Today I am pleased to introduce to you artist Hemu Aggarwal, Currently at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, with mailing address in San Francisco, California, USA. She creates paintings in acrylic on wood that are in the styles of Abstract or Subjective Expressionism. Hemu began creating art at the age of 15 when she met an art teacher in a new school. Here is how she summarizes her artistic journey:

What do you do once you make a painful decision to end your successful career in a busy place like New York and move away to a quiet island in the Caribbean? You paint.

By education, training, and profession I am a graphic designer Having a Master's degree from New York University and working as creative designer on Madison Avenue for 7 years and then running my own creative design firm for over 25 years, now, retired and live in the Dominican Republic and has started to paint after a time gap of 35 years. Yes, I did designing and illustrative work during my business, but that was totally different in nature. Working under pressure of tight deadlines, the focus was to please clients and to keep commercial appeal in mind. Now it is different. To get a glimpse of my work visit my website.

After running a successful creative design firm in New York, USA, I am now retired and spend as much time possible doing Acrylic paintings, traveling and capturing images around this world. I wish I could lock-up every image I see through my eyes because I feel my glance is not fully capturing what I see. There is so much beauty in this world. 

What things inspire you to create art?

THE DANCING PAIR,
 Copyright Hemu Aggarwal, 2014

It’s hard to explain why I paint or what inspires me. I have a thousand ideas in my head and I am constantly experimenting with different subjects, styles and techniques. I do not know how these ideas come from or from where, they just do. There is so much more out there in the world that I long to explore. Actually, anything and everything around me inspire me and sometimes things that are not around but only appear in my dreams. Sometimes I surprise myself when I am able to transfer these imaginations two-dimensionally.

What are you trying to convey through your art? 

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.   I seek to evoke a positive response in the viewer. The painting should be pleasant to see and should leave a mark in the viewer’s mind. It should be uplifting. It helps me to reduce stress.

Are there other artists who influence you?

I admire many artists but no particular artist or work influences me, at least not consciously.

Tell me about your creative process, from the beginning of a work to its completion:

An answer to this question is a difficult one. Each of my works have gone through different processes. In general, however, a concept comes to my mind and I try to apply this image straight to a prepared wood panel (I have rarely used canvas) where I create various textures using all kinds of tools and instruments. I rarely draw a full image, but prefer to work with colors directly. Many times more than one image overlaps and the final result is very different than the initial idea in my mind-this surprises me and if I like it I am happy with it, otherwise I apply gesso all over and start afresh. Some of my paintings have one or more different paintings underneath. Aesthetics are a major consideration in designing each piece. The focus is to create paintings, which have visual beauty, harmony in colors and interesting composition.

What exposure have you had? 

My work has been displayed at: Worldorf Astoria in New York, N.Y.; The Exposure Award at The Louvre Museum in Paris France; The People’s Choice Vox Populi Award in Paris, France; and Costambar, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. In process of granting an international license to print one of my photographs on their products to a company in Belgium.

SIXTY SHADES OF RED,  Copyright Hemu Aggarwal, 2015

What is the most unexpected thing that has happened to you because of your art?

By sheer luck, in 1969 I got a job in New York City with a design firm specializing in record album
designs where I reached the level of senior designer and got the opportunity to design many albums of well known artists like: Tom Jones, Montovani, Englebert Humpernickel, Brotherhood of Man, Frijid Pink, one of the last albums of the Beatles, and a single by John Lennon and Yoko Ono titled ‘Radha Krishna Temple.’ This experience enabled me to start my own company, AQ Graphics Inc. in New York, and I continued in this line of work. I designed many Hip-Hop albums including Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five’s “Message” album, The Sugar Hill Gang, Positive Force, Treacherous Three, Quincy Jones and many others. I also designed a series of Collector’s records of the 50s and 60s in which a few famous artists such as Dionne Warwick, Ritchie Valance, Dion, Del Shannon, and the Everly Brothers were included. I also worked extensively on re-make of the entire Chess Records Catalog which included artists such as:  James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Benny Goodman, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, The O’Jays, Etta James, Charlie Parker, Flamingos, Bobby Womack,  etc.

SIXTY SHADES OF GREY,  Copyright Hemu Aggarwal, 2015

Do you have any regrets in your life as an artist? 

