Work In Progress

work in progress 18" x 28" watercolor on paper by Carrie Waller

Hi Everyone,

I'm still plugging away on my water themed painting.  I have my Mom and Grandma in town so I'm squeezing some painting time in here and there.  I'm still struggling with the photos of my work.  I think I'm going to have to photograph in the mornings which really doesn't jive with my nightowl tendencies. Since I'm normally blogging with you at 3am.

On the home front Steven got to celebrate his birthday again with his "Gigi" (my Mom) and his Great Grandma Smith.  This time in addition to a jello mold we had cake too:)

Carrie

The Best of Friday Feature: Sandra Busby

Hi Everyone,

It's another edition of best of Friday Feature!  Today is one of my favorite blogging buddies, Sandra Busby:))  She is currently doing very well with her bear series, definitely visit her blog and catch up on her newest ventures, which involve a fb art page, pinterest account and twitter account.

I met Sandra through blogging:)  We became fast blogging buddies.  She is delightful.  Her spirit and fun come through in her blog and her art.  She has truly been on a journey and has come out on the other side painting her passion and it shows.

To see more of her work visit her blog

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

My friend and I used to draw all the time when we were little.

We’d make comic strips, draw people, make posters, collages... We would sometimes draw for hours!

Once I became a distracted teenager, my life took me in other directions and unfortunately, I didn’t pick up a pencil again until I was 35!

It was then that I realised how foolish I had been for not keeping it up.

A year later, armed only with the basic knowledge and an Artistic itch, I enrolled on an Arts Foundation Course, which I did from home. I completed it within a year and it was probably the best decision I’d ever made where my art is concerned. 

With a view to obtaining an Arts Degree I then enrolled on to the second year.

But unlike the foundation course, I soon began to feel stifled as though I was being held back rather than pushed forward.

I found it very difficult to paint subjects as dictated to me by the course and even harder trying to copy styles that didn’t come naturally to me.

After thinking long and hard about it, eventually I decided to withdraw from the course and that was probably the second best decisions I’d ever made where my art is concerned!

Free to paint as I liked, I began to discover how ‘Sandra Busby’ paints and quickly began to realise my own style.

Of course there are pro’s and cons to both going to Art College and being self-taught. Having done a little of both, I only know which suited me.

Where were you born?

I was born in the seaside town of Eastbourne, East Sussex on the South-East of England.

Now I live in a village just a few miles inland from there.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

Hmm… that’s a difficult question!

I’ve had all sorts of romantic ideas in my life of living in a country full of sunshine and culture. The bottom line is I would miss home. So, I choose to just visit other counties instead. I LOVE travelling! :0)

If I could live anywhere in England, as long as my family could come along too I would probably choose somewhere like Cornwall. It is one of the most beautiful parts of England situated on the tip of the South-west coast.

If I could live anywhere abroad and take my family, I would choose somewhere like New Zealand.

One thing I could never live too far away from is the Sea. Though it is 16 miles from where I live, I can still ‘feel’ it. Any further away and I immediately feel its absence. For some reason it just has to be close.

"Single Malt, No Ice" by Sandra Busby

 What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I seem to go through phases. I love painting glass – in fact anything that catches the light. I particularly love to paint these things against a really dark background, which really emphasizes the lights.

More recently I have been drawn to painting in a more vintage style with subjects and medium to suit. I’m quite settled on it to be honest.

I tend to bore easily though and so every so often I might decide to do something completely different in an entirely different medium!

I almost always prefer to paint subjects that I feel some sort of connection too.

Could you talk about your painting techniques? 

Hmm… Okay – let’s talk about oils then, since that is the main medium I am working with at the moment.

So, I work in layers. Firstly, having stained my canvas with a dilute wash, I transfer my basic outlines to the canvas. Then, I will start with a monochrome under-painting. This establishes my darkest areas and allows me to see in advance if something’s not working.

