This time I have something really special for you and I was delighted to meet with and interview an exceptional artist and friend of mine, Jules, from Toronto, Canada.
Jules creates a lot of portraiture alongside some still life paintings.
She explores themes of universal understanding and shared experiences.
Her favorite medium is watercolour, though she creates most of her work in acrylic as watercolours take a lot more concentration and focus.
She is self-taught and is fascinated by the intricacies or colour and representation.
Welcome Jules.
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Genesis
What was the earliest inkling that art would be big in your life?
Art has always been important.
Itβs one of the most consistent things we as humans strive to create.
I always loved everything arty, from picture books I read to cartoons I watched as a kid.
When something resonates with you, you have to follow it.
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Inspiration
Are there any past artists from whom you draw your inspiration?
Do you think inspiration is all around us or is it something that has to be consciously brought into focus?
I think inspiration is everywhere but if you donβt have the capacity or mental energy to lean into it when you have it, it can be flighty.
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Why do you paint?
Because it makes me happy. Itβs intrinsic and simple and so very obviously something I like to do. So I do it.
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Galleries and Events
Do you visit art exhibitions and events and which ones would you recommend to my readers for inspiration?
I recommend visiting your local cityβs art college and university grad expo days.
Each school will have an exhibition each year showcasing their graduating classesβ art and it's one of the best (and free) ways to be inspired by local artists just starting out.
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Are you likely to attend galleries when visiting other cities as a matter of course?
Always. Iβve never stayed in a city too long before visiting the museums and galleries.
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Which galleries do you recommend in Toronto?
The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario), The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), The Latcham Art Gallery in Stouffville.
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Movement
What is your favorite art movement and why?
The impressionists did so much for art, I canβt imagine another movement impacting me as strongly as that one did.
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Color
Would you say you have your own palette of colors that you return to each time?
Yes. Iβm always using Prussian blue with Phthalo green and neon pink.
I never go without a cad yellow and some alizarin crimson.
βOpera Rose, especially watercolour, is one the greats.
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Opera Rose
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Daily Art Practice
Do you practice art every day/week/month?
No. I fit it into my busy life whenever it strikes, though.
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How does that process look?
Striking while the iron is hot is most important for me.
I tend to have a small window of opportunity in which to plan and paint something and, just to make things interesting, I also have a small attention span for topics, so moving quickly is very key in making my art happen.
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Do you work on one art piece at a time or do you have a few on the go at once?
One at a time.
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Motivation
What motivates you to begin a new piece?
Inspiration is usually all I need to get the ball rolling.
Sounds simple and easy to pin down, but it isnβt.
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Composition
Do you always draft out your composition or do you ever wing it?
I draw sketches first to get the composition and hierarchy in order before I plan out what colours will work best.
Then using the grid system, I map out my subject on the canvas or board.
Iβm getting better at not rushing this process.
Most importantly, underpaintings have become critical.
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Art Challenges
Many of my readers are getting back into art after being away for many years, how do you feel about art challenges to help spark creativity?
I think theyβre great.
Anything that helps a person practise is worth the effort.
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Sketchbook
Can you share your ideas on the value in keeping an artist's sketchbook?
Sketchbooks are very important.
They show progress over time because as you practice, you get better.
Itβs nice to see evidence of this progress when looking back.
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Medium
What is your current preferred medium and why?
Acrylic. It dries quickly, so I can fix my mistakes easily.
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I understand you prefer to work on wooden panels. Can you tell us why you like wood panels? And what to look for in those?
I like wood panels because I prefer a sturdy, flat surface over the give of a canvas.
When buying panels, I make sure theyβre properly attached in all four corners.
Some will bend and warp if theyβre not securely glued.
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Where Artists Work
Can you tell us about your home art studio?
Itβs small.
Just a table and an easel.
Storage is key to keeping it tidy.
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What about the light?
I use clamps LED lamps to keep my work well-lit when painting (I tend to work at night).
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What music or podcasts do you play while painting?
I listen to all kinds of audiobooks while painting.
Currently listening to Savage Appetites by Rachel Monroe.
What advice would you give to other hobby artists who might be hesitant to even start art again or pick up a pen or brush?
The reason to start is because you want to.
Starting now vs. starting later is up to you, but the time will pass anyway, so why not up your skills, practise and then see yourself grow in the art space you love so much?
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