None what-so-ever.

What plans do you have for the future of your art? 

None really, I just want to continue creating new work.

Do you have any advice for artists who are just getting started? 

Do what your heart desires. Be patient. Create fearlessly because fear is one’s worst enemy.

THE GIRL,
 Copyright Hemu Aggarwal, 1975

Share a story from your life that relates to your art.

I was born and grew up in India. Back in the days, higher education in India was looked upon as a ticket to a financially successful future that was important for sons but not for daughters. So boys were expected to go to a school of medicine, engineering, or law. If by any chance my brother had decided to graduate in art, I am sure my parents would have been very upset but were happy with my choice. My interest in the arts was fully supported, encouraged and appreciated by my family. But art was not considered to be a career path and my obsession with art was seen as a hobby – a situation that happily gave me a free hand to do whatever I pleased without interference from the elders.
           
Luckily, I got an admission into one of the finest art schools of the region, Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University of Baroda. But my being female, I had an up-hill battle to sign up for commercial (applied) arts department as girls were not expected to go in commercial line.

Along with applied arts I developed liking for photography and early on I started experimenting with many different aspects of it. I shot wide variety of subjects, experimenting with different lenses, with lights and exposures. I spent hours in darkroom perfecting making prints and creating photograms. My work was included in the national exhibition in India and received honorable mention (no prize!).

BIRD OF PARADISE IN PARADISE,  Copyright Hemu Aggarwal, 2015

Is there anything else you would like to share with us? 

Recently I have started to study my new passion which is to create art aligned with Vastu Shastra/Feng Shui: an ancient science with tradition dating back 5000 years (India) and Feng Shui 3000 years (China), Feng means wind and Shui means water. The ancient philosophers knew a lot about the five elements that made the universe. These five elements are: Earth, Water, Fire, Air (wind), and Space. There is an invisible relation between these five elements.

Understanding these five natural sources and coordinating with them in harmony can certainly attract positive energy and assure better health. I am convinced that anything we see around us affects our thinking and how we feel.

How should people find you online….

Websites:

• http://hemu-aggarwal.artistwebsites.com  
•  https://hemuaggarwal.wordpress.com 

Twitter: @hemuaggarwal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hemu.aggarwal

Google+: Hemu Ghia-Aggarwal

Email: hyaggarwal@gmail.com

Elizabeth J. White,
 at an art show.

Elizabeth White creates her art at home in Easley, South Carolina.  Working mainly in acrylic, she does not limit herself. White also uses oil, watercolor, pencil, charcoal and other mediums in creating her art. She considers her style as traditional and she also experiments with different forms of art. Her works are sometimes abstract as well as portrait, landscape and fantasy. "I love to paint, and create; I don't want to sound cliche but to me art is me - who I am as a person."  Artworks by White are on display in Greenville, SC at Les Beaux Art, in the village of West Greenville.

Elizabeth White introduces herself:

I have been told my first creation was on mama's pots and pans. I can't say I am from anywhere really; I was born on an airforce base, the middle of three children, so we traveled often.  Creating art from memories is something I love doing. I draw inspiration from the old adage, "The best things in life are free" and they truly are, like a church on the hillside overlooking fields of grain, little children playing with all the wonderment of their first experience of the leaves changing color, a quiet day on a old tire swing by the lake. Many things that inspire me, my granddaughter my family, my country, events, one thing is I always give myself in my art, from something that touches me and warms my heart to something so wonderful that I see and the colors stand out vividly... even from dreams, I love to paint, and in between my paintings I love to sketch; and in all my art I feel I leave something of myself.

The Gathering © Elizabeth J. White

When I first began this blog I made a post about Barb Yate's work in helping shelter animals because I was touched by her benevolent application of art.  Charity work has been a very fulfilling aspect of her life in helping others and having an avenue to give back for what she considers her God-given talent.  Her talent and skill is accentuated with heartfelt inspiration when she creates hand-painted pet portraits and also in her depictions of various animals domestic and wild.  

Kaiser, 2013 © Barb Yates

A self-taught artist, she has been painting since 2007.  She is gifted with the ability to capture some of an animal's personality and imbue it in her painting of them. Barb is mainly focused on using acrylic paints, although she also has worked in graphite, charcoal, watercolors and pastels. She has also produced landscape paintings; however, animals are the stars on her canvas. The art she produces has the unmistakable quality of realism.

