The Guest Artist section is the backbone of this blog. It is a place for artists to talk about their work, techniques and materials. I am sure that one artist explaining how they solved a problem will help other artists and I hope that a community evolves where artists will assist each other with their artistic dilemmas, share ideas and technical information as well as make connections and give each other friendly support.

To join the conversation please add your comment below. It will be great to have some interaction!

Our second artist to share her art with us is Cynthia Adams. She has taken the trouble to interrupt her flow of painting and take 7 photos for us of her painting as it progresses. Thanks Cynthia!

JA: Please tell us a little about yourself.

CA: My name is Cynthia Adams and although I live in Essex and have done for 38 years, I was born in Worcester and long to go back “home” some day. My husband and I have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren ranging from 6 years to 14 years of age. I was working up until my husband retired and after quite a bit of ill health gave up my job in Coral Bookmakers after 10 years. I did voluntary work for Victim Support, and also worked the odd days in charity shops to give a little back to the community. I am also a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for our area, which again is voluntary, but I enjoy the challenge nonetheless.

JA: What materials and techniques did you use in making the art work you are showing here?

CA: Canvas, size 16″ x 20″ approx, brushes, oil colour, Zest-it thinner
Zest-it thinner is the best thing I have ever used compared to other odourless thinners, because they made me to feel nauseous and I actually gave up painting because the smell was very noxious.
Zest-it has now made my hobby a pleasant one so thank you for stocking it.
The technique is wet-on-wet, meaning the canvas is primed with a coat of liquid white and the paint can be “moved” and will blend easily, unlike a dry canvas.
I am now using your canvas boards also. I am delighted with them and will buy them again.

JA: What challenges (if any) did you face in making this work and can you give other artists any tips for solving similar problems?

CA: The only challenge I had was photographing the steps as I went along, normally I just go with the flow, but stopping to photograph actually did me a favour, because I have never done a “work in progress” before.
Stepping away from the work assists you to work out what there will be in the next part of the painting. It took a little longer than normal but I had the time as the canvas was still wet and could go back and follow through. Just remember with this technique, you are never committed to keeping what you don’t like, just see these mistakes as “happy accidents” & you will get through it believe me.

JA: Please tell us something about the idea behind the work you are showing here.

CA: To be quite frank, I never plan a piece of artwork because if I have to plan it never works, I always use my imagination to bring out the image. I knew I wanted to do a mountain but that was all. I wanted to incorporate lots of things throughout and wanted distance which I think I achieved.

JA: Do you have any art advice you would like to share?

CA: The only advice I can give is “if you have always wanted to paint but you couldn’t draw a matchstick man” take heart. With this method of painting I have taught people with arthritis in their hands to do this in just 4 hours, so never say die. Each of my class went away with a painting they are very proud of, and this is within anyone’s reach.

JA: What is your favourite art material?

CA: Zest-it thinner.

JA: Any links to your website or contact information you would like to provide?
http://www.redbubble.com/people/ear-ear
email:csimharry5@aol.com

Click on the images for a larger view.

Please email me if you would like to do a guest artist spot.