From Hobby to Passion
How did you get interested in art and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?
I've loved art for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, my favorite activity was drawing horses. I would spend hours lost in my own world, creating images of these beautiful creatures.
As I grew older, my interest in art only intensified. I took every art class available to me in school and even pursued a degree in Fine Arts at college. It was during this time that I realized that art wasn't just a hobby for me--it was my passion. I loved the challenge of creating something new and unique, and the satisfaction that came with completing a project. Since then, I've continued to develop my skills and pursue art as a career. It's been a long journey, but one that has been extremely rewarding.
What are some of your earliest artistic memories or experiences that stand out to you the most?
Drawing on the large paper on the kitchen floor was always so exciting to me because it meant I got to be creative without having to worry about staying in the lines. My mom would lay down a long roll of paper and I would spend hours drawing my latest masterpieces. Taking extra art classes in elementary school was another highlight for me. I loved being able to explore different mediums and learn new techniques. One of my earliest memories of experiencing the power of art was watching the movie Spirit. I was amazed at how the animators were able to give the horses so much personality and movement. It was then that I realized that art could be used to bring even inanimate objects to life. High school is when I really started to experiment with portraiture. I loved trying to capture the unique features of each person's face onto paper. To this day, art remains an important part of my life and I cherish all of my earliest artistic experiences.
Describe your creative process - from start to finish, what's involved in creating one of your pieces of art?
When I start a new piece of art, I always begin with reference photos. I'll spend some time looking for the right photo, or sometimes I'll take my own. Once I have a photo that I'm happy with, I'll start sketching on my iPad. I find it easy to be creative
when I'm not bogged down by the details, so I don't worry about getting everything perfect at this stage. Once I have a basic sketch, I'll transfer it to paper or canvas. Then I'll start to add in more details and refine the overall composition. As I'm working, I usually listen to music or podcasts. And finally, once I'm done, I step back and take a long look at the piece. Is there anything I can change or improve? Each time I create something new, I try to push myself further and experiment with new techniques.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?
As an artist, one of the biggest challenges I face is creating consistently. It's easy to start making art when you're feeling inspired, but it's much harder to keep going when you're not. That's why I've developed a few strategies for staying motivated, even on the days when I don't feel like painting. First, I set realistic goals for myself. Rather than trying to produce a masterpiece every time I sit down at my easel, I give myself permission to experiment and play. Second, I make sure to take breaks when I start to feel overwhelmed. Stepping away from my work helps me to come back with fresh eyes and new ideas. Finally, I surround myself with other artists through social media. Drawing inspiration from those around me keeps me excited about making art. While there will always be challenging moments, I have learned that they can also be opportunities for growth and creativity.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their journey?
The most important advice I can give to aspiring artists is to never stop drawing. It seems like a simple enough thing, but it's amazing how many people give up on their art simply because they stop practicing. The only way to get better at art is to keep doing it, so make sure that you find time to draw several times a week. Also, don't be afraid to pursue the crazy ideas that pop into your head. Some of the best art comes from taking risks and thinking outside the box. Lastly, don't forget to have fun! Art should be enjoyable, so make sure that you find ways to express yourself and enjoy the process. If you can do all of these things, then you're well on your way to becoming a great artist.
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little bit better. If you have any more questions about my art or the creative process, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. I always love hearing from new fans and followers. In the meantime, be sure to check out my website and social media pages for more of my work. Thanks for reading!