Next, I work from background to foreground, beginning with my darks. This is where I try to make the most of lost edges. Sometimes I can get the effect I want in just one layer, but other times it needs several layers. Sometimes I need a layer to dry before I add the next and sometimes I work wet in wet, depending if I need to blend areas or not.

I try to work transparently as much as possible, i.e. without the use of white. I don’t know why – somehow I feel that the painting looks less ‘chalky’. Of course white has to come in to it in some areas, but because I don’t use it much, it really sings when I do use it.

So, the lights come next and then once the whole painting is dry I might add further glazes in certain areas to bring more depth of colour.

Finally, I add detail and the brightest highlights.

My best friends are Liquin, Glaze medium and my Fan Brush with I couldn’t do without!

"Sherlock Wilson" by Sandra Busby

 You seem to really enjoy your bear paintings, could you talk about the personal significance?

Well, who doesn’t love bears? ;0)

It all started with a list of things that I wrote, of things I wanted to paint. Bubbles, glasses, marbles…

On this list was my Dads teddy bear, which he had kept since he was four.

It was coming up to Fathers Day and I decided it would be a lovely idea to paint the bear in a portrait style as a gift to him.

Whilst I was thinking about it, I decided that it would be nice to paint the bear in a vintage style, like the Old Masters used to use to paint portraits. I suppose I thought that this style would suit the bear’s age.

So, I painted him against a really dark background with a third of him disappearing in to the gloom.

I fell in love with the style as I painted and so decided to paint a whole series, which is currently in progress. Each bear is painted in what I consider to be my own take on the vintage style, with a contemporary edge - and I just love surrounding them with interesting objects :0)

How did you arrive at your current style?

Well, having withdrawn from the course, I quite literally rebelled!

I had spent a couple of years being told to ‘lunge’ at the canvas, to ‘throw’ paint around... I was so sick of the word ‘loose, loose, LOOSE!’

I had begun to feel that so much emphasis was being put on imagination and ‘looseness’, and so technical ability came a very poor second!

Don’t get me wrong – I love loose paintings. I mean, who doesn’t love the work of Jean Haines and Shirley Trevina? But, that is their style. Try as I might, it just doesn’t come naturally to me.

I began to feel that I was being urged to follow a fashion – a trend. We were all trying to follow something that someone else had started.

The way I see it, with that comes the danger of becoming lost amongst many Artists, all doing the same thing. Fair enough, if it does come naturally and it is who you are, then fabulous! You will stand out regardless! But I was most certainly one of those who were lost.

When I withdrew from the course, I began painting things from my list of things ‘I’ had wanted to paint in the way ‘I’ had wanted to paint them. I began with glass.

I loved the freedom of being able to paint as neatly as I liked.

From that moment I have never felt the need to loosen up. This was just something that I had been made to think I should feel as an Art Student.

By Sandra Busby

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

Well, yes I do. Rolf Harris!

I suppose it is because he has been around since I was a child. He was a TV entertainer and he used to paint with a huge paint brush on a wall. His catch phrase was ‘Can you tell what it is yet?’  I was totally in awe of him.

Of course he does fine art too and more recently he did a lovely painting of the Queen.

Not just that though – he seems to be a lovely, genuinely good man – and oh, his lovely Australian voice!

He is in his 80’s now and is still going strong.

My favorite of the Old Masters is Monet. I just love his paintings :0)

As for who has been my inspiration, well I get inspiration from SO many people!

Of course I get it from my family who are constantly re-assuring me that I am good enough! But I also get masses of inspiration from the blogs I follow.

Often, if I am having a confidence melt-down or an unproductive week and I feel bad about that, I will find that several other people have posted on that very subject.

I have learned so much from other people’s blogs; we all seem to feel the same insecurities about our work from time to time. We all make mistakes and we all struggle with sharing work that is not our best. I have learned that it’s normal to feel this way, it is normal to make mistakes and that is what has stopped me from hanging up my apron.

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

Hmm… Well, music!

Though sometimes on a sunny day I can feel quite happy just listening to the birds singing, most of the time I listen to music. It keeps me painting for longer.

