Our Artist Competition is always our favourite time of year at Wraptious. Not only do we get to see hundreds of beautiful entries from artists all over the world; we also get to welcome a brand new artist to the company, and support them for the next two years. This year our winner was the talented Valerie De Rozarieux, who's bold watercolour and acrylic paintings really caught the attention of our customers and judges. It's hard to believe she's only been painting properly for three years! We asked her a few quick questions about her artwork and her advice for new artists.
How would you describe your style?
I love the luminosity and spontaneity of watercolours. The more I play
with the paints the more I have come to realise that I particularly enjoy
allowing the pigments to react with each other and the water. After a couple
of years, I decided to explore acrylics and relish the possibility of multiple
layers and different textures.
How long have you been painting?
I have always enjoyed drawing but really only started painting about 3 years
ago.
How would you describe your style?
I love the luminosity and spontaneity of watercolours. The more I play
with the paints the more I have come to realise that I particularly enjoy
allowing the pigments to react with each other and the water. After a couple
of years, I decided to explore acrylics and relish the possibility of multiple
layers and different textures.
What's your process?
With watercolours, I use tube paints and a variety of synthetic brushes. For
acrylics, I mostly use a catalyst wedge and a palette knife. I haven’t really analysed it before, but I would say my primary motivation is colour; so deciding on a palette is my starting point. It sounds dramatic, but I get excited when I make certain combinations and lay
one colour next to another.
How long does a piece of work take?
It varies greatly, for watercolours, perhaps 2-3 days. With acrylics, I often like
to work from a used canvas and the number of layers changes accordingly.
Sometimes, the paintings can sit for a week or so until I come back to them!
Where do you paint?
Initially, the classic situation of the kitchen table. Latterly, my son’s bedroom,
now that he has left home. This room has beautiful views down the valley.
Which artists have inspired you?
I have always been drawn to children’s illustrators, for example, Shirley Hughes
and Jan Fearnley.
Which piece of work are you proudest of?
That is difficult. As I am still learning and exploring, my favourite painting
changes. Currently, it is perhaps the barn owl, which I entered into the
competition. I felt it was a milestone in my development with acrylics and
encouraged me to try more in the same vain.
Do you have any pets that keep you company while you paint?
Our Border Terrier Maisy. Taking her for walks in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak
District, where we live, means regular walks in moorlands, woodlands and
valleys. I gain inspiration from the colours and nature on our walks.
How do you stay focused and motivated?
When I am in the middle of a piece I become quite engrossed and find it easy to
stay focused. Otherwise, it’s a matter of finding further inspiration whether from
other artist or nature.
What's the most challenging thing about your work as an artist?
I would have to say it is feeling confident about a piece of work and deciding
when it is completed.
What advice do you have for other artists?
I am still learning, but embracing social media has helped, particularly
Instagram. The art community that I have found there has provided invaluable
feedback and support. I have just started exhibiting at a gallery, Fish Street
Gallery St Ives, so I am hoping to reach a new audience through that channel.
You're on a desert Island! What three things would you take with you?
a) My favourite book “My family and other Animals”
b) iPod/ Similar (I love to listen to music whilst painting)
c) Comfortable bed!
You can find Val's gorgeous new range of cushions, canvases and prints on her Wraptious page.
