in November of 2004, my long term job as a graphic
designer at the Long Island newspaper Newsday was eliminated, and we decided that I should give it a try. I was terrified, but thought if I began with specific niche commissions – pet portraits in this case – I would hopefully ensure some income and hone my skills at the same time. My very first day in my little make shift studio was nauseatingly terrifying. I’ll never forget that feeling. To that point I had had only a single burst of creativity a few years prior, but really hadn’t created art on a regular basis for more than fifteen years (and decidedly not in oils, which incidentally terrified me). However, as time went on, I found that my experience as a graphic designer really helped my concepts and compositions.

"Give I'm An Inch" 36 x 12 oil by Suzanne Berry

The other “start” was at my mom’s kitchen table when I was about 8 years old. My brother, father and I had a block lettering contest, and I won! After that I just began drawing all the time – because I recognized it was
something I could do and it felt good! My journey so far has been satisfying, frightening, anxiety-ridden and joyful. Most especially right now. It’s a complete and absolute gift that I get to do this everyday, no matter how much I whine about it. For the first time in my artistic life, I’m painting. Interpreting with emotion. Not rendering subject matter as accurately as possible. And it feels wonderful. The freedom to not have to match EXACTLY what I’m looking at is a hard won, lengthy process that I’m still working through. Also, I’m not going in thinking, “I want this to look like so and so’s work.” I’m finding a voice and a style of my own, but realizing as I progress, that those things will only evolve authentically if I continue working consistently. You really can’t sit down and decide on a style, at least I can’t.

Where were you born?

I was born in Mineola, Long Island, New York, and grew up in Westbury. I’ve lived on Long Island all my life.

"Lady In Red Too" oil 24 x 36

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

In a sprawling farmhouse with a huge, well lit, stone wall studio in Ireland, about half an hour outside of Dublin.
Clearly, I’ve been giving this some thought.

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I’m just fascinated by the planes and structure of the human face. I find myself painting in my head while talking to people, noticing the warm shadows and where and when they turn into cool ones, light and shadow playing on the features, the distance between the eyes, etc. My husband, Tim – better known as “himself ” to my blog followers– is an artist as well, and even while watching TV we’re always de constructing faces and commenting on structure. This also includes figurative work.

"Waiting" 24 x 36 oil on canvas by Suzanne Berry

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

Wow, that’s a difficult question. I’ve had a recent sudden burst of creativity, and I think to date, I’ve enjoyed
painting “Waiting” the most at this point. The reference I used was from a site called “A Day Not Wasted,” and I just fell in love with the photo. I’m my own worst enemy – very critical and insecure – so when I actually like a painting I’ve done, it’s a treat! And, speaking of working from photos, I believe I’ve finally let go of my ongoing “from life or from photography”debate. Everyone does what works best for them and if I need to defend working primarily from photographs, then I shouldn’t be doing it should I? On the other hand, the most difficult was my very first commissioned portrait done in my twenties. A co-worker asked me to paint his wife. The reference photo was not flattering, and not knowing any better at the time, I painted EXACTLY what I saw. Bad idea. He brought it back to me saying he thought it was best, so as to “keep her from putting her foot through it!”
Ouch! Valuable lesson there.

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

It’s a tie between John Singer Sargent and Nicolia Fechin. I think Sargent has been the most influential throughout my life, although I don’t believe my work reflects that at all. It’s funny, I’ve been playing guitar off and on for years, and I find that the same thing happens. I’m influenced by very specific musicians, but what comes out doesn’t reflect them at all, which is both frustrating and gratifying at the same time.
Going back to Sargent, I used to spend hours at a time just analyzing his strokes. I read that he would stand and study the subject for great lengths of time and then suddenly rush to the canvas and capture a shadow, highlight or mid tone perfectly with one stroke. I think besides exceptional skill, artists on his level have infinite patience and drive.