Also, I seem to be much more productive during the spring and summer. I always feel happier and more positive and of course the days are so much longer.

More recently, I have started to sketch at least one simple thing a day.

Because I can spend a long time on just one painting, it can sometimes be weeks before I pick up a pencil. So, I decided that this is a great way of stretching my creative muscles and exercising my drawing skills between paintings.

Honestly – now I have started this – I don’t know how I managed without it! I have suddenly woken up to how quickly we can become rusty and how important sketching actually is and I don’t intend to stop any time soon :0)

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

I like Winsor & Newton paints. I used to use cheaper brands thinking it really wouldn’t make any difference, but once I signed the contract with a Gallery, I thought it was only right to move on to a better quality paint.

Now I have tried them, I realise that there really is a difference (though not in all pigments). And though I might try an alternative brand of the same quality, I wouldn’t go back to using the cheaper paints. It is true – you do get what you pay for.

"Ted's Bear" by Sandra Busby

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

Hmm... well, some are big and some are more realistic – At least then in five years I can look back and see I have reached some of them! ;0)

Assuming you mean all art related things:

1. To have a solo exhibition – HUGE dream :0)
2. For my bears to be displayed on a Gallery wall and to sell! WOOHOO! :0D
3. To enter a competition and not necessarily win, but to do well in it
4. To fill up lots and lots of sketchbooks and lose the fear of sketching in public
5. For my husband to strip out my art room and re-design it with me - HUGEST dream, lol ;0)

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

·                     First of all, don’t expect to be good right away. It’s like riding a bike – at first, you fall off! It takes lots of practice, so don’t get disheartened when you make a mistake. Just learn from it! I still make lots of mistakes and I still learn from them – as do even the most accomplished Artists. It took me a while to get that!

·                     Try to draw something simple every day. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can see an improvement of hand to eye-coordination!

·                     Never throw away old work. It’s a good way of judging your progress :0)

·                     And most importantly - NEVER see an unsuccessful painting or drawing as a failure – but rather as another valuable lesson learned. And most definitely don’t see it as a waste of time.

by Sandra Busby

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

Don’t be afraid of the dark! And by that I mean darks.

If your darks aren’t dark enough then your lights won’t sing. It’s interesting that the darker the darks, the lighter the painting can seem!

I used to be afraid to be bold, but paintings can too easily look wishy-washy without wonderful, rich shadows!

Oh, and sketch! Something I have only recently embraced :0)

"Codi" by Sandra Busby

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla – YUM!!!

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?

Sunny beach! There is no place I’d rather be other than under the sea :0)

Book or movie?

Both – except I don’t get enough time to read, so it will generally have to be a film

Favorite author?

Helen Fielding and J K Rowling! I love comedy and I LOVE magic!

Favorite movie?

Bridget Jones – Hilarious! And what woman can’t relate?

Harry Potter – Just magical in every way!

Grease!!! Classic! And John Travolta is just gorgeous!!!

Romance or comedy?

Comedy – No contest!

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Haagan Daz Pecan Nut and Caramel. Mmmmmmmm…

Night owl or morning person?

Neither! I need my sleep!

But - I am trying my hardest to train myself in to becoming a morning person!

Cake or Cupcakes?

Either!! If it’s yummy, sweet and it’s likely to give me a heart attack, then YES PLEASE!!!

I'm Baaaccckkk!! :)

Hi Everyone,

"Pears" original watercolor on paper by Carrie Waller 5" x 7"

Did you miss me? :)  I have certainly missed you guys.  It feels like an eternity since I've been blogging on a consistent basis and even longer since I've made my rounds to see what you guys are up to. 

It's been an extremely busy summer, between moving and trips.  I am very thankful to have my family back all together in one place and thrilled to be settling in to our new house.  I'll post pics soon:)

This weeks painting is one I finished up from a demo at the workshop I held earlier this summer.  My goofy sense of humor makes me want to title this one "Fat Bottom Pears" because the entire time I was painting this the song "Fat Bottom Girls" kept running through my head.  But I restrained:) The photo of this painting is not the best.  I'm struggling to find the perfect place to photograph my work in our new home.  I'll have to bust out my fluorescent lights and see if they help. 

