2013 Artists Series Featuring Patricia Van Essche

This logo may be familiar to many of you who know Patricia Van Essche of PVE Designs. Patricia is a talented artist who creates illustrations and works of art in a fun and whimsical manner.Her fresh and colorful art will makes you smile while making an impression you won't soon forget! 

Please enjoy some examples of Patricia's art and read our conversation below.

A commissioned work of art for the Holidays

1) How did your journey down the path of art begin? When did you realize your calling?

My journey down the path of art began at a young age.  Raised, one of seven children, my mother loved keeping us all busy and I think creating art was where I could easily keep myself busy.  Still to this day, I love creating art and keeping busy.  I never imagined that my own art would sustain me while raising my own family.

A Commissioned Pet Portrait

2) What kind of mentoring and encouragement did you have in your youth or adulthood?

I do think having a mentor and people around you to encourage one in any field is key.  My parents always helped to encourage me and sent me to a teacher when I was a teenager who told me to "do art" and forget all the rest.  I think to this day, those words have been validated.  Many artists have inspired me but the real key is in doing.

Patricia has recently renovated her hilltop home and she now has her own custom designed art studio with room to meet with current and new clients.

3) Are there other artists whose work you admire or that provide inspiration?

Inspiration is all around me and the internet does make it easy as an artist to share work.  I love nature, spending time with my family, friends and then seeing how the world is evolving.  Things seem less fussy and there is a more casual approach to living that I find inspiring.  After all the way we live, the way we look at life involves sort of an aesthetic lens.  

I think every artist can agree, our surroundings influence.  Sargent's work inspires me, Jean Cocteau and Cecil Beaton.  Each of them developed a strong and unique style.

A montage of J McLaughlin Store Illustrations

4) To follow up the last question; what does inspire you when you begin a work of art? 

I gather inspiration before I begin by doing research so that I have everything to look at and then before I actually begin, I see what I need to do or the finish of a work of art.  It all has to align in order to work itself out.  I think having inspiration is one thing, but having the goal of an ending or a finish line is very important.

5) Your style is very distinctive. How did it develop?

I saw you work for the very first time when I began blogging, and discovered Mrs. Blanding's, who lives right here in my hometown! Right there I saw you had created her site's header art!

That is the key, to find one's style and then feel comfortable in that style.  I was educated and trained and many of the studies involved copying other artists and learning about their styles.  Finding one's style is the key.  When you find it, you know it because it comes naturally.  I have always been a bit obsessed with lifestyle and loved all that goes with.  I worked for years in Fashion in New York and loved it and always had work or freelance work to keep me busy and in demand. 

I have been working on my own for 16 years now and many clients are repeat.  They love my style and I am so grateful to each of them.  Many I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know.

Yes! I understand that you lived in Manhattan, traveled the world, as a designer and design director for Ralph Lauren,Calvin Klein  and Liz Claiborne brands.

6) Patricia, tell us about the other passions in your life? How does your spirituality affect your art?

Life.  Fresh Laundry. Hot coffee.  Dawn.  Sleep.  Good food.  Family.  Friends.  Quality.  Faith.

All of it affects my work.  I think spirituality does affect my art in a way that gives me hope to look forward to new tomorrows and know that life goes on.  

Loving what I do involves passion, work and faith.

 7) Lastly, please give some words of advice to the beginning artist of any age.

The best advice is to find gratitude each day.   Do what you love.  Perfect your craft.  Find your own style.  Try not to complain or create problems, be a part of your own solution and look for what makes you feel good.  I think good supplies and connecting with other artists is important too.  

Make it work.  Work at it.  Do it for 100 days and then ask yourself if you love it.  Also, telling yourself you are an "artist" and working at it is all the advice one really needs.  Take classes.  Study.  Travel.  

Patricia, thank you so much for participating in The 2013 Artists Series!

Please reach Patricia through her website PVE Design and be sure to read her very interesting PVE Design Blog

Please leave a comment for our fellow blogger and artist Patricia!

Thank you to all of my friends and followers who support The Arts!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena


Images provided by PVE Design

2013 Artists Series: Anne Harwell

Introducing Anne Harwell, a most talented artist and author of the blog Annechovie 

Please enjoy our conversation below and some of Anne's works of art!

