VL Rees Artspan Interview VL October 2014 Vol 3 No 10

VL

VL

October 2014 Volume 3 No. 10

VISUAL LANGUAGE contemporary fine art

V L Rees

VL

Artspan Spotlight Interview VL Rees

Pies - 2013 - 24 x 24

http://www.oberc-habzda.com

Decisions 30 x 24

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ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight

VL

Artspan Spotlight VL Rees

When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist?

Before first grade! I took art classes throughout elementary and high school, dabbled in college and after graduation, then gave it up for nearly 30 years. Approaching retirement I thought about what I wanted to do after I left the corporate world and realized where my heart was. It wasn’t easy to pick up a paint brush after a long break but gradually I began to make paintings that I enjoyed and didn’t make me want to cry.

Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date?

My first art teacher: Michiko Boorman. She came to this country after WWII and raised a family while she studied and practiced art. She taught me the basics in such a supportive way.

Who is another living artist you admire and why?

I’ve yet to a meet an artist in the Triangle who doesn’t inspire me in some way. That said, I would pick Dan Nelson, plein aire painter extraordinaire. His work is beautiful and often done under extreme conditions. I love plein aire paintings but as a mosquito magnet, I don’t aspire to it.

Dylan - 2014 - 12 x 12

www.vlrees.com

Morning, Sunshine - 2014 - 30 x 24

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ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight

VL

Artspan Spotlight VL Rees

What is your favorite surface to create work on or to work with? Describe it if you make it yourself.

Stretched canvas with a colored ground.

What are your favorite materials to use?

Oil paints. I especially love using a palette knife for abstracts. Using Winsor & Newton’s Liquin Impasto gives a great sheen and helps layers adhere to one another. It also stretches the paint.

How often do you work on your artwork? How many hours a week?

I would like to say every day and sometimes that happens! Currently I am planning a studio where, for the first time, I will have natural light, HVAC, and plumbing. Once I’m no longer in “the dungeon”, I hope to devote 40+ hours a week.

Apples vs Oranges - 2013 - 18 x 24

www.vlrees.com

Wrightsville Morning - 2013 - 24 x 24

Yellow Daylily - 2010 - 12 x 12

www.vlrees.com

Artspan Spotlight VL Rees

ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight

VL

July Corn - 2013 - 18 x 24

www.vlrees.com

Pies - 2013 - 24 x 24

What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for?

Personally, that I was there for my family, friends, and colleagues. As a painter, that I showed the beauty in ordinary objects.

There are many culprits that can crush creativity, such as distractions, self-doubt and fear of failure.

What tends to stand in the way of your creativity?

In every painting there comes that “uh oh” moment. I call it buyer’s remorse. It’s when you think, “what was I thinking!” for choosing that subject, that size/shape canvas, that color palette, etc.

How do you overcome these obstacles?

Practice, practice, practice. Over the years I’ve learned when to just keep at it and when to put it aside to ponder where I go next. It’s also helpful to know that one can paint over the real disasters.

What are your inspirations for your work?

The interplay of light and shadow, and looking at everyday objects from a new perspective.

www.vlrees.com

ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight

VL

Artspan Spotlight VL Rees

Getting to Know the Artist Q&A

What is your favorite color in your closet?

Royal blue What book are you reading this week?

“Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull Do you have a favorite television show?

“The Big Bang Theory” What is your favorite food?

My husband’s homemade pizza What are you most proud of in your life?

My marriage to the world’s best husband, chef, and parallel-parker Who would you love to interview?

If I could time travel, I always wanted to meet Helen Keller Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting? What is it?

Reading, and I hope to get back to gardening

Cupcakes - 2013 - 18 x 24

www.vlrees.com

Who would you love to paint?

I’m not a portraitist so it would be a what – the canals of Venice If you were an animal what would you be and why?

A raptor, either an eagle or falcon, because I would love to fly and because top of the food chain is always best If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, what would they be?

My husband, an unlimited supply of sunscreen, and my Sony Xperia tablet Share something with us that few people know about you.

I’m very shy If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

New York City – I traveled there regularly for work for over 20 years and love the variety of everything imaginable

Sproing! - 2014 - 30 x 24

www.vlrees.com

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