“Serenity” by Melissa Hedge

1. How did you first discover your interest in art?

I’ve ways had an interest in art, but my earliest memory of it is watching Pappyland in the early 90s (sort of like a Bob Ross for kids) and getting out my pencil and paper to follow along to his tutorials. My brother was much better at it than I was and I always fell behind, but I still loved that show.

2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?

During my freshman year of high school, I was pretty focused on drawing. My friend Simone got me a sketchbook for Christmas and the first thing I drew was a cat from a book on drawing. I never completed it, but that drawing was the first one that made me feel like I had some potential to be an artist.

3. What was your dream job as a child?

There were variations as I got older, but ultimately, I wanted to be a criminal sketch artist. I enjoyed art and was fascinated by the justice system so that was my way of combining my two interests.

4. Did you have an art mentor?

I don’t really have a mentor per se, but I have a photographer friend, Nick Eubanks, who I trust for honest feedback and is my sounding board. He knows my style and understands where I’m trying to take each piece so when I get hung up in an area and need advice, he helps me sort it out. He also has a way of telling me a piece is not quite right without making me feel bad about it which is honestly invaluable. His critiques and advice have made me a better artist.

5. What is one art supply or tool that brings you the most joy?

If I’m being literal about it, packing tape brings me joy. When I’m using it, it means I sold something, I’m having prints made, or I was accepted into an exhibition so I have to ship a painting. Using packing tape always means big things are happening!

“Harry Pugger” by Melissa Hedge

8. What advice would you give you someone just starting their art journey?

Ignore the criticisms, but welcome critiques. You do not have to use every suggestion or agree with them, but having another perspective with help you grow.

Use professional and artist grade materials to ensure the longevity of your work. You do not want to create your strongest piece just to have it fade and fall apart over time. To be honest, the initial startup has a little sticker shock, but you won’t use as much paint and the colors so vivid. It’s worth it.

Take business classes. Creating is only the tip of the iceberg. Everything unseen is all business.

Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to try new things or to fail and don’t try to be like anyone else. Thankfully, I was given that advice early on and I took it as permission to do things my own way which made painting a lot less stressful.

“Under the Sea” by Melissa Hedge

11. How would you describe your art in three words.?

Vivid, Colorful, Realistic.

12. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being an artist?

My favorite thing is that I get to decide what to do every single day. I can switch to a different medium or try an idea I’ve been thinking about. There is a freedom to it that I enjoy.

My least favorite thing is advertising. It just feels awkward. Since I don’t necessarily provide a service and my products are pretty straightforward, I don’t know what else to do besides say, “Here it is!”

I also have a weird sort of social anxiety that I know is completely irrational. Since marketing involves social interaction, even if it is just responding to a positive comment on social media, it makes me anxious (though I love when people leave comments!) I can laugh about how ridiculous that is, but I haven’t quite figured out how to get over it.

13. If you could only create art of one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If I could only paint one subject I’m not sure how long I’d keep painting. I have a short attention span so even though I will come back to a subject, I could not do the same thing over and over and still enjoy it.

That said, if I had to pick a theme then I would do glass type paintings like bottles, glassware, and marbles. Things like that are pretty versatile and can come in a range of shapes and colors. I’m actually anxious to get back to it since I’ve been doing a lot of those paintings lately.

14. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I could choose a place that I know for a fact that I would love, I would choose my dad’s back porch in Virginia. It’s a screened in porch just a stones throw from a pond. Just beyond the pond is the Potomac River. It has great lighting and great views, but above all else, it’s quiet and peaceful (and my dad loves to cook so I am well fed!).

“Winter Wonderland in Old Town Alexandria” by Sermin Ciddi

1. How did you first discover your interest in art?

As a child, I was captivated by illustrations in books which my mom purchased for me. Pictographic depictions of stories fired up my imagination and allowed me to become completely immersed in the stories being told.  

2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?

I embrace the use of vivid color in my work. This was primarily influenced by seeing the works of Van Gogh in a book for the first time as a young teenager. His colors remind me of the first time I discovered the use of coloring pencils which one had to wet in your mouth prior to applying them on paper. His colors took me back to this first experience. 

3. What was your dream job as a child?

I had three dream jobs as a young adult: artist, psychiatrist and sociologist. I am actually happy that I became at least one of them!

4. Did you have an art mentor?

Of course! I owe my entire training as a miniature artist to one person: the late Nusret Colpan, who passed away in 2008. He was among the leading miniature artists in Turkey and helped revive a long overlooked traditional Ottoman art form, by transforming it into the realm of the contemporary. His work is world renowned. I was both his student and personal assistant between 2002-2008. I owe him everything.

5. What is the one art supply or tool that brings you the most joy?

Everything related to art: brushes, paint (all types!), pencils and utensils. All art supply stores are playgrounds for me. I get lost in them and end up spending a considerable amount of time before making my purchase.

6. What’s the last movie or book you really enjoyed?

The book “Little Prince” by Antoine St-Exupery and Michel de Montaigne’s “Essays” are two volumes I keep close to my bedside. They are not the latest, but books which influence and inspire me the most. In the realm of movies, 

The Lord of the Rings and the Matrix series have a disproportionate influence on my imagination. In the recent past, I very much enjoyed viewing Nomadland.

