A L L I E Z E Y E R
FINE ART
March Newsletter
Spring is here, and the countdown to Sacred Spaces at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho has officially begun! As I balance finishing touches and seek fresh inspiration for the exhibit, I wanted to share some meaningful reflections with you. I’ve curated a few snippets from a past interview that highlight my process and the growth I’ve experienced over the last year. Dive in and enjoy—cheers to a beautiful Spring!
From the Archives
A Look at the Process:
What process sped up your progress to better paintings?
Changing my mindset! Today, I feel the best work will naturally come about because I’m willing and trying to discover something new and will do whatever amount of work it takes to ensure a painting’s success.
What does that specifically entail?
Focusing on small studies, gain as much knowledge as possible. Digital studies, taking better reference photos, really studying an area over time. Allowing things to take time! Let the work, exploration, study fuel the passion. Keep the excitement going. Workshops—learning from the best professionals in the field! All of these activities feed the energy and mindset of the artist.
Why do you go back and forth between oil and gouache mediums?
I can handle and solve problems more quickly with different tools. It also helps me think about how to handle edges, design the painting, and compose in new ways. After I’ve completed a sketch, digital paint over, plein air study or even a gouache painting, I can see in my mind the completed painting more clearly which gives me a solid direction to move forward.
Is speed of execution necessary for success?
I don’t think so, but expressive paintings can come out of a time crunch, plein air painting is just one example. However, our modern technological age can mess with the artist brain. That’s why I often stop viewing social media for spans of time. I remember being so captivated seeing paintings completed in 60 seconds yet equally frustrated that my paintings took longer! As an artist, that can mess with your psyche. Painting takes time. A lot of time. I find seasons where I just have to step away from the speed of social media to focus in on my craft and have joy in my personal journey.
What artists have informed who you are as an artist?
Impressionists! Always the Impressionists!
What is art?
A better question to ask is: “What is Fine Art?” I believe there is a difference between art and fine art. Fine Art edifies. It shows skill. Contains Intelligence. It can question. It can even be uncomfortable. At the end of the day, the Fine Art I choose to engage with should edify, beautify, and enrich my surroundings. I want it to enrich my life. I hope my artwork does the very same.
How did you push through on a painting when you found things weren’t working? How did you evaluate what to change?
This is an ongoing battle. I ask other artists I trust for their critique. I self-evaluate and take notes! I’m big on reflecting. I always take notes on my experiences, whether it be a painting where I really gained some headway, a workshop, conversation, or advice gained from another individual.
I write. I write down what did work, what didn’t, what I would do next time, what insights and inspirations are in the forefront of my mind. I rely back on those notes so that when I’m in the thick of life and completely dulled by the everyday demands, I have my “Gold Star” to refer back to. I’m okay with self-evaluations to say, “this painting really doesn’t meet the mark.” Or “I’m in way over my head here!”
Thankfully at the end of the day, I’ve been fortunate to have more successes that outweigh the failures and that keeps me going!
I hope these insights resonated with you. Many see art as just a relaxing pastime. While it certainly can be, it also encompasses so much more. I hope your creative endeavors are equally enriching! As always, if you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop on by, we’ll venture out and paint!
Allie