Bonnie Shapiro
VL
VISUAL LANGUAGE
contemporary fine art
VL
July 2013 Volume 2 No. 7
ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
artspan
Artist Interview Bonnie Shapiro
When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist? My father and his family, in addition to other businesses were art dealers and so I was always around paintings. As a young child I always had a pencil in my hand . l love to draw.. Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date? It is difficult to isolate one person who has influenced me, as there have been many. I am fortunate to be a part of a critique group with many wonderful artists in different mediums, all of who have influenced and encouraged me. I have studied with Larry Gerber, who has been invaluable; my figurative work in particular has grown under his guidance. Who is another living artist you admire and why? I have been fortunate to take several workshops with Steve Assael whose work is phenomenal. His use of cool and warm color give his figures a beautiful sense of light. What is your favorite surface to paint on? I generally paint on canvas or wood panels. In either case I am careful to prime the surface usually with Gamblin Oil Painting Ground to give a smooth surface on which to paint. Since I paint in thin layers it is essential to have a smooth surface. I would love to try painting on copper and I have been researching what that would entail. What is your favorite brand of paint to use? I use several different brands of paint depending on the color. Blockx, Occhuzzie, Rublev, and Williamsberg are the main brands. Do you have a favorite color palette? I tend to use the same palette although I do vary depending on subject, landscape or figurative. I add ochres and siennas for figurative work. I often like to use graphite in oil by Occhuzzie for under paintings for figurative work as well. What is your favorite color in your closet? I like to wear black and white, colors vary but I love texture in my clothes especially lace.. How often do you paint, how many hours a week? I try to paint every day. I am an early riser so I can get a few hours in, even on non-studio days. On a day that I may not be able to paint, I do draw; I just take my sketch book with me. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for. I would like to be remembered for my compassion toward every living thing. 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? Self-doubt is my nemesis. How do you overcome these obstacles? I am fortunate to have a supportive spouse as well as close friends, several of whom are also artists, and make wonderful sounding boards. I remember a quote from the Artist Way, “ Jump and the net will appear� I force myself to pick up a brush, or contact a gallery and see what happens. www.bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/
Figurative Artist
bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/
“Morning� Graphite & Conte- Illustration Board By Bonnie Shapiro
What are your inspirations for your work? My husband and I love to travel, and enjoy wandering around small towns in particular. Sitting outdoors with a cup of coffee just watching people going about their day fascinates me. Reading mostly nonfiction, particularly books on history and mythology. What is your favorite way to get creative juices flowing? Music. Which work of yours is your favorite? Hard to say, probably whatever I am currently working on. www.bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/
Bonnie Shapiro
ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
artspan
bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/ “Panagiotis” oil on canvas by Bonnie Shapiro
Figurative Artist Up Close and Personal What book are you reading this week? I have been rereading Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a Thousand Faces” Do you have a favorite televion show? No real TV favorites but when I watch TV, I like comedy and home renovation shows. What is your favorite food? Ice Cream and coffee What color sheets are on your bed right now? A light grayish green What are you most proud of in your life? My family. Who would you love to interview? Lucien Freud. Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting/sculpting? I love to read, I am fascinated by ancient and medieval history. Who would you love to paint? Really no one in particular, I love to draw and paint ordinary people. Their faces, the way they hold themselves and simple gestures tell a fascinating story. If you were an animal what would you be and why? Definitely my Jack Russell Terrier, Jessie. She gets away with murder. I am afraid she is a little spoiled but very smart and funny. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, what would they be? My husband, graphite and paper Share something with us that few people know about you. At one time, I thought about becoming a Zoo Keeper. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? I would love to travel anywhere and I am hoping to go to the Galapagos Islands one day, but as far as living, I guess right her near family and friends.
“Reclining Figure” oil on linen by Bonnie Shapiro
www.bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/
Bonnie Shapiro
ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
artspan
“Alan” oil on canvas by Bonnie Shapiro www.bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/
“Morning Light” Oil on Panel by Bonnie Shapiro
Figurative Artist
“Looking Past the Mosaic� by Bonnie Shapiro www.bonnieshapiro.artspan.com/