I'm participating in a Blog Hop. I can hear you say "What's a Blog Hop?". It is a way to get to know about other artists you may not be aware of.
And, to show that art is truly international and artists work in a world-wide community, I was introduced by Sea Dean who lives in Canada, I live in France and my spotlight artist live in New Mexico and Scotland. Pop over to see the wonderful art produced by all three artists, all different and unique.
SEA DEAN - ARTIST
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When I completed Art School I always intended to pursue a career in art and literature, but I had migrated to small town Canada, where there was little opportunity in my chosen field. I allowed life to get in the way, until a series of catastrophic events brought me back into alignment. Since then I’ve approached my art with the same passion and determination that I have applied to all my past achievements.
Art is not easy; it takes a special type of courage to make it your profession, but I’m no stranger to that. For me, it is important, to keep growing as an artist, keep pushing the boundaries and discovering new techniques. And paramount to my experience is the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to others, which I do in my PAINT A MASTERPIECE classes and through my Facebook group GET YOUR ART OUT THERE.
If in my journey, I create something which brings joy to another human being, or if I help a person rediscover their passion, I have truly achieved.
www.paintamasterpiece.blogspot.comhttp://seadean.weebly.com/
www.facebook.com/groups/GetYourArtOutThere/
MY INTRODUCTIONS
CAROL HOPPER
I have admired Carol handling of light and colour for a long time, and I am pleased to introduce her.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Carol moved
to Albuquerque, New Mexico following earning degrees in both Minnesota
and Iowa. She later studied Interior Design through the New York School
of Interior Design, and Fine Art under the tutelage of professional
artists including Dreama Tolle Perry, Ramon Kelley and Carolyn Anderson.
Carol’s earliest influence in art was her creative mother through whom
Carol became a “child artist” using “Paint by Number”. Carol thought
her “paintings” were so beautiful she continue her exploration of art in
many forms.
Carol’s
love for travel and art is reflected in her superb landscape paintings.
She captures the mood of her subject whether it is the dramatic light
of southern France, the quaint towns in Italy and Mexico, or the
brilliance of dappled light in the fjords of Norway. Those many trips
have inspired exquisite flower paintings, paintings of charming
buildings as well as pairings of the rugged beauty of the coast and
crashing ocean waves.
Carol’s
style continue to evolve as she grows as an artist. She enjoys taking
workshops from the best painters. Carol doesn’t feel she can be
limited in subject matter or a particular color palette. She uses
palette knives as well as brushes. She is both a plein air and studio
artist.
Carol exhibits her work in some of the finest shows. She works in oils.
MARGARET MILLIGAN
I've admired Margaret's work for a long time. Her use of tone is fantastic. I'm hoping to make my way up to Scotland on one of my trips to the UK to see her work in person.
"I am an oil and pastel painter. I love still life, portraits and life
drawing is a passion. I work and teach in the beautiful "Artist's Town"
of Kirkcudbright in Galloway, Scotland.
Like
most artists I am attracted to the play of light. I work in Winsor and
Newton Artisan, water mixable oils to avoid as many nasty chemicals as
possible.
Blog - http://margaretsmilligan.blogspot.com
Facebook -MargaretSMilliganFineArt
Website - www.margaretsmilligan.co.uk
And MY ANSWERS to the blog hop questions:
1. What are you working on?
I've just been working on some autumn paintings. I love using those rich yellows, reds and oranges. I have also recently finished a 30 paintings in 30 challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta. The main challenge is thinking of something different to paint everyday.
What will I be painting next? Not sure, but I am off on a trip to Catalonia for a few days, so maybe I'll be inspired to paint something from that trip. I am always full of ideas when I return from a trip.
I also plan to start painting larger Provence scenes and really hone my landscape skills.
2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?
I use a lot of colour and my paintings are quite colourful. I paint mostly with a palette knife, as I like the texture and the way the colours stay clear and bright. I like to 'chase the light' which livens up the paintings.
3. Why do I create what I do?
Because I love it. The joy of creating something from nothing can't be beaten. Painting also colours my life, wherever I am, I am thinking of suitable ideas for paintings and on trips it has added another dimension to life. When on trips, I am always searching out the local artists and appreciate other peoples work much more.
4. How does my creative process work?
It goes in fits and starts. I get enthusiastic about a subject and can't wait to start painting. At other times it takes a little longer! My inspiration comes from photos I have taken or my garden. I am a keen gardener and grow many of the subjects in my paintings. My studio is my house, and although I have nominally turned one of the bed rooms into a studio, I am rarely in it, preferring to paint outside whenever the sun is shining, on the balcony when it is not so good and even in the lounge during the winter. My completed paintings are all around the living room drying giving us a constantly changing gallery.
