It was such a pleasure to meet you and finally see your beautiful art in person! Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and your background in art?
I studied Fine Art at Bowling Green State University to receive a BFA and graduate Magna Cum Laude. I then moved to Italy and studied in Florence to complete my academic training in painting. I was selected by John Pence to exhibit in his gallery in the mid 90’s and have been represented by John Pence, Diane Nelson and Jeannie Denholm through the years.
Have you always been a painter, or did you have any other careers before doing this full time?
I have always been an artist. I started drawing and painting alongside my mother who was also an artist. I majored in Art all the way through my formative years and University: Bowling Green State University. I graduated Magna Cum Laude and then I went on to study at an Atelier in Florence, Italy called the Charles Cecil Atelier and also the Florence Academy of Art.
At what age did you start painting? What advice would you give to parents whose children are really artistic?
I was painting at a very young age and I would tell parents to encourage their children to experiment in all areas of art. It’s a true expression of what they are feeling.
What inspires you?
Capturing a moment in time. A flower in bloom, a butterfly in flight or the sky forming magical compositions with the clouds.
Of all your work, do you have any favorites?
Right now, I am really into painting large scale florals. I love to reduce the color to a monochromatic color palette and try to make the flowers seem sculptural as if it is coming off the canvas. This is so fun for me.
Do you paint or create art in any other mediums?
I have been playing around with soft pastels with my skyscapes. They are looser and a more direct approach, totally different than the way I approach my oil paintings. I use my fingers to blend the pastels so there is a real tactile feeling. My oil paintings are more methodical because I use a “wipe out” technique and then I build up the Grisaille to form my composition. It is a technique I have been developing for over 25 years.
What obstacles have you had to face as an artist in your career?
Probably getting selected by a gallery. I do not advise artists to sell out of their studio because the goal should be to get representation.That is how you will build a name and credibility. The hard part is finding the right representation, especially for an emerging artist. Keep at it and don’t give up.
Is there a place where you feel the most creative?
I always feel creative in my studio which I love.
You studied art in Tuscany, and travel often to Florence, Italy, where you have a studio. Can you tell us about that, it sounds like a dream!
I lived outside of Florence for 2 years for the time period that I was studying there many years ago and I have been going back ever since. Now, I have a Club Membership in a building in Florence that I go to every year. It is called Palazzo Tornabuoni and it is my dream place. I go there to get inspired and also to ‘live” the Italian life, the language the food, the culture, the wine. It is a wonderful break from reality. It really is a dream.
What is your studio at your home in Santa Barbara like? I’ve seen photos and it looks beautiful and organized, not like what I perceive a typical artists studio which can look busy and complicated. Can you share a typical day?
For me to be creative, I need to be organized. Clutter and chaos do not work for me at all. I always start my day at my desk to get myself set for the day. I answer emails and do my social media obligations and then I can begin to paint.
I’ll choose some music that I am in the mood for. I love classical, especially strings, also Spanish guitar and then some pop.
I start by mixing my colors on my taboret. Then, I will oil out the section of canvas I am going to work on and then I start to paint.
The time will fly by and I try to end my paint day at a normal hour because I want to keep my personal life with my husband balanced with my work/creative life.
We loved seeing your show at Scape Gallery in Corona del Mar. The colors and the sizes are beautiful… flowers, butterflies and cloudscapes seem to be the theme. How did you come up with this theme, and how long does it take you to paint one of the larger pieces?
Thank you! I am really proud of this latest work. The Director of SCAPE, Jeannie Denholm, has really encouraged me to go big! She helped me to trust the process and believe in the magic of what happens when I take my compositions and exaggerate them. Building on that and gaining the confidence is how I really decided to order my large canvases and go for it. I’m so glad I did, because I am in love with painting on a large scale.
Each large piece will take 3-4 months and I always work on 2 pieces at a time.
Can you share your process of painting one of these pieces? I’m so fascinated by what you do start to finish.
My process is very technical, and I will try to share with you.
I start by tinting my canvas, this is called the Imprimatura. I use a transparent color thinned out with Gamsol. I use a wide brush then a rag to rub into the canvas to give it a stain of color.
Then I use drawing paper to sketch my composition out. I work this out on paper first so the final composition can be transferred to my canvas when the imprimatura is dry.
After the transfer, I start my “wipe out” process. This is hard to explain, I almost have to demo it for you. I mix a transparent warm color and paint over a whole area, then using a lint free rag , I wipe out my highlights without touching shadows and zone of tangency areas. While this is wet, I use titanium white to paint in the highlights. I go around the entire composition this way until it is all blocked in.
At this point the composition is all set in tones of whites and umbers. I will then start glazing colors over that. I am really trying to use a limited palette so my colors will stay more monochromatic.
How did you connect with Corona del Mar, California Scape Gallery owner Jeannie Denholm-did you search her out or did she find you?
I first worked with Diane Nelson at her Gallery in Laguna Beach and then DNFA in Pasadena. When Jeannie and Diane decide to collaborate together and open SCAPE: Southern California Art Projects and Exhibitions, it was a natural for me.
What is like to work with a gallery? What advice would you give to a budding artist or someone who wants to take the next step and sell their pieces?
It is very imperative to work with a gallery if a budding artist wants to build a career. My advice is to build a strong body of work before approaching a gallery. Research the artists that you like and see where they are represented. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Art is subjective and there will be a gallery that will love your work. Stay dedicated. Try to establish your own style. Be who you are!
What do you see your next theme being?
I am still painting large scale florals. Maybe peonies and French tulips, not on the same canvas.
Will you ever do a book? I feel like this would be a best seller with all of your gorgeous work in one place!
I love that idea. So many people have mentioned that I should print my sketchbooks. I have been drawing and sketching in these beautiful hand made journals from Florence. I have about a dozen now. They are really special. Probably my most prized possessions.
What are some of your favorite art books?
I have many books on different artists from Caravaggio, John Singer Sargent, Odd Nerdrum, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mapplethorpe Flora, to Damien Hirst. Plus many museum books from various shows I have seen around the world.
Who are some of your favorite artists, past and present?
Some of my favorite artists are:
Jean-Louis Melendez,
Artemisia Gentileschi
Pierre-Paul Prud’hom,
Giorgio Morandi,
Chardin,
Martha Mayer Erlebacher
Graydon Parrish,
Jeanne Duvall,
Will Wilson,
Eric Zener,
Louise Le Bourgeois
What are your favorite museums and galleries?
I love them all!!! Especially the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace in Florence along with the MET!
Galleries I love other than SCAPE are Hirschl & Adler and Gallery Henoch in NY, Dolby Chadwick Gallery in SF.
Thank-you for taking the time to share your journey with AOBF…
You’re welcome!
Instagram: @carin_gerard_art
Represented by:
SCAPE GALLERY
2859 E. Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949.723.3406
info@scapesite.com
Carin Gerard will be showing at SCAPE Gallery thru November 3rd, 2018