Where do you live?
I live in West Warwick and I have always resided in Rhode Island.
How long have you been a member of WAA?
About 15 years as a member.
Do you currently volunteer at WAA?
Yes, I enjoy volunteering for a variety of ongoing events at WAA. I began Gallery sitting on weekends a number of years ago , assist with the Gardening committee and work with the Fundraising committee. I’ve been a demonstration painter at the Festival Education booth for the past few years and I’ve also helped out for the children’s Paint a Pot events. I’ve enjoyed hosting Paint Afternoons and Paint Nights at the association.
I’ve been offering custom pet portraits through the gallery and percentages of these sales are donated back to support scholarships.
How long have you been a JAM?
About 12 years.
How would you describe your artwork?
I work in a variety of art mediums, oils, acrylics, oil pastels, pencil, collage, and watercolor. I enjoy mixing it up from detailed drawings to abstract styles. My paintings on canvas follow techniques and varieties of Impressionistic styles.
I love woodlands, old stone walls and rural scenes as well as coastal ocean views. New England themes are often represented in my work.
From where do you find your inspiration?
I love combining Art History and other historical events into my artwork. I’m inspired by music, the colors of purple and green, every day events, nature and animals. Much of my inspiration is inspired by my vacations, as I create scenes along the way with travel supplies.
What is the most important thing that you want viewers to take away from your artwork?
I would like them to feel “invited” into my artwork as I believe artwork tells a story from the artist to the viewer. Some of my abstract works in acrylics, paper with Fabric collage and oil pastels encourage viewers to search for a story with open possibilities.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
As an Artist I learned to turn my paintings and drawings upside down to truly see areas to adjust if needed. Values and balance of medium and larger works can easily be seen by squinting occasionally at your work while viewing from a distance of at least 4-5 feet. Working on multiple artworks interchangeably over a period of time allows me to have fresh views for all of them.
What is the most important skill you should have as an artist?
The ability to focus and study the subject well to be created is most important for me to begin a new artwork. I then make choices on what I’ll include or crop out. Then if needed, a quick sketch serves as a plan.
My helpful suggestions for artists:
- Challenge yourself but Create artworks which make you happy!
- Embrace your own style as unique and personal.
- Study your chosen subjects to be created well for balance, light and shadows. Then work with loose contours, details and color choices.
- Be willing to make any changes while you work.
What is your favorite thing about the Wickford Art Association?
I love that it’s located in and affiliated with the historic town. The dedication of WAA’s entire staff and board members is truly enlightening, inspiring, and always welcoming to members and visitors. I enjoy Shayna’s Place to get together with friends.
As an educator at Wickford Arts, I’m especially happy to create and offer classes and meet so many talented artists. I’m happy that education of the arts is showcased as a major mission of our association.
What do you enjoy most about your artistry/being an artist?
- Creating art is very therapeutic and I enjoy the creative journey every day. I love the excitement of imagining visions and sights as future paintings or as a college, drawing or pastel. I love noticing color connections and painting at different planned events live.
- As a Wickford educator of the Arts, it’s my pleasure to provide everyone opportunities to try multiple art classes opening the door to new creative experiences.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have submitted a couple works into the Real or Imagined show. I’m looking forward to participating in the next Small Works show in the winter also. I regularly participate in and sell works, painted cards and original pieces here and at the South County Art Association, the East Greenwich Art Club and enter works in the Artist’s Cooperative of Westerly.