"The Exhibit" oil 24 x 36 by Suzanne Berry

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

Actually, Tim is not only one of my favorite things, but I also consider him to be crucial to my sense of well being and success as an artist. Artistically and musically, he’s attracted to what challenges him, what makes him feel uncomfortable. I tend to find a comfortable place and want to stay there. He challenges my safeness, opens my mind up to a lot that I would normally not be drawn to. I’m excited about growing as an artist now where I used to be concerned with just painting the next pretty piece as realistically as I could. And there’s nothing wrong with that at all, I’m still doing that because I like it, but now there are other roads open to me. I’m very stubborn and don’t like change, so it takes me a while to come around and see what he’s saying, but it provides a lot of fertile ground for growth, not to mention some very extensive, interesting and sometimes heated conversations.

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

I get blocked almost after every micro-burst of creativity. Without fail, if I’ve done one or two paintings in a row that I am satisfied with, an unsolicited period of adjustment inevitably shows up. I call it the Dread Mahockiss. Boom! Suddenly the brush feels like an alien in my hand, the paint greets the canvas as if they’ve never met before, the voice keeps repeating I’m a fraud and I’m overcome with a sense of complete and utter failure. I get nauseous and my entire self concept comes into question. Sounds dramatic and it is...in my head. I’m beginning to understand those periods more lately and am realizing that the phone call is coming from inside the house. It takes just a short objective listen to the voice to realize it’s just a way of retreating, going back in, maybe recharging the batteries. It would be nice if I could find a less dramatic and less painful way to do that though wouldn’t it? I also spend a lot of time online visiting my favorite artist’s sites and blogs and looking for new ones. This online artist community is incredibly supportive and inspirational. It is so gratifying to connect with someone you’ve never physically met and find that you can discuss fear, exposure, criticism and the like on the common ground of being artists.

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

1. I’d like to be successful enough with my art to allow Tim to leave the corporate creative desert and work on following his dream, to give back the gift he’s given me.

2. I’d like to be successful, whether that means internally or externally. Clearly I’d like to keep a nice roof over my head so there’s that but I’d love to, at some point, enjoy working and enjoy my work on a consistent basis, no matter what I produce.

3. I’d like to be painting really large canvases! I’m talkin’ over 6 feet.

4. I’d like to be playing music with Tim, his brother Conor and a real drummer—instead of skippy the drum machine—to a live audience. Nothing big, something small and intimate. Just jamming and enjoying the moment. Tim is also an incredible cook. A big dream of ours is to own a funky little place somewhere equally funky, with our art on the walls for sale, incredible meals created by Tim on the tables and jam on a small stage while folks enjoy their vittles.

5. I’d like to have peace of mind on a consistent basis, no matter what is going on around me. I would like to
say, see a peaceful world but clearly, we’re not really good at that as a race so, I figure if I can achieve peace on a smaller level it might affect the whole in some way. And I’m a firm believer that we experience outside what we’re feeling inside, so I’m goin’ for some peace of mind. I’m pretty much done with self-created chaos and drama... at least for the moment that is.. I’m a tad emotional, so I’m working on it.

"Allie" oil 12 x 12 by Suzanne Berry

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

Listen to your inner voice because I believe it’s really the only one that knows what’s best for you. You might
make some mistakes and go in the opposite direction that you’d like to but it’s all part of the journey. I’m still very much on that journey and for the first time in my life I’m enjoying the accommodations. Oh and try to be supportive of yourself, something I’m just beginning to work on. And realize that if something someone says about your work upsets you, look at it, square in the face and have an honest dialog with yourself about it. I’m finding that if my buttons are pushed, I need to examine the buttons, not the one pushing them.

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

Just shut up and paint!

"Cheek to Cheek" oil 16 x 20 by Suzanne Berry

SPEED ROUND!
Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?
Somewhere in the middle so I can access both easily.

Book or movie?
Both, depends on the mood.

Favorite author?
Hard to say. I really enjoy well written biographies. I’m fascinated by what makes people I admire tick... artists,
political figures, musicians.

Favorite movie?
Right now it’s The Hangover, the first one. If it’s on cable we’ll watch it wherever we come in. There are so many.
Raising Arizona, Fight Club, LA Confidential.

Romance or comedy?
Comedy

Favorite ice cream flavor?
Pistachio

Night owl or morning person?
Morning

Cake or Cupcakes?
Cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop online. Visit. I’ll say no more.