1) Anne, tell us about your beginnings and the pursuit of an art career.

I have always been artsy and crafty since preschool, but I never grew up with any sense or goal of being an "artist" per se. I honestly kind of just fell into it in my 20's after finding I liked working in watercolors on boring Winter evenings. Things slowly evolved from there and I started selling my work in a home & antiques shop my parents used to own in Atlanta. The rest is history but involves a whole lot of work, ups and downs and some great opportunities and many disappointments I had to push through.

One of Anne's most popular prints, The Courtney Barnes Chair

2) Did you have encouragement from a mentor, or are there certain artist’s works that you admire?

    To be honest, I have admired other artists, namely Monet, Matisse, Bonnard, Mark Hampton and others but have not had a formal "art education" so to speak. I don't use any specific technique other than what just feels right to me. I would make a horrible art teacher because I do not have an exhaustive knowledge of art history or technique. The Nike motto applies to me when painting and sums up the way I work - "Just Do It".

Chanel #5 

      3) You do have a very distinctive style. How did your genre come about and    would you tell our readers about your methodology

      I don't use any specific technique other than what just feels right to me. I would make a horrible art teacher because I do not have an exhaustive knowledge of art history or technique. The Nike motto applies to me when painting and sums up the way I work - "Just Do It". I probably lean more towards saturated, clear colors and am not all that attracted to muted tones. Several people have told me that my colors are "happy" and I am glad that's what comes across.

Worcester Porcelain Jar

    There's so much darkness and heaviness in this world and even though life is not always upbeat, I am an optimist and prefer to focus on the positive. Honestly, I am one of those people who doesn't have a staid regimen and doesn't do anything by the book. I just implement the "LOOK LONG AND CLOSELY AND ABSORB" method. LOL. Anything that has developed with me came by digesting tons of paintings, magazines, books, etc. and then working by trial and error to paint what was in my head. I started out with watercolor and have found myself moving more towards acrylic and even oils now. 

     I am a work in progress and have a looong way to go, but I have learned to enjoy the journey. I am a firm believer that God gifts us with all and any talents that we have and my personal relationship with Him is a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation that has helped me to grow and develop more than anything else.

Ginger Jar #2

      4)  Do you work in a studio or do you have a dedicated area in your home? (if you have a studio could you send an image?)

I    I work in a studio area that is part of my home now. I am moving into a new home with my husband in 2 weeks, so will have a completely dedicated room to work from where I can just shut the doors on my art mess and leave it undisturbed.

Peonies and Paisley

5) You must have a fine print-maker (I have several of your chair series prints) How does an artist find one where you can be sure of good quality control?

II    I now print most all of my own work and carefully researched printers, ink and paper before I found what worked best for me and produced the highest quality print. I am happy with my method now because so many of my customers tell me that the prints look exactly like an original.

Chairs Series Notecards

Ginger Jar Pillow

6) When did the light bulb go on so brightly to start licensing your art and are you pleased with the results?

    Actually, I was blessed to be approached by a company for my first licensing contract and didn't do the initial chasing, although I continue to seek out great opportunities now for licensing more of my work.

Hermes Bag

    

     7) What is the best way for our readers to reach you with any inquiries

      They can contact me via a convo on my Etsy page or email me direct at: anneharwell@hotmail.com

      Other Links for Anne are:

      Etsy store: www.annechovie.etsy.com  

      Blog: www.annechovie.blogspot.com

      instagram: http://instagram.com/anneharwell

FB :https://www.facebook.com/anne.chovie.98 

Anne does Custom work, simply send her an inquiry; also custom pet silhouettes on Canvas

Custom Pet Silhouettes

      8) Lastly, Anne, What words of advice do you have for the beginning artist of any age?

Follow your natural bent and passion, don't shy away from hard work and don't give up when there's not immediate gratification or open doors!

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Anne, Thank you so much for participating in The 2013 Artists Series.

I love the Pop-Art quality to your work, although I know you do very traditional renderings as well. 

Wishing you and your new husband much happiness and a bright future together!

Dear Readers, Thank you for supporting the arts and please leave a comment for Anne!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena

Images Courtesy of Anne Harwell

Introducing Anita Rivera, Designer and Paper Artist with an Artful Giveaway

Many of you are already familiar with Anita Rivera of Castles Crowns and Cottages. Now you will learn more about Anita Rivera, Designer and Paper Artist.