Here is a work in progress picture I'm sharing of a larger painting that I'm working on.  It's 18" x 28".  It's a really refreshing painting to work on during this heat wave we've been having:) 

On the home front Steven just celebrated his 6th birthday this week.  He got to choose anywhere he wanted to go to dinner for his b-day.  He chose to celebrate at home with Thanksgiving dinner.  I'm pretty sure he's the only 6 year old in the history of 6 year olds to request a jello mold in lieu of a birthday cake.  We did go have frozen yogurt later that night, it made me feel better:)

So happy to be getting back into my groove.  I'll swing by and visit your blogs this week.

Carrie

The Best of Friday Features: Kara Bigda

Friday Feature: Kara Bigda

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm in the middle of a move so I'm re-running some of my favorite Friday Features.  

If you're interested in being a Friday Feature this Fall contact me carriewallerart@gmail.com
 

This week I'm featuring Kara Bigda.  As soon as I saw her work I loved it immediately.  Each piece has such a great aesthetic.  She has a wonderful eye for composition.  They also have a lovely, inviting, homey feel.

To see more of Kara's work check out her blog and website.  

"A Vintage Bulb" 8.25" x 10"  original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

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

For as long as I can remember I always loved to draw and create: spending hours drawing scenes described in the books I was reading, and making books and “fashion catalogs” using Betty and Veronica from the Archie comics as my models.  (I would trace their bodies and design new outfits for them and describe the clothing in the margins.  How goofy is that?)   Also I had a great uncle who was a cartoonist and when we’d visit him he’d give me “art lessons.”  He was fabulous at drawing the figure.  As I mainly focus on still life today, let’s just say I wasn’t his most successful student . . . but he was a dear man.

As far as my journey is concerned, I took Art all through high school, attended a small liberal arts college here in the Northeast (Amherst College) and majored in Fine Arts.  I was sidetracked for a few years after graduation working in the insurance industry and came back to art through teaching.  I earned my Master’s degree in education and for ten years taught art, beginning in the elementary schools, moving up to middle school for a few years and finally ending up at the high school level.  I loved teaching each grade but found high school the most inspiring.  More and more I found myself wanting to do the lessons I was teaching and so in 2008, with the support of my husband, decided to resign from teaching and focus on my own art.

Where were you born? 

Holden, Massachusetts.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

I’m kind of simple . . . I really LOVE where I live now.  I’m sure there are more beautiful places where I would be very happy as well.  I have to say I love New England so anyplace where it’s VERY rural (but with a grocery store and shopping not too far away), there are beautiful old homes, lots of land (would love a pond on the property), and nearby family of course, I could be happy.  Think “Orchard House” from Little Women and the farm from “The Bridges of Madison County” with the sound of the screen door closing, from the “Waltons” all rolled into one somehow.

"Pomegranate Tea" 6"x6" original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I love the still life.  I like the challenge of creating dynamic compositions and playing with the space.  I’ve also always had a thing for design and I LOVE patterns and textures.  I love trying to capture the various surfaces in my subjects.

"Pumpkin Shadows" 9.75"x9.75" original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

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

This is a funny question to me.  All of my paintings are enjoyable to paint – especially at the beginning, but I still always feel as if it’s a crapshoot whether a painting will come together for me in the end. (I must admit there are a lot that I scrap or put off until a later date).  However, I’m going to answer “Pumpkin Shadows” because I tried this painting numerous times (beginning last Fall) and kept failing.  The experience of a year provided me with the skills to finally make it work.  So I guess I could say this was the most enjoyable one to paint while the most difficult.