Hope you enjoyed the interview! Big Thank You to Suzanne:)

See you Monday,

Friday, June 8, 2012

The Best of Friday Features

Friday Feature: Alvin Richard

Hi Everyone,


Alvin Richard

This week I'm featuring Alvin Richard. I found Alvin's work through surfing blogland and it was love at first site. I find Alvin's work so inspirational. I love how each composition very thoughtfully tells a story. I think the first painting I ever saw of Alvin's was 'Sheriff Woody & Crayolas'. His blog post had me in tears by the end of reading it. When I found out that Alvin's work was going to be at a gallery in Atlanta I made the 3 hour trek and saw his work in person, it is amazing! I think this man's work is genius and he inspires me to be a better artist on a daily basis.

To see more of his work check out his blog.

'Sheriff Woody & Crayolas' by Alvin Richard 10 x 12

How did you get your start?

I started out like most artists, drawing from an early age. In school, I only had art classes in grade 2 and 3. I rarely drew just for fun. There was always some kind of class project that required illustrations, birthday cards to do for students of our next door neighbor who was an elementary school teacher. I entered many contests, most of which I won or received a prize. I however stopped drawing after completing High School. I went on to nursing school and became a registered nurse at age 20. Soon after graduating, I purchase my first single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and started doing amateur photography.

At age 24, I took a 30 hour perspective drawing class. My first Christmas as a married man, my wife Suzanne surprised me with a set of watercolors. The only paint I had ever used until then was gouache (tempura) and oils from ‘’Paint by number’’ kits. I quickly found out that I had an immediate rapport and understanding of transparencies and soon after started painting with acrylic paint. I am completely self-taught as a painter. I’ve always viewed my artwork as an extension from doing photography. This is probably why I gravitated towards realism and hyperrealism. I was never exposed to fine art as a child. I discovered art in my early twenties. When I started to travel, I took every opportunity I had to visit art museums and galleries. I’ve had the good fortune to go to Europe six times and travel extensively across Canada and the United States. In the process, I’ve viewed some of the most celebrated paintings and artists in the world.

My talent was probably passed on by my father. He was a brilliant craftsman, could practically build anything and had a very creative outlook. I had an uncle to who did Folk Art and a great uncle, Leonard Richards who painted frescos in churches in Massachusetts.

'Pops on Pop Art' acrylic by Alvin Richard 12 x 16

What’s your artist journey so far?

From the get go, I did not really wanted to become a Sunday painter. I had loftier goals. I knew that if one day I was going to have anything the resembled an artistic career, that I would have to invest a lot of time and effort. In the process, I found my way and own voice in order to say what I wanted to say with my art. It’s been a long journey, one of self discovery, 24 years in the making. I sometimes have to pinch myself, to do a reality check by how far I’ve actually evolved technically and with opportunities that are currently being offered to me. This leads me to believe that I’m on the right path.

Where were you born?

I was born is a small rural community hospital in Rexton, New Brunswick Canada. It is now a historical museum. I grew up in Cap-Lumière, NB, a small fishing community along the Northumberland Strait.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

Probably a large city like Vancouver, Manhattan/ Brooklyn, Chicago, Paris or London, in a nice downtown loft apartment with great views, a large studio, with nearby parks and green spaces….a guy can dream right!

'A Cat and a Fish Tale' acrylic by Alvin Richard 8 x 10

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

Still life that explores popular and mass culture. It’s quite evident that I like to paint glass, metals, reflective surfaces because they have a WOW factor. But that becomes secondary. I’m more interested in the conceptual aspect of creating the imagery. You can paint a pretty picture and have nothing there. It all has to gel together somehow for me; I need to feel an inner connection with the subject matter.

Which of your paintings was the most enjoyable to paint?

A painting entitled Buoy-O-Buoy, 2004. These buoys used in this painting are to locate lobster traps. They had been painted with glossy marine paint. Some had peeling paint, paint running, lots of texture, and lots of colors…. It was dedicated to my father who was a lobster fisherman for a great part of his life.

Which was the most difficult?

