Exciting news!! I was invited by mixed media artist Gina to do a virtual blog tour. 🙂 I’m happy to join in the fun. Thanks for asking, Gina. Make sure you go read her answers to these same questions here.

1. What am I working on?

Right now I have a portrait of a little girl in progress. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to paint with acrylics or oils. I ended up going with acrylics because I wanted a faster drying time. 

And, here she is finished. 

 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don’t follow trends. I try to be as original as possible, and not copy what other artists are doing. I mostly fly by the seat of my pants. I don’t make plans or know what I’m going to create ahead of time. I just walk into my studio, and get started. One thing leads to another, and before I know it, I’ve given birth to another painting. I like to put my own little twist on everything. Even if I’m using a reference photo, I like to make the painting my own.    

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

I mostly focus on portraits, and emotion. I have a degree in human services, so I guess I’ve always been drawn to people, and more specifically, how they’re feeling, and what makes them tick. I took a lot of child development courses, and have always been a sucker for babies and kids, which is a frequent theme in my work also.

People often think I’m painting my emotions, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Have I ever gone into my studio when I was in a bad mood, and painted a sad face, sure. Most of the time, tho, I’m just working, and the emotions that you see in my portraits aren’t my own. If my painting doesn’t convene emotion, it’s kinda boring, in my opinion. So, that’s why I try to create expressive portraits. My own emotions come out more in my art journals than in my portrait paintings. 

4. How does your writing/creating process work?

I work very fast, and intuitively. I don’t think in steps, like first I do this, and then I do that. If I think about the process, I end up second guessing every brushstroke I make, and get stuck. In the past, it took weeks or months to finish a 9×12 painting, but now I finish a painting in one sitting..unless I’m working in oils, which take longer because of drying time between layers. 

There you have it..now you know all my deep dark secrets. 🙂 

Next in line for this virtual blog tour are Lisa Priti, and Irene Rafael, so be sure to visit these ladies to see their answers to these questions. I can’t wait!! Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store next week. Lisa’s artist statement..

And, this is from Irene’s blog..

As long as I can remember I loved to make things with my hands. I recently found the first book I made, collaged and sketched. I was nine. I still get so much pleasure from the simple act of making books, applying paint to paper, tearing and gluing. I thrive on learning new techniques and am thrilled when I create. Here are a few of my meanderings.

I’m excited that these ladies have agreed to play along with us. 🙂 Thanks again to Gina for inviting me.  

Little blind Sweet Pea says, “Yay! The holiday is over, and I can relax now. Whew!”