How did you get started as an artist?

I turned to art as a way of working through the grief of the tragic loss of my dear husband. Through channeling my energy into painting I have found creating art heals much of my sadness, and also has the positive effect of bringing joy to others.  I feel that painting is what I am meant to do with my life, and I believe that it is what he would want also.

What inspires you to create art?

I love animals, and painting them is my passion. My specialty is painting actual animals from reference photos.  I then compose a portrait as if the animal is posed.  It is my intent to show not just how they are but who they are by reflecting the animal's essence in my paintings. My preference is working one-on-one creating custom pieces.

Twix, 2013 © Barb Yates

What’s your typical painting session and environment like?

I have a small bedroom  that I use for my studio. I've actually built my art table myself. I prefer a table top easel, as I cannot stand for long periods, and find it more workable for me. Typically, I try to limit myself to 4 hrs. per session. Within that time, I take a few breaks. But, to be honest, when I am engrossed in a painting, time gets away from me, and before I know it hours and hours have passed.

What do you hope to achieve with your work?

I want to help people have a piece of art hand-painted with loving care that shows the spirit of their cherished pet.  Photographs capture an image of a moment, and the portrait-painting allows me to really focus on the overall essence and feeling that can be derived from many moments captured on film, all combined into the finished piece.  I hope that my paintings show the truth and embody at least some of the character of the beloved pet.

What unexpected responses have you had to your work as an artist?

Aside from heartfelt thank you cards, the most amazing reaction I have acheived was through some memorial paintings' effect on their recipients.  I have been told that aside from wanting their paintings to help them reconnect with their lost treasured pet they are now able to feel, through my paintings, the animal's presence again. This is what I consider my ultimate goal, to be able to bring that animal's spirit to life in my paintings.

First Duck, 2013 © Barb Yates

Do you have any advice that you wish to share with the art community?

Watermark everything you put online because artists can never have too much protection. It has been my experience that there is a general lack of knowledge about copyright laws and its application to art in particular. This has resulted in my recently trying to educate and help people comprehend how copyright works and why it is important. For any emerging artists, I would like to offer the advice to make sure you always protect your work. If an artist is going to allow reproduction or sharing of their work my strong suggestion is that they do it in a written agreement in order to protect all parties concerned for any misinterpretations of the agreement.  Especially with internet marketing you will want to be very careful, although a valued asset to any artist at the same time it presents extreme opportunities for art-theft.  

What plans do you have for the future of your art?

My goal has always been to offer to my pet portraits' recipients to be able to truly connect with the animal's spirit through my painting.  Whether that animal is still with us here on earth or passed to be able to look at the painting and not just see the animal but to feel it will be my ongoing and ever-expanding goal. So to be able to offer this emotional connection with my art is my ongoing goal as an artist. Also I strive to never stop learning how to apply my technique and skill to better achieve my goal.

Dust Bath, 2013 © Barb Yates

How do you promote your art both on and off the internet?

I am currently represented by the Illinois State Museums Artisan Shop, where 5 original paintings of mine are on exhibit in Whittington, IL at nearby Rend Lake.  There has also been press exposure on the local and national level.

There are a few different ways to read about and see pictures of my art and even works in progress online. 

Barb's links  -

• Learn more on the artist's main page : Barb Yate's Pet Portraits
• Find art prints available from  Fine Art America

all images © Barb Yates

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Robyn specializes in creating Mixed Media, Abstracts and Altered Art. Formerly a professional belly dancer until a horrible motorcycle accident ended the dancing and put her into a wheel chair, Robyn Ann Weinrib fell into a terrible depression until she became angry and determined enough that, 

"in spite of the doctors saying I'd never walk again I hired a physical therapist and walked.. for 20 years. I'm back in the wheelchair but a much happier camper as I found another creative outlet and that is Art."

 In direct relation to art she says,

 "I overcame depression because of art...I want to try to help anyone who might be facing some adversity.. Maybe my story will help someone."

Tell me about your first experience creating art.

My first experience was finger painting as an adult.. I love it so much. It brought me out of my depression to seek out more ways of making art.