"American Pride" 10"x11" original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

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

Oh geez . . . so many.  It’s like eating a potato chip – you can’t have just ONE!  Norman Rockwell has always been a favorite – Andrew Wyeth of course and Edward Hopper.  I was just turned on to T. Allen Lawson’s work as well.  I’ve also always been inspired by Vermeer, Jan van Eyck – and some of those other Dutch and Flemish painters – just amazing.  In addition I am constantly inspired and humbled by so many contemporary artists (those of whom I’d have never even known about, yet thanks to the internet I do now.)  However my biggest inspiration may be my former students, fellow art teachers and department head.  I can’t even explain how inspiring they were and continue to be to me – opening my eyes to the extraordinary – pushing me out of my comfort zone – inspiring me to do what I love.

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

Painting as close to every day as I can is very important to me.  I can’t stress how essential that is to improving one’s skills.  (Personally, it also keeps me sane – well, as close to sane as I’ll ever be!)  J  Also, the computer/internet has been imperative to my “success.”  Blogging and Daily Paintworks has completely changed my life – I’m laughing at that – it sounds so dramatic, but it’s true.  And because I arrange my still lifes, photograph them, then compose them with the help of Photoshop, also goofing with filters to better see temperature and value, I have to include my digital camera and Photoshop.

"Ma's Chair" 6"x6" original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigdga

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

I have just discovered New Gamboge through a class I’m taking.  LOVE IT!  It’s a great yellow.  I have found limiting my palette works best for me; otherwise I start getting muddy and all messed up!  Cobalt Blue and Alizarin Crimson are definite go-to’s.  Burnt Sienna and Raw Sienna are pretty important to me as well.

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

Yes, definitely. (when don’t I get it!?  --Ha!)  I just keep painting.  I used to tell my students – there are only so many yucky paintings/drawings you have in you so you might as well keep working to get them out of your system so you can get to the good stuff.  (I don’t know if that’s true, but it seems to work!)  :)

"Glass Apple" 9"x11" original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

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

Hmm . . . I’m really very content (or totally limited) so I’m not sure.  Let’s see:

1)      Get gallery representation (I think)

2)      Re-do the kitchen and upstairs bathroom (not art related and totally do-able, but would LOVE this!)

3)      Become financially independent with my art (thank heavens for my husband!)

4)      Would love to see Italy, Ireland and Spain

5)      Have my own private jet with an amazing pilot of course.  :)   This is related to #4 – I HATE public transportation, particularly air travel, so this would be my biggest dream ever.

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

- Paint every day if you can. 

- Don’t ignore composition – I think this is probably the most important step because even if you have mad skills a horrible arrangement of the space won’t draw viewers to your work and your skills will be overlooked. 

- Get online – research other artists (so inspiring!).  Start a blog (it’s free and I’m tellin’ ya’ this has been such a wonderful experience for me, so encouraging thanks to all the wonderful people out there J -- and thank you Carrie!) 

- Take some classes if you can – learn to mat your own work (and even frame – such a great skill).  Learn Photoshop (you can design your own promotional materials and save oodles of $). 

- Invest carefully – KNOW what you are spending and what you are bringing in. – break it down and keep track.  You may not be making money for a while, that’s ok (if you can afford it of course) we all love our supplies and have to initially invest, but know that. 

- Join an art group if you can; connect with other artists, and enter some shows, get your name and your work out there.  (Daily Paintworks has really been amazing for me.)

- Finally, be patient – have goals but don’t expect too much.  It’s work, but I think it’s really fun and it can be soooo rewarding.

"Blueberries IV" 10"x10"original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

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

This really struck me recently:  I think artist Carol Marine once blogged something like “it doesn’t matter the color, but you have to get the VALUE right” – LIFE CHANGING moment for me – la, la-laaaaa! J

"Morning Tea" 6"x6" original watercolor on paper by Kara Bigda

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? 

Chocolate (with jimmies on a sugar cone – both literally and figuratively) 

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat

Beach!

Book or movie?

Both

Favorite author?

Jane Austen

Favorite Movie?