1)Anita I know that you have a real gift for writing very inspirational posts on your very popular blog Castles Crowns and Cottages. Tell me about how that began.

A Stunning Wedding Gown Centerpiece with Train (not pictured)

Four years ago, my sister-in-law started a blog. When she told me about it, I had no idea what it was. When I saw hers, I was mesmerized by the creative outlet and opportunity having a blog could provide. I am a teacher by profession but an artist at heart and when I pushed that START button to begin my own blog, it has only been a life-changing experience.

 Through writing for a SPECIFIC PURPOSE, I was able to focus on my real purpose: TO WRITE. Like any other blogger, my blog has gone through changes for the better. The best thing about blogging is the connection I have made with women around the world that engage in meaningful friendships. Writing inspirational pieces is my goal so that someone out in the world can know that THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

Golden Slipper

2) I do know a bit of your background. How did you get into the teaching profession & what made you decide to leave and pursue the arts and design?

I taught myself French at the age of 34 then my husband encouraged me to go back to night school to get my B.A. in French. Then he suggested I teach. That was a major decision, as I never intended to teach. For 17 years, I went to night school and finally obtained my B.A. in French, TWO teaching licenses with French specialties and my Master's in Education.

  

My resigning from my full-time post to pursue art and writing came as a shock to my colleagues, but later, they understood that the pressures of being a teacher in today's feebly-equipped educational system is very stressful. A kind and very talented blogger "discovered" my art and has been mentoring me in my art process. I had never thought about being a professional artist, only a writer. But I am focusing on combing the two and as of this June, I will no longer be a full-time teacher but I will return in September as a per-Diem French  speaking substitute. Having those French speaking skills comes in handy!

Bunny Wand

3) Who are your mentors or some other artists you admire?

    My professional mentor is Lisa Moran from the blog and website, Bilancia      Designs. She is extremely talented and knowledgeable and is a great friend. She has been generous in inspirational ideas and guidance. My number one favorite artist is Miss Clara from France and then Isabella Borgrave (spelling??)

Castle Print

Paris Print

4) I have seen some of your amazing works of art. What is your favorite medium and why?

Paper, hands down. I illustrate, but I would much rather work with THREE DIMENSIONAL ideas, to bring a sort of LIFE to an idea, and then combine it with my original poetry and quotes. I am currently working on making life size paper shoes and period dresses.

Bluebird Wand

5) What is on the horizon for Anita Rivera, Designer and paper Artist?

I am looking to connect with a local artist guild AND to début my work in local art events. I was just contacted by a local shop whose owners are interested in my work to sell!

Mauve Paper Slipper

6) What advice would your give to the aspiring artist or designer of any age?

BE BOLD and be productive. However, work from your heart. In my experience as a teacher, I have found that the "market" dictates everything we focus on in education and culture and even art. Yes, if I want to sell and earn a decent living, I must see what it is that people need and want. 

But to be a true artist, OBSERVE, LISTEN to your heart's reactions to life and then produce. Stretch your imagination and use what you have. See what you can produce with the most organic of resources. But the most "organic" resource of all is your HEART.

 Anita thank you so much for this enlightening interview and for offering such a beautiful work of art for this Giveaway!

Enter to win a Fabulous White and Gold Winged Angel Wand made by Anita!!

This Giveaway is  International for all Readers

1) Visit Castles Crowns and Cottages and then visit Anita's Etsy Shop: click on it in the right hand column. Come back and tell us what you love the most.

2) Extra chance to win if you post or link to the giveaway on your site

3) Another chance if you post about the Giveaway on Facebook!

4) Yet another chance to win if you Tweet about the giveaway.

So you have 4 chances to win

Please comment separately for me to run Random.org

The winner will be chosen at Midnight EST on Friday May 4th

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support not only of me; of your fellow artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and bloggers!

Now for the winner of the Soft Surroundings $100 Gift Card Giveaway.....is Stacey of Quintessence

Congratulation Stacey, you will love the Quality and great Customer Service at Soft Surroundings

A huge thank you to Michele of Hello Lovely for the beautiful Vintage Gold Crescent Bracelet from her Etsy shop!!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena