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T. Petty
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Past Artists of the Month
Most Recent• 2009 • 2008 • 2007-
Most Recent• 2009 • 2008 • 2007-
- December 2008 -
Susan Keetley
- November 2008 -
Trisha Lamoreaux
- October 2008 -
LUIZA VIZOLI
- September 2008 -
Emily Rutledge
- August 2008 -
Nancy Bossert
- July 2008 -
GALLERY ZOO ART By Catherine Jeltes
- June 2008 -
Sabaiporn Wonganu
- May 2008 -
Hilary Winfield
- April 2008 -
Michel Keck
- February 2008 -
Gary Mercer
- December 2007 -
Sharon Cummings
- November 2007 -
Magali Cadieux
Artist of the Month
Do you remember the feelings and emotions van Gogh’s work evoked or could you describe how the work has influenced your approach?
The first time I was introduced to Van Gogh was in junior high school. An old projector displayed a rather shabby slide of Starry Night but even through the poor quality of the image I was moved. I wanted to run my fingers over the hills and valley's of the paint. I was taken back by the ability he had to create such busy movement in the strokes and yet evoke a sense of calmness. I imagined that stepping close to the painting would display a mess of dots, while stepping back presented a magnificent perfection.
Over the years I've become more fascinated by him as an artist and even more, his ability to capture us. I have many favorites and among them are: A Road at Saint-Remy with Female Figure, Cafe at Night and Restaurant de la Sirene at Asnieres. I get lost in the strokes, color and imperfections that somehow -feel perfect. His work has greatly influenced mine.
Early in my career I got lost in pursuit of perfection. If the dimensions were not exact or the colors didn't display how I imagined, I'd find myself starting over again and again. One day after looking through Van Gogh's catalog I wondered what could I do to create depth in the paint like he did? While I was mixing the paint with a palette knife I paused for a moment and studied the dimensions of the paint I was creating on the palette while I was mixing. In one fast movement I just started pressing the paint onto the canvas and didn't stop until the entire canvas was covered in paint. When I was finished I stood back and realized in that moment that the brush - for me, was my problem. The palette knife limited my ability to manipulate the paint which also eliminated my nature to over analyze and revisit the strokes. I had to trust the placement of the paint from the moment I placed it on the canvas and move on to the next stroke.
I didn't know if my new work would affect others the way it affected me so I put my first palette knife painting on the web and I was shocked by the responses I got. When people started comparing my work to Van Gogh's I felt like I'd come full circle.
I really like the idea of the palette knife limiting you but freeing you from the second guessing and over analyzing your work. How do you think your work would be different today if it had not been for your discovery while mixing paint
If I hadn't discovered the palette knife approach I would probably still be stuck on the same 2 or 3 paintings, seeking perfection that would never come. I used to spend months working on the same painting. Stroke by stroke I would re-paint and re-paint the same thing over and over again until I'd become so desensitized that the painting didn't mean anything to me anymore. All I saw when I looked at the work were mistakes and the layers of paint that I put on that canvas. Now I can sit down with A LOT of paint on my palette and some different shaped palette knifes and stroke exactly what I see the first time. When the paint hits the canvas - that’s were it stays. I learned the hard way that if I keep re-painting with a knife, it quickly turns into a nasty shade of mud.
Have you ever been tempted to try other methods of artistic expression like acting or music?
Absolutely. I love music. I play the guitar, sing and write my own music. I only do it for enjoyment though. I have terrible stage fright so, for me, performing takes the fun out of it.
What is the best thing about being an artist?
Shutting out the world, cranking up my iPod and forgetting about obligations, schedules and deadlines. Nothing beats an empty canvas and a new tube of paint.
What would you say to someone who is just starting out in their artistic career?
Try to create something, even if its small, everyday. Keep the creative juices going and never give up exploring your artistic development.
Second, don't create with the intent to earn money. Create to express yourself and the money will come.
What is the best way to spend Thanksgiving?
Surrounded by family, food and a good football game.
Visit the Profile Page of Trisha LamoreauxThe first time I was introduced to Van Gogh was in junior high school. An old projector displayed a rather shabby slide of Starry Night but even through the poor quality of the image I was moved. I wanted to run my fingers over the hills and valley's of the paint. I was taken back by the ability he had to create such busy movement in the strokes and yet evoke a sense of calmness. I imagined that stepping close to the painting would display a mess of dots, while stepping back presented a magnificent perfection.
Over the years I've become more fascinated by him as an artist and even more, his ability to capture us. I have many favorites and among them are: A Road at Saint-Remy with Female Figure, Cafe at Night and Restaurant de la Sirene at Asnieres. I get lost in the strokes, color and imperfections that somehow -feel perfect. His work has greatly influenced mine.
Early in my career I got lost in pursuit of perfection. If the dimensions were not exact or the colors didn't display how I imagined, I'd find myself starting over again and again. One day after looking through Van Gogh's catalog I wondered what could I do to create depth in the paint like he did? While I was mixing the paint with a palette knife I paused for a moment and studied the dimensions of the paint I was creating on the palette while I was mixing. In one fast movement I just started pressing the paint onto the canvas and didn't stop until the entire canvas was covered in paint. When I was finished I stood back and realized in that moment that the brush - for me, was my problem. The palette knife limited my ability to manipulate the paint which also eliminated my nature to over analyze and revisit the strokes. I had to trust the placement of the paint from the moment I placed it on the canvas and move on to the next stroke.
I didn't know if my new work would affect others the way it affected me so I put my first palette knife painting on the web and I was shocked by the responses I got. When people started comparing my work to Van Gogh's I felt like I'd come full circle.
I really like the idea of the palette knife limiting you but freeing you from the second guessing and over analyzing your work. How do you think your work would be different today if it had not been for your discovery while mixing paint
If I hadn't discovered the palette knife approach I would probably still be stuck on the same 2 or 3 paintings, seeking perfection that would never come. I used to spend months working on the same painting. Stroke by stroke I would re-paint and re-paint the same thing over and over again until I'd become so desensitized that the painting didn't mean anything to me anymore. All I saw when I looked at the work were mistakes and the layers of paint that I put on that canvas. Now I can sit down with A LOT of paint on my palette and some different shaped palette knifes and stroke exactly what I see the first time. When the paint hits the canvas - that’s were it stays. I learned the hard way that if I keep re-painting with a knife, it quickly turns into a nasty shade of mud.
Have you ever been tempted to try other methods of artistic expression like acting or music?
Absolutely. I love music. I play the guitar, sing and write my own music. I only do it for enjoyment though. I have terrible stage fright so, for me, performing takes the fun out of it.
What is the best thing about being an artist?
Shutting out the world, cranking up my iPod and forgetting about obligations, schedules and deadlines. Nothing beats an empty canvas and a new tube of paint.
What would you say to someone who is just starting out in their artistic career?
Try to create something, even if its small, everyday. Keep the creative juices going and never give up exploring your artistic development.
Second, don't create with the intent to earn money. Create to express yourself and the money will come.
What is the best way to spend Thanksgiving?
Surrounded by family, food and a good football game.