“The Way We Were” (kills me every time!  Hubble Gardner – ooh la la!);  “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (close second – is Audrey Hepburn the most elegant woman or what?); “You’ve Got Mail” (can’t ever change the channel when this is on); and “That Touch of Mink” (oh Cary Grant, need I say more?  And Doris Day – want to be her and wear those clothes!)  (sorry for babbling, I know the question was in the singular)

Romance or comedy?

Despite some of my previous answers -- Romantic comedy

Favorite ice cream flavor?

“Cookies and Cream” or “Moosetracks”

Night owl or morning person?

Night owl by nature – but working on becoming a morning person

Cake or Cupcakes?

Cupcakes!!

Thank you so much, Kara:))

Also I have a HOLIDAY SALE right now, click here.

Have a fabulous weekend:))

Carrie

The Best of Friday Features: Carol Carter

Friday Feature: Carol Carter

"Self" 2011 original watercolor by Carol Carter

Hello Everyone,

This Summer I'm re-running some of my favorite Friday Features.  Carol Carter is definitely in this category.  Not only am I in love with her work, but since doing this interview I've had the opportunity to meet her and she is the real deal.  This lady is amazing and a one of a kind.

 

Today I'm featuring Carol Carter.  I can not tell you how excited I was when Carol agreed to an interview.  When I decided to start my blog 2 yrs ago and start painting seriously I really had been out of the art world for a long time and did not know any of the artists out there today.  When I did searches for watercolor artists Carol Carter was one of first to absolutely make me drop my jaw.  Her work is bold, colorful and fresh.  I fell in love immediately and have been following her career since.  She has been in many magazines and has gained international acclaim.  Not only is she a phenomenal artist but so kind and generous.  Any time I have reached out with a question she has always enthusiastically answered. 

To check out more of her work visit her website and blog.
                                                         
How did you get your start?

I began painting as a child. It was the only way I would get approval or acceptance. It was a way
for me to feel gratified.

"Burst" 30 x 40 original watercolor by Carol Carter

What’s your artist journey so far?

I went to college to earn a BA with a major in painting. After I graduated -- I just expected that I
would be an artist. It was in the late 70’s... and everything seemed possible! Of course, it was
harder to do this than expected.
I went back to school and earned an MFA from Washington University. There I learned how to
manage an art career, as well as how to think about art on a different level. It was an expanding
experience for me.
After graduate school-- I became a more serious artist -- having exhibitions and doing commissions
and earning a living in various degrees of success.
Motherhood became part of my experience in my 30’s. I felt it was more important to be ‘a good
mom’ than successful artist... so I relegated my art to a secondary career.
Now that my son is grown -- I have way more time to invest in my career. I have made a
commitment to grow my career and exposure via the internet and social media.
I have also made a bigger commitment to do more workshops to bring in income.
I feel that I have the artistic credibility of a mid career artist now.
I am teaching workshops nationally and internationally, published in magazines, and beginning to
share my work outside of the United States on a regular basis.

Where were you born?

Sumter South Carolina

"Italy 61" original acrylic by Carol Carter

"Italy 55" original acrylic by Carol Carter

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

I would probably live in Europe- because it feels so accepting of the arts. I love it there. I enjoyed
France and Italy immensely.

"Feel the Heat" 40 x 30 original watercolor by Carol Carter

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I love painting the swimmer and pool because it is a metaphor for life and the human condition. I
love figurative work. I also love the floral.

Could you talk about your painting techniques? I know you paint on the floor and like humid
conditions?

I paint watercolor on the floor-- flat- so the paint can puddle and blossom. I use the organic
watermarks or blossoms to be an important element in my work. The humidity in the air is
important -- because it allows the larger washes of watercolor to dry slowly and carefully -- with
brilliance and color. The longer the paint stays moist -- the more time one has to manipulate it.
I also love to paint acrylic-- and do that vertically on the wall. I paint using glazes and varnishes.
People frequently can’t tell that the paintings are acrylic-- and often confuse them with my
watercolor.

"Slough" original watercolor by Carol Carter

Do you mostly work wet into wet?