I would have to say an early painting entitled At the clothesline, done in 1990. It was during this painting that I stopped mixing white with colors and started to paint in transparencies. It took me nine months to complete, and the starting point of what was to follow. A more recent painting would be Sparkling Treasures which was a commission work. With a piece like this, you really have to learn to see it properly, break down the imagery and rebuilt it in your head. My hand is only holding the brush; it’s the brain that actually does all the work.

http://alvinrichard-art.blogspot.com/2009/04/sparkling-treasures.html

Do you have a favorite artist? /

When I started to paint, it was Alex Colville, later Mary Pratt. These are the two artists that had the most impact on my work. They are both celebrated Canadian artists. They have a link together as teacher/student at the Fine Art program of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Who has been your biggest inspiration? Lloyd Fitzgerald, another New Brunswick artist from whom I learn to paint in transparencies from an 11 page letter he sent me. He would become a mentor to me for a decade (1989-2000). We corresponded through letters. I actually only met he once. There are a lot of artists around the world which I admire greatly, but with these three, I share a closer sensibility of regional ideals.

'Empty Coke Bottles' acrylic by Alvin Richard 11 x 14

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

To remain curious. To always seek out for answers. To investigate what I am painting and to establish a deeper connection with the subject matter. What I find most fulfilling is the conceptual aspect and what I learn during the journey getting there.

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

I have a weakness for the primary colors; I’ve been painting with Liquitex Acrylic paint since Day 1.

'Sally Blowing Bubbles' acrylic by Alvin Richard 10 x 12

Do you ever get artist’s block?

I do, especially if I am away from the brushes for too long. And what do you do to overcome it? I consult my therapist……JUST KIDDING! ……I just follow the advice of the Nike ad……JUST DO IT!

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

1- Retire from my full-time job in 2017 and paint full-time.

2- Revisit parts of Europe again, especially Belgium, the Netherlands and France.

3- After a 10 year hiatus, to run my 23^rd marathon.

4- To move into a loft studio that has beautiful windows with great natural lighting, two drawing tables, lots of shelf space for props, art books.

5- To have my artwork included in a major Hyperrealism touring exhibition and acquired by a major art museum……sorry but you did say ‘’ DREAM BIG’’.

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

Make short and long term goals. When opportunity knocks on your door, make sure you’re someone’s at home...….so practice, practice, practice. Submit your artwork in juried shows. Don’t get discourage when a submission is rejected (I have a large pile in a box under my desk).

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

If you stick with it, it will all come to you in time – Lloyd Fitzgerald

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, hands down!

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat? Sunny beach, since our house growing up faced the sea. I love the sound of crashing waves.

Book or movie? I love to read but I don’t have enough time . The weeks prior to the Oscars, I become a movie buff and try to see all of the major nominees….especially best film, actors, actress and screenplays.

Favorite author? Living – J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, Margaret Atwood / Dead- Carol Shields

Favorite movie? Field of Dreams

Romance or comedy? Romantic comedies, but I prefer drama.

Favorite ice cream flavor? President Choice- Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge Crackle Ice Cream, only available during the Holidays…….pity!

Night owl or morning person? Night Owl

Cakes of cupcakes? Cakes

Alvin, thank you so much for your interview. Congratulations on your recent accomplishment of painting your 200th original work. Can't wait to see the next 200:)

Carrie

Monday, June 4, 2012

Anticipation 6 x 8 and The Big Move

Hi Everyone,

"Anticipation" 6 x 8 original watercolor on paper by Carrie Waller

I want to start off by thanking each of you for continuing to follow my blog and leave your fabulous comments. I love, love, love reading them:) I promise as soon as I'm a little more settled I will be able to correspond with you! I realize how much time it takes to comment and surf blogs so I greatly appreciate your time, support and friendship:))

I managed to finish up a few commissions during my move. I have a few to go but they'll have to wait until my studio is unpacked. I painted another ball jar painting. It's a 6x8 version of my large painting "Anticipation". I'm pretty sure I can paint ball jars in my sleep now, which is a good thing because I was up until all hours in the hotel finishing this piece up. It was interesting:) But this painting went to a very special lady so I'm thrilled to have her add it to her collection.

