I first came across Lauren Startzman (Fair Rosamund) during the Mad Tea Party. She won my giveaway. I saw her artwork and was smitten immediately with her whimsical style. Her style is colorful and fairytale inspired. What could be more perfect?
The Interview:
I asked her a few questions. Her answers are in red below.
How did you get started?
I have been doing artwork in some form or other for a long time--my mom is very artistic and always encouraged my sister and I to explore that. However, it wasn't until I discovered folk and mixed-media artwork a couple of years ago that I discovered that you can make amazing artwork without having to go to art school and do everything perfect! That is when I really started to explore painting again and having a lot of fun with it.
Do you have formal training or are you self-taught?
I am self-taught. I took a couple of art classes in high school but discovered that I much prefer being by myself and doing my own thing. And it is very relaxing! :)
What are your favorite art supplies?
Acrylic paint and canvas. I have dabbled in oil paint and some fun mixed-media techniques, but I always seem to find myself coming back to these two things.
What is your favorite subject matter?
I absolutely love fairytales, literature and history, so anything involving these things always intrigues me! I love painting people and animals, and I always try to tell a little story with my paintings :)
Have other artists influenced you?
Yes, too many to name! :) My creativity is always refreshed by looking at the amazing work and imaginations of other artists. I am inspired by so many other people's techniques, subject matter and use of color. A few of my favorites are Nicoletta Ceccoli, Vanessa Valencia, Emily Martin of the Black Apple, Tascha Parkinson, John William Waterhouse, my mom Joni Startzman and my sister Michelle Startzman, and a bunch of others!
How does each piece begin? Do you have an idea of what you want your pieces to become or do they progress as you go?
I usually don't start with a ton of preparation--I start with an idea which I sketch lightly onto the canvas, then I go from there! Sometimes it stays very close to my original idea, but other times I end up changing it as I go if something a little different seems to be working better.
Do you ever get stuck with your work and how do you remedy this?
I definitely get stuck sometimes! I have found that the best thing for me to do when I get frustrated with a painting is to set it aside and come back to it with fresh eyes the next day.
Find Lauren:
Keep up-to-date with her on her blog.
I loved Lauren's work so much, I asked her to collaborate with me. You can find our collaboration artwork pendants in my etsy shop.