I work wet into wet- but only in a controlled area of the paper. I work sectionally-- only wetting the
area which I will manipulate that moment. I never wet the whole paper at once.
I love the blooms and gorgeous color combinations; you really seem to love to play with your paint,
how did you arrive at your current style?
I don’t know when this current style of painting began-- but it seemed to appear after graduate
school. I suppose this working method ‘found me’ after two years of intense work in content,
criticism, and art history. I became the watercolorist that I am today-- shortly after graduation.

Do you have a favorite artist?

I love Eric Fischl and Joseph Raffael. Also Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Pendergast...
Van Gogh... so many!

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My son. Motherhood has taught me so much about life, love, art, humanity. I often said when he
was little... “ Evan took away my time to paint....but gave me my reason to paint.” He has been my
biggest source of inspiration ever.

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

Contact with the people who enjoy my work -- either in person, at a show, in the studio, in the
classroom, or via the web.
I wouldn’t like to paint very much-- unless I could relate to my audience. I love hearing/talking
with other’s about art.
Good light - day light --north light.
Good music in studio.
Time to work.
Good and plentiful art supplies.
Harmony in the home.

"State Fair Pig" original watercolor by Carol Carter

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

Watercolor: Burnt Sienna, French Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Cobalt Turquoise, Aureolin
Acrylic: Titanium White, Baltic Blue, Naples Yellow, Quinacridone Gold.

How do you balance your teaching life with your art career?

It used to be hard -- but not it is easy -- because my son is grown.
However, when he was small -- I used to paint ONLY during the school day -- and not beyond. I
would spend more time with him and his needs than on my art. I would say it is a challenge to have
a family AND an art career... but it is possible!
For the last two years I taught watercolor/painting at a local university. It seemed like I had NO
time to manage my career in the studio. I loved teaching this intensely ... but it didn’t leave me
enough time to paint.
Now I only teach workshops -- and I am trying to teach one a month -- so that it allows for studio
time. So far.... it is working.

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

Travel/teach in Italy.
Travel/teach in India.
Trip to China to see the Silk Road and develop a show on this imagery.
A museum exhibition.
An exhibition in NYC.

"Glads" 22 x 30 original watercolor by Carol Carter

"Lanterns" 30 x 40 original watercolor by Carol Carter

 What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?
Paint as much as you can.

Paint only what you want to paint-- don’t paint for an audience.
Learn everything about art-- framing, marketing, business, photography.
You will have to do it ALL in your career-- so learn everything it takes.
Show everywhere. No show is too small. There are no “small shows”.... only “small artists.”
You never know what the exposure will bring to you -- when your work is outside the studio.
Paint everyday.

"Afternoon Shadows" 11 x15 original watercolor by Carol Carter

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

Show up to the studio 6 days a week to work and paint. On Sunday -- go to the studio to look at
your work.
Paint every day.
Your work doesn’t improve from painting-to-painting... it grows from year-to-year.

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat? Beach!

Book or movie? Movie!

Favorite author? David Sideris

Favorite movie? Titanic

Romance or comedy? Romance!

Favorite ice cream flavor? Butter Pecan!

Night owl or morning person? Morning!

Cake or Cupcakes? Cupcakes!

Thank you so much Carol!!  That was a phenomenal interview and I can't wait to meet you in the future:)

Carrie

FASO Featured Artist

Hi Everyone,

"Great Balls of Fire" watercolor on paper 6x6 Sold

Thought I would share with you that Fine Art Studio Online has me as their featured artist.  How cool is that!!!  I guess I better get my rear in gear and get back to painting now that I'm seeing the light of day since we're about 90 percent of the way unpacked and settled.

http://faso.com/fineartviews/45985/faso-featured-artists-artist-carrie-waller

Art critic Brian Sherwin had this to say about my work:  on Carrie Waller's watercolor paintings, stating, "Waller's attention to detail is remarkable. This level of realism is extremely difficult to achieve in watercolor." Sherwin added, "I've known artists who have explored watercolor for decades -- many will tell you that watercolor is one of the hardest forms of painting to master. This level of skill is rare."

Carrie

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,