How long have you considered yourself an artist? 

Only three years. There have been many artists I met the last few years that have been a big influence, mostly my teachers.

Butterfly Reunion, Mixed Media Clayboard Creation

What things inspire you to create art? 

Taking online work-shops, viewing other peoples’ work, nature and reading books on art.  It all comes from my heart

Tell me about your creative process.

I work with Acrylics, Neo Color Crayons, Watercolors, watercolor pencils and anything else I can get my hands on.   If I'm doing a whimsy gal I'll just draw her on my substrate. Sometimes this takes hours. Then I use my Neo Color crayons and block in her face. I use a real watery glaze of Titanium white next and then after that I just do my shading. It's a very minimalist approach compared to other artists.

What exposure do you have for your art? 

I own an online art group and Etsy. I also promote my creations in some small craft stores in my  neighborhood

What is the most annoying remark made to you about your art?  

When someone just says "It's nice," that means in my head that they don't really like it.. it annoys me because they should just tell it like it is.

Have you sold any of your artworks?

Yes, a few for friends who commissioned me.

What Will it Take

I own an online store for scrap-booking and art supplies, the Outlaw Women Scrapbook Emporium, where you pay under-retail prices. I own a large art group and Facebook group and am currently configuring a showroom/shop for people like me who aren't all that seasoned to sell their artwork and crafts... it is for women. I'm back in the wheelchair but happier then hell because of art.

Find Robyn online…. 

Website/Blog: Robyn's Fetish Shop , Discount Club for art supplies

and Robyn's Fetish Blog

Etsy/ Facebook IDiditCreations

and  Robyn Ann Creations on FaceBook

Still Too Much

all images © Robyn Ann Weinrib

Figurines are available in a wide variety of materials such as ceramic, clay, vinyl, metal, glass, wood and resin.  The base medium of the figurine to be painted needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on what would be the best paint to use.

Acrylic paint being applied to vinyl figurine.
Source: TanyaDavisArt

Acrylic paints can be used on all the aforementioned materials and are the most popular as they are easy to control, affordable, widely available, and dry quickly. There is a wide array of types of acrylic paints to choose from so make sure to read the directions to be certain they will suit your intended use. Look for brands such as Liquitex, Golden, Pebeo and Delta. Proper treatment of the surface will also determine just how successfully the paint you choose will perform and this will be outlined here.

For ceramic figurines use fine sanding paper to remove any ridges or lumps. Wash ceramics with water and sponge. After allowing it to dry, you then spray on one coat of matte spray varnish for a sealed consistent surface.  If the ceramic base color is not what you desire, then you should apply two base-coats in order to set a firm color foundation of your choosing.  

For molded resin, hard plastic and vinyl figurines use dish soap with warm water first. The soap is needed to make sure to wash away the mold-releasing agent. Molded figurines such as these do not require sanding; they are simply wash and go, no extra steps are necessary.

Clay is also a simple process.  After you bake it, apply your base coat.  No washing, no sanding.  If the surface is too smooth for your liking feel free to sand it. Clay reacts well to acrylics.

Painting Breathes Life into Sculpture, ii by Jean-Léon Gérôme, circa 1893

If the figurine you are painting is metal, be sure to sand the surface beforehand. Follow that with using an even coat of primer spray paint, letting it dry before you apply the next coat of paint.  An exception would be if your metal material was aluminum, then you would only need to wash the figurine and let it dry thoroughly before applying paint. When painting glass it is best to use paints specifically made for it.  Some have to be heat-treated.  If you wish to allow light to shine through the painted figurine, make sure you select transparent paints.

On wooden figurines you can use a regular wood stain or acrylic paint. If you choose to use paint, prime your wood well before applying color as wood is naturally porous and will absorb the paint if not primed. Ensure the surface is clean, then lightly sand and apply several coats of gesso or primer prior to actual decorative painting.

All figurine painting projects should be finished with 2 to 3 coats of spray clear-coat varnish, being sure to allow drying between applications. Another option is to use a glaze that is applied with brush. In the research for this article both oil and enamel model paints were explored and additional discussions with artists have brought me to the conclusion that acrylic paint is by far the best to use for figurines. Of course, feel free to experiment on your own and share the information if you please in the comments below.