Our Move

I am now officially living in Arkansas!! So far it is a beautiful place to live. I will admit I wasn't too thrilled when I heard that was where the Air Force was sending us, but so far I'm really enjoying AR. I love our house, I'll share pics soon, and I have a designated studio space.

Some of my broken china--first time we've had china broken since we've been moving

And a majority of my picture frames were damaged. Either tape on the frame pulling the finish off, or stacking multiple pictures together without paper in between them.

Our move has been not so thrilling. This has been the worst move in the 11 years that Brian and I have been doing the Air Force thing (Brian's been AF his whole life-the son of a retired AF Lt Col.). I am currently on page 3 of our claims form which is not a good scenario. Usually you have a handful of items that you have to claim but this has been ridiculous. It was the most incompetent packing crew I have ever had. So if you are thinking of moving with Swanee/Benkins think it through especially coming out of the Montgomery, AL area.

This is my new studio space--As you can see it needs a bit of work:))

Thanks again for continuing to read and comment. Miss you guys and I'll be over to your blogs soon!

Carrie

Friday, June 1, 2012

The Best of Friday Features

Crystal Cook, "A-Punk self-portrait" 8 x 10

In 1997 NBC had a Summer campaign "If you haven't seen it before, it's new to you", ha. It was pretty lame, but I still remember it so I guess it wasn't so lame:) Anyway I'm taking a page out of NBC's book and running my Best of Friday Feature series this Summer. So "If you haven't seen them before, they're new to you" :)

I'm moving this Summer and I'm sure knee deep in boxes to unpack, so enjoy these great interviews and if you're interested in being featured in the Fall please contact me at carriewallerart@gmail.com.

When I first started my blogging adventure I came across Crystal Cook's blog. I of course was mesmerized with her amazing watercolors and then thrilled to know that she was a Mommy/Artist in the trenches as well, with a brood of little boys. She gave me hope and determination. On days when I was saying to myself "Why am I doing this again", I would think of Crystal and it was a great feeling of camaraderie. I am so grateful for Crystal and our friendship.

Oh and her work is beyond incredible. I think of her as a modern day Mary Cassatt. So here is an interview with Crystal.

To see more of Crystal's works check out her website www.crystalcookart.com or blog www.crystalcookart.blogspot.com

Also enjoy Crystal and I on Artists Helping Artists blog radio podcast. You don't want to miss this. It's the show that broadcasted on 4/26/2012

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

Well, I’ve always loved to draw. When I was little and my friends would come over to my house and we were trying to figure out what to ‘play’ I always suggested drawing. It took me a while to figure out that not everyone had the same compulsion to draw that I did.

When I was about twelve years old my brother (who is an AMAZING artist) bought me a watercolor kit. That was the first time I knew that watercolors came in tubes, I always thought it was just those little pans they give you in school. The kit came with a watercolor book that had a bunch of different artist’s work showcased and I saw this portrait of a red headed girl in the sunlight painted by Jan Kunz and I knew that I wanted to paint like that one day. I took all the art classes my high school offered and drew and painted as much as I could. Then when it was time for me to go to college I put art aside for a while. I met, fell in love, and married my husband and focused on getting him through school while I worked.

After we’d been married for a few months I pulled out a pad of drawing paper and some old charcoal pencils I’d had for years and started drawing again. The results were not pretty. I was a little out of practice. But the love to create was still there. My husband noticed this and signed me up for a local watercolor class as a surprise Christmas gift.

Then after our first child was born I had the strongest desire to paint their portraits. I read every art book and magazine I could get my hands on and practiced late into the night, trying to paint the love that I felt as a new mom. It took about two years of concentrated practice to finally paint a portrait that I was proud of. After that I started entering shows and gallery exhibits and won some awards and started selling some paintings. I’m still on that journey, still showing in galleries and competitions and still painting portraits of my kids.

"Just Right" 8 x 10

Where were you born?

Born and raised and still living here. Good old Utah. J Ogden (Northern Utah) to be specific.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

I’m really happy here in Utah. My family’s here, all of my growing up memories are here and I love the snow. But I’d also love to live somewhere warm and sunny year round. And I’ve always really wanted to live in England. Probably because of my love for famously dead (and those who are not so dead) authors that used to write or live there. And let’s face it, their accent is just plain cool.

