DPNM: When did you realize you were an artist?
LM: I think I’ve always known I was an artist. Maybe it became a clear thought when I was about 5 year old.
DPNM: When did you identify yourself as a professional artist?
LM: In 1989, I won my first award in a juried show and that made me see my painting differently. In the mid 90s, I decided my work had evolved, so why not start putting it out there? At the same time, I joined an art marketing group that changed my perspective and inspired me to see myself as a professional.
DPNM: What does PSA stand for?
LM: PSA stands for Pastel Society of America. It’s one of the most prestigious national societies for pastel artists.
DPNM: What life experiences led you to making the decision to become an artist?
LM: My mother always drew pictures when I was little and I had aunt who was an art teacher and an uncle who was interested in art. They were very encouraging to me.
DPNM: What famous artists past and present do you admire?
LM: Edward Hopper, all the American and French Impressionists, and for today’s artists, I admire Matt Smith, Richard McKinley, Scott Christenson, Louisa McElwain, Clyde Aspevig, to name only a few.
DPNM: Describe your approach to painting?
LM: I look for the abstract shapes in the landscape when I choose a scene to paint. I spend some time thinking and absorbing the view. I look for elements that will move the eye around the composition. Then I jump right in on the Wallis sanded paper I use, foregoing thumbnails. If there are major compositional adjustments needed for the view, then I do use thumbnails first, but generally, I just jump right in. Sometimes I use a pastel and water wash underpainting; sometimes I start with dry pastel and no underpainting.
DPNM: What inspires you to paint and how do you keep motivated?
LM: The landscape here in the southwest moves me to paint. Seeing other artists’ work and being in a community filled with art is very motivational. Having written goals is also a help.
DPNM: How have you created workspace that stimulates and invites the artistic process?
LM: I use a spare bedroom for my studio. I’d love to have a huge studio, but I find I don’t need a lot of space to paint. I’ve arranged this studio so it is easy to work and I post the paintings I’m working on in various stages on the wall.
DPNM: Does it include music and if so, who are your favorite musical artists/selections?
LM: I often work in silence and never even think of putting on music. Sometimes I do listen to CDs and my choices run the gamut from motivational tapes, to classical, opera, classic rock, jazz and new age. Mozart and Vivaldi are favorites.
DPNM: How do you balance personal life and work?
LM: Balance? What’s that? Finding balance is a never ending search. There are ups and downs, sometimes more balanced and sometimes completely immersed in art stuff.
DPNM: What other interests do you have outside of painting?
LM: I enjoy live music, movies, dinners with friends, reading, walking.
DPNM: What is your favorite art quote?
LM: There are so many good ones, so I don’t have a favorite. This one from Diebenkorn comes to mind: “In a successful painting, everything is integral. All parts belong to the whole. If you remove an aspect or an element, you are removing its wholeness.”
DPNM: How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
LM: Belonging to Artist Career Training (www.artistcareertraining.com) has given me a solid foundation of information needed for the business of art.
DPNM: What advice would you give an artist just starting out in today’s world?
LM: Believe in yourself and be persistent in your efforts. Don’t give up. Have a written set of goals that you review and adjust periodically.
DPNM: What’s the best and worst part of being a full time working artist?
LM: I get to pick and choose what direction I want my career to go and set my own goals. I can be flexible in my time. The downside to this is I can be flexible with my time so I need to have discipline.