Introducing Artist Frederique Chemin

The discovery of Frederique Chemin's works of art is like a burst of sunlight in the midst of a gray winter. Her layered vivid imagery and saturated color brings her paintings to life. Please enjoy some of works of art and our interview. Frederique lives and works in both Paris and Aix en Provence.

In her own words: "In my paintings, there are always little, yet significant figurative details within a mainly  abstract approach. I like the immersion into color and matter and I like the impact large paintings have. But I also like when some figurative references trigger imagination. Like tracks that would tell the viewers of my paintings where to follow- like a compass of the spirit. I like the different levels of reading, where different elements combine to form a global vision that everyone can see or feel in their own way."

Bella Vista

Cartography I Series

1) I understand that you became interested in art at a very young age. Would you tell us more about that?

I have always loved painting and drawing. When I was a child, I spent hours immersed in my work.  It has always been my favorite occupation! I would have skipped school and everything else to be able to remain at my table with my colors and brushes.

I was fortunate to have a drawing teacher in school who noticed my passion for art when I was 10. He offered to take me to the School of Beaux Arts in Paris where he had a private studio.  As a finalist in the Prix de Rome contest, he taught me oil painting. We walked through the entire school and its different studios. I was so amazed! I decided I would study art at this school when I grew up - and that's what I did. My teacher eventually won the Prix de Rome and went to Rome for several years and I never saw him again, but I am very grateful to him for having opened the door of this universe to me.

Spring Garden
Cartography I Series

des Fruites des Fleurs
Cartography I Series

2) Where does your inspiration come from?

It comes from life! I like to try to catch the part of a dream, happiness and beauty that is present in life. I try to give people who look at my paintings the joy of colors and space, like an "invitation to a  journey"* in a special way. I am inspired by the many things and places I see and things I live. Good memories, emotions, looking at my children and remembering the child I used to be (and still am)!

15th of August
Cartography II Series

My Paris Dream
Cartography II Series

3) Have you had a mentor or who are some artists who have influenced and inspired you?

I love the work of many artists. I admire Raoul Duffy for the lightness of his lines and  his various skills, Matisse for the "luxury, calm and delight"* he provides for us and Mark Rothko for his mastery of color. I love Edward Hopper for the deep feelings present in his paintings, Picasso for his freedom, and many more!

Plonger dans l'Eau Bleue
Cartography Series III

Villa Serene
Cartography III Series

4) What effect did your studies at l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris have on your aesthetic?

It was a wonderful place to be. You had a studio you would share with other students.  You could exchange ideas about art and life, creating the future in a place where you could feel the greatness of the past! I had a wonderful teacher, a painter called Amor who taught me that I had to find my own way and my own technique.

Play with Me
Cartography IV Series

Jeux d'Eau
Cartography IV Series

5) When you have time to relax, what activities do you enjoy?

I love reading, playing music, watching movies and outdoor activities allowing me to be in contact with nature like swimming and skiing.

un Jacinthe ou un Crocus
Black Cartography Series

My American Dream
Black Cartography Series

6) Where can our readers find your art? Do you have upcoming gallery exhibits?

You can follow me on Facebook and on my website. You can see my paintings at Gallery 32 Fine Arts in New York. I will have an exhibition in Paris in Spring 2015 and one in Aix en Provence in May 2015.

Miroir, Miroir
Black Cartography Series

7) Finally what words of wisdom you have for the aspiring artist of any age?

I would say find in yourself what is your particularity, what really belongs to you that you want to share with others; the colors of the song you want to sing! And if you feel like being an artist, go ahead, make your dream come true. Don't give up or let anything stop you from doing it!

*"Invitation To The Journey" Charles Baudelaire

Be sure to visit Frederique's website to see more of her art, her upcoming events and to learn more about this fascinating artist. This is the link to her Facebook Page.

Much thanks goes to Paula Winke, marketing and public relations consultant, who made the introduction.  Paula is based in Kansas City; however her work with clients takes her throughout North America and abroad.

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts!

Please sign up for email alerts to find out about my latest features. 

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Featuring Artist Julia Tema Contacessi

Introducing artist Julia Tema Contacessi and her fine works of abstract expressionism. Please enjoy our interview and the art she has presented in this article. I think that you will find it as inspiring and mesmerizing as I do!

Terrain

Julia, tell us about your early years and your beginnings in the world of art and creativity.

When I was about 3 years old my mother joined a playgroup with other mothers that had toddler age children.  The structure for the playgroup was a craft or art project, snack and playtime. When craft time was over the norm was that all the children ran over for snack, except me. It was known by all that I wanted to keep working on my project, and so I did. I think this is the best way to describe my approach to art and creativity. I love it, am focused on it, and can be perfectly content to do it all the time.

Are you a self-taught artist or where did you take art courses?

I got my BFA in 2000 after 4 years of study at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. At the time my focus was on graphic design, illustration and photography. After graduating, I went on to work as a designer and eventually a Creative Director, all the while painting for myself. It wasn't until just about 15 months ago that I left my full-time job in marketing to pursue painting full-time. I have never looked back!

Changing Winds

Were you encouraged to pursue your dreams and did you have a mentor or artists who inspired you?

I am very lucky. I have two very supportive parents that encouraged me to pursue my dreams — whatever they may be.

So many artists inspire me. My very first inspiration was my mother. She is an artist, designer and teacher and encouraged my creativity in all forms & mediums. Helen Frankenthaler is another. Her belief that there is “no formula” and the artist should “let the picture lead you where it must go,” are principles that I embrace.

I was lucky enough to study under Charles Goslin for 2 years at Pratt. He was a wealth of wisdom and I translated much of his advice into action, not only in art but life. I think this quote from Goslin helps to sum up much of his philosophy, “You can help heal a world full of hurt and violence, with the beauty and grace it so desperately needs.”

 The fabulous work of art by Julia makes this area of a room sing!

How does painting make you feel? How would you describe your artistic style?

Some days creating can be a battle, but then there is that moment when I layer on the paint just right — so that it dances in time and space. The canvas yields to my will, and I know I’ve just begun to capture something meaningful. That‘s when I have to catch my breath. It’s fascinating and wonderful, while at the same time, a struggle. That’s why I paint. My style is single-minded and focused on the simplicity of beauty in the moment. My goal is to drown out the noise and clutter to find a sense of calm. The end result is clean, fresh and modern.

Waking Dreams

What else inspires your works of art? Do you work plein aire, from photographs, or from the images in your own mind?

Color, usually from organic elements in nature, is a huge inspiration of mine.  I often obsess over color palettes, which I plan well in advance of any paint hitting the canvas. Also finding beauty in the contrasting nature of things, for example rough gritty texture layered with glossy metallic.

And although I carefully plan out my color palette, I let my paintings’ composition; lines and structure develop and evolve as I work. Not working from photos or images in my head, but instead building upon the canvas before me. Sometimes the hardest part is laying down the first brush stroke. 

Where can our readers find your works of art and do you have any upcoming exhibits?

My work is sold in the following design shops and galleries:

• Sorelle Gallery in New Canaan, Connecticut
• Bel Mondo in Westport, Connecticut
• Anam Cara Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut
• Minted - http://www.minted.com/store/contacessi
• Crated:http://crated.com/contacessi
  
  

In addition to the above locations, you can see all of my work on my site www.juliacontacessi.com. There you can sign-up for the mailing list to get a sneak peak at the latest work, plus updates on events and promotions.

Julia Tema Contacessi

Finally what words of wisdom would you impart to the aspiring artist of any age?

Do what you love, and tell everyone about it. If you want to do your art as a living, don’t be shy about it and don’t keep it a secret. Surround yourself with like-minded creatives and help one another to succeed in your goals. Peers are  just as important as mentors.

Julia thank you so much for this enlightening interview. Your passion for your art shows so beautifully! 

Dear readers, a work of original fine art is the perfect gift for couples to give one another, or to acquire for oneself at the Holidays. Please do consider art at the top of your Gift List!

Thank you to my Friends, Family and Followers who continue to support The Arts

Please sign up by email for notifications so that you do not miss my latest features!

Lastly leave a comment as they truly make my day!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

2013 Artists Series Featuring Kerry Steele

An Interview with Artist Kerry Steele

Many of you will need no introduction to a favorite artist and interior designer in the blog world. Kerry's art has been featured  at Aesthetic Oiseau, the Pink Pagoda, Bijou and Boheme, Chinoiserie Chic, and Oh Captain, My Captain.  She has also been included in many juried exhibits which can be found at 

Kerry Steele Fine Art

Indigo Bunting
Sold

1)      At what point did you realize you had the passion for painting? How important was that moment/ time to you?

I don't know that there was any one magic moment. I have always loved creative pursuits and have painted on and off since I was about 7 years old. The delight with which my work is sometimes received has really fueled my passion. The realization that some people save up for a while to buy a painting I made is very humbling and keeps me going during moments of self-doubt.

Wet Words
24 X 30

 2)     Tell us about your inspirations when you start a work of art.

My inspirations vary widely. Often they are just vague ideas of an intended mood using specific color combinations and other times I see flowers or a landscape on Pinterest and just get going on a canvas.

Figure 4
Sold

3)     Kerry who are some other artists that you admire or have been mentors to you.

I absolutely adore Christina Baker, who has been a sweet friend and mentor. Her art is top notch and she is a darling person too.

K) I do admire her works of art!

What if God Wears Boots?
18 X 24 Oil
Available Contact Kerry

4)     How did your color palette come into being? It is very distinctive.

I am beginning to see that my color palette of choice is totally authentic to who I am, what I love. 

People that meet me in person in conjunction with my art tell me I look like my paintings. I think if I took a photo of my closet it would look like one of my paintings. Hmmm..maybe I'll paint my closet.

Secrets of the Sky
Oil and Acrylic Commissioned

 5)     I understand you accept special commissions, how would you like readers to contact you and what are your various social media links?

I often do commissions and have a special page devoted to common questions about the process (http://kerrysteele.com/commissions-faq.html) I am happy to answer further questions through my website contact form at (http://kerrysteele.com/contact.html)

I am on Pinterest here :http://pinterest.com/designdumonde/boards/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/KerrySteeleArt?ref=hl

Instagram : @KerrySteeleart

Twitter : KerrySteeleart

My Etsy shop : https://www.etsy.com/shop/KerrySteelefineart

Fleurs Trouvee
Available
Contact Kerry

Laying Under the Table and Dreaming
Oil on Linen
Sold

Bluestocking Babe
Oil and Charcoal on Linen
Contact Kerry

6)     Kerry where is your studio, in your home or a separate space?

My studio is at home. It is currently still in the dining portion of my kitchen. I have plans for a dedicated room but a few home improvement projects are in the way of that at the moment.

(K) I have done both and will say that sometimes it is nice to work early in the morning or late at night without leaving the house!

Elemental Memory
24 X 30
Oil on Canvas
A work in Progress!
Contact Kerry

7)     What are some words of wisdom you would impart to the beginning artist of any age?

I think the best advice is just do it. Make your art. Feel the fear and jump in anyways. If its a little scary then you are probably doing something interesting.

Watery
24 x 30
Available in Art First Gallery
in Fredericksburg, VA

Thank you Kerry, for participating in The 2013 Artists Series.

Dear readers and faithful supporters of the Arts, I hope you will leave Kerry a comment about her works of Abstract Expressionism. I am taken with her spontaneity and often an element of joy in her works of art.

Kerry is offering a 15% off code on her paintings!

The Etsy code is KAREN2013 it is for 15% off anything in my Etsy store and expires at the end of July. 

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena

PS Dear Readers, as Google Friend Connect Reader is phasing out, please follow Via BlogLovin at the top of my page or via email. That way you will not miss any of The Series OR Exciting Giveaways being Offered!

In case you missed:

An Interview with International Interior Designer Alex Papachristidis