"Eyes So blue" 10 x 14

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why? People. But especially children and babies. There is something that is so unguarded and accessible about a baby’s expression that just gets to me. I love how they don’t try to hide their emotions, if they’re happy, or sad, or just amazed at something you know it straight away. From a purely artistic point of view I also love the glowing colors of skin in the sunshine. And I LOVE painting eyes. It’s my favorite thing ever. I’ve also done some paintings lately with glass and shiny objects that have been a lot of fun. I’m working on incorporating more of that into my portraits in some way.

"Wizard In Training" 10 x 14

Which of your paintings was the most enjoyable to paint? Which was the most difficult? The most enjoyable? Probably my “Young Wizard in Training” I loved the colors in that one and all the reflections from the shiny material of his costume. And I love Halloween. J The most difficult? I painted a portrait of my Grandpa shortly after he died that was really emotionally difficult for me, even though it was healing for me at the same time. And skill wise it would be my acrylic painting “Emerge” without a doubt. I’d never painted with acrylics before and I had no idea what I was doing. It took several tries to get it to where I was happy with it.

Do you have a favorite artist? Who has been your biggest inspiration? Well my favorite famously dead artist is John Singer Sargent. I love his understated use of color, dramatic values, and economical brushstrokes. Jan Kunz (I basically taught myself how to paint with watercolors by reading her books), Ali Cavanaugh, and Mary Whyte are modern day favorites, all of whom are fantastic watercolor figure and portrait artists. And my biggest inspiration has been my husband. I would never have started painting again or had the courage to enter shows without his belief in me and constant encouragement. I think he actually entered a few competitions for me when I was too afraid of getting rejected to do it myself.

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist? Arches 140 pound watercolor paper. I’ve tried basically everything else and have never found a better paper for my style of painting. My ipod for music, audio books, and podcasts to listen to while painting. An old towel to use as a paint rag, since controlling the amount of water in my brush is essential for how I paint. My camera and computer for reference photos. Art books and magazines for much needed inspiration when I’m running low.

Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites? Permanent rose, raw sienna, and cobalt blue are my favorite colors. I also love aureolin, brown madder, and opera rose. Basically I’m a sucker for yellows and pinks. I have a ton of them. My brand of choice is Winsor and Newton Artist’s Water Colours.

"Draw" 10 x 14

Do you ever get artist’s block? And what do you do to overcome it? Heck yes I do. What do I do to overcome it? Eat way too much sugar. Seriously though, I just keep painting but will try to look at painting in a different way. I might switch mediums, from watercolors to colored pencil or acrylic. Or I’ll try a new subject matter that I haven’t tried before but have always wanted to. I listen to podcast interviews with other artists obsessively and read every book or magazine article written by Harley Brown that I can get my hands on.

And if that doesn’t work then I take a break and read one of my favorite books, which is always therapeutic for me.

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

Hmmm. . . Tough question.

I’d love to write a book that merges motivation and encouragement for artist’s and portrait painting techniques.

Write, illustrate, and publish a children’s book.

See my work published in an art magazine. An awesomely well read one, not an itty bitty one (although that would be cool too).

Attain signature status with the National Watercolor Society or American Watercolor Society.

Painting every day, all day. (My kids will all be in school by then)

What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career? Paint because you love to, and paint what you love, not what’s popular or what you think will sell. Believe in yourself and be proud of your art, but never stop seeking for ways to improve it. And don’t give up, if you want to be an artist there will always be setbacks, but never let them keep you back from doing what you love.

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist? Paint what you love. And don’t go for the obvious composition.

"Joy Unrestrained" 10 x 14

SPEED ROUND

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat? Rustic Mountain Retreat

Book or movie? Book. Huzzah for books!

Favorite author? This is an impossible question! Well. . . the obvious answer is J.K. Rowling tied with Jane Austen, but who ever said I went for the obvious? I’m going to say Laini Taylor, an incredibly gifted writer. She’s an artist with words.

Favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice

Romance or comedy? Romance! I’m all about the SA-woon. J

Favorite ice cream flavor? Creme brulee

Night owl or morning person? Morning person

Cake or Cupcakes? Cupcakes. Cuteness and portion control in one package. Can’t be beat.

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did:) See you all Monday!

Carrie

Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Feature: Liana Yarckin

"Summer Has Arrived" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

Hi Everyone,

Today's feature is the delightful Liana Yarckin. She was trained in Architecture and Interior Design. Her work is fresh, cheerful and colorful. You can tell her spirit signs through when she paints.

To see more of her work check out her blog.

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

I got my start when my Aunt gave me some watercolors when I was about 4 years old. It was frustrating because I used too much water on non-watercolor paper. Forty years later, I still experience some frustration, but, overall more joy and fulfillment with watercolor. For me, painting can take me away from whatever stresses I may have or I can use it to challenge me, push me in something that is just for me.

"Apples Peaches and Plums" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

Where were you born? Los Angeles, California

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

Any beach with sunny weather and a city/town close by. When I am at the beach, I can look at the ocean from sun up ‘til sun down. I love the changing tide, the sound of waves or no waves. A town nearby so I can reconnect with the world.

"Paris Cafe" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

Two years ago my answer would have been flowers. I loved painting the folds and curves and of course the gorgeous colors in flowers. Currently, I am working on a café series, which encompasses street cafes, street scenes to groups of people and even a lonely valet stand. I am trying to address capturing the feeling of these groups of people. People breaking bread, enjoying each other’s company, sitting alone, the mass of people coming and going, maybe together, alone, yet a group. From a technical point of view, I am trying to simplify the details by mingling colors of wet into wet just to give the essence of what is there. Simplify the details, give a hint and hopefully end with a painting that is pleasing to the eye and connects with others.

Could you talk about your painting techniques?

I like to paint in several washes. Layering the color up to build the painting. I like the results of layering transparent color. Whether wet into wet or wet onto dry, it can be like magic to see the color combination.

"City Cafe" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

How did you arrive at your current style?

I am attracted to watercolors that are “loose” and I always want to paint that way. I have taken workshops and read books by artists that paint this way. However, I think I am tight by nature and you can’t truly change your natural style.

"Locally Grown" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

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

My favorite watercolor artists are Dan Burt for his bright color and seems like spontaneity, Skip Lawrence for his beautiful wet color washes and whites and Andy Evansen for his color and looseness. I was lucky enough to take a workshop with Andy. He is very sweet and so happy to teach and help his students reach their goals.

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

A good frame of mind and my husband who is so encouraging and supportive of me. We are all in a different place in our art journey and it is important to remember that each of our journeys is our own and not meant to be compared. My husband makes it so easy for me to paint. That is a great gift he gives to me. He is brutally honest when I ask his opinion, but, more importantly, he allows me to paint uninterrupted at any time of the day. He will keep our kids occupied and fed (on the weekends) so that I can have this time. He is the one that tells me, “it is important for you to have this time”.

"Grapes in the Sunlight" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

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

Permanent Rose, Windsor Blue, Scarlet Lake and Cad. Orange is my go-to colors. I feel very comfortable using Permanent Rose and Windsor Blue. I know exactly how much to use to get what I want. I love the punch Scarlet Lake and Cad. Orange can add.

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

To get to the next level of my painting style! To get really, really good.
To be recognized in a juried show, which means I will have to enter more than the one I have entered, which means I need to turn my focus on competitions instead of just painting happily along, which stresses me.
To have a solo show each year.
To be the patient loving mom and wife I want to be, which means learning to cope and mature.
To take my mom on a trip and enjoy it thoroughly. Maybe an art workshop in a tropical location or in Europe?!

"Sunflower Fields" watercolor by Liana Yarckin

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

Paint, paint, paint and don’t get discouraged. Take classes, join a local art association and get involved in a blog. Those things have helped me to go further on my art journey in different ways. It is great to share with others what you are going though and also to watch and learn what other artists are going through on their art journey. I feel like I know my blogger friends as if they live right here with me. The feedback and fellowship from the blogger world has been wonderful.

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

Keep it simple, don’t overthink it.