7. What kind of music (if any) do you listen to while creating art?

It depends on my mood, but I often listen to classical music, especially arias. That being said, in my studio, visitors also often hear jazz and pop music.

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting their art journey? 

An education in art to establish a foundation is essential. Without this, I often find contemporary artists can be a little rudderless. Following formative training, this will enable the artist to discover and focus on their own direction, style and passion. It is true there are many self-taught artists who are successful in history, but for me, these tend to be exception and not the rule. 

“Old Town Alexandria in the Moonlight” by Sermin Ciddi

12. What fictional person do you want to meet the most?

Peter Pan–of course!!

13. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being an artist?

I honestly have no least favorite aspect of being an artist. I am truly content in what I do and am lucky. The best aspect of what I do, is to take what I see with my own eyes and reinterpret it by applying my imagination to it!

“Two Seas” by Sermin Ciddi

A little bit about Mitzi:

Hello, my name is Mitzi Bernard.  Thank you for looking at my art!  I am a closet collage artist working primarily with 70’s and 80’s Playboy Magazine cutouts. I incorporate other paper and acrylic paint in the pieces as well.  My art speaks to the strength and power of women, their incredible beauty and society’s value judgements.

My art would definitely be considered “outsider” art.  It’s not what one would normally think of when talking fine art, yet that’s exactly the point of my art, and that’s to find beauty in places we may have “judged” differently, whether it be my different kind of art, or our judgements of others, particularly women.

Each piece is uniquely its own with its own message containing hundreds of tiny little paper cutouts with each glued on individually. I love the flow and beauty of the female shape.  Each work takes me over 200 hours to complete with Playboy Stanley taking over two years! From afar each work looks like a painting.  It’s only when you get up close and see the detail that you’re shocked to discover that it’s not paint at all but Playboy magazine cutouts. 

Where to find Mitzi:

Web: mitzibernardclosetart.com
Instagram: @mitzi_bernard_closet_art

1. How did you first discover your interest in art?

I have always been interested in art. I have always loved drawing, painting, sculpting and telling a story with images. My mom was an artist and she had me involved in lots of art projects for as far back as I can remember.

2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?

When I was a kid, I was always drawing horses. I was one of those girls who was obsessed with horses. I drew them constantly. I would picture them everywhere. I would draw them living in our house, drew them sitting in church, running along side the car, walking me to the bus stop. I am lucky enough now as an adult to be able to live with them. Could finally stop visualizing them everywhere since they’re now in front of me a good part of the day. I don’t visualize them living in the house with me anymore but see them living in the barn a few feet away!

3. What was your dream job as a child?

I wanted to be an art teacher or a social worker and help people. I found happiness with helping others and not so much in money or things.

4. Did you have an art mentor?

Yes, I had a sculpting teacher in college who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my interest in art. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself.

“Female Fury” by Mitzi Bernard

Sometimes it goes along with the story of the piece. I painted a big fish for my friends who live in Florida and named him Oscar. Oscar was the lost brother of the Avitt Brothers and he had bubbles coming out of his mouth as he sang along with the Avitt Brothers music. I listened to the them and similar music when Oscar was born. Oscar still lives in their living room and sings to them and the fish in the bay outside of their home.

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting their art journey?

Pursue no matter what life brings. Believe in yourself. Tell your story.

9. Are you a night owl or early bird?

I like to get up early and get started. I try my best to enjoy each moment. Lessons learned in life have helped me to understand that each moment needs to be treasured. I’m not always good at that, but I try my best to get up early and appreciate the moments I’m given.

10. How long does it take you to feel finished with a piece of art, and how do you decide it’s done?

Knowing when a piece is finished is hard for me. Each piece takes so long and I get so obsessed with each little detail that minutes, hours, days, weeks and months can go by. Playboy Stanley took me two years…. And I work so closely and so long on each piece that it becomes almost like another being to me, my friend or even someone I’d like to have as a friend, and then I hate to say goodbye. I’m pretty sure there’s a mental health diagnosis that goes along with this.

“Playboy Stanley” by Mitzi Bernard

“Miss Conception” by Mitzi Bernard

A little bit about Tim:

I grew up in Suffolk, Virginia. I chose to illustrate my life experiences through my art. This is emphasized due to the era of growing up in a rural environment in the early sixties when civil rights was at the height of everyone’s agenda, especially African Americans. Like many of my neighbors, I grew up in a single parent household. My mother stressed two things; education and being a productive citizen. This was to ensure that one day I would give back to the community that molded me as a kid. My mother purchased me my first paint by numbers set which was the start to expressing my life on canvas. I have no formal training but was given a gift from God as a self-taught artist.
After graduation from John F. Kennedy High in Suffolk, I joined the United States Marine Corps in 1979 and served 3 years where my curiosity for different cultures was formed. I took advantage of every opportunity to paint and show my artwork; whether church murals, signage and logos on barber shop windows, murals on the walls of residences and participation in local art shows. I am fortunate that my home state of Virginia embraces visual art and provides a creative environment for up and coming artists.

Where to find Tim:

Web: fineartamerica.com/profiles/timothy-giles
Instagram: @timegilesaac

1. How did you first discover your interest in art?

My first discovery in art was when I was about eight years old. My mother thought it was a good idea; to provide me with something positive, to keep me out of trouble as a kid.  She purchased me my first paint by number set. Its how I learned about color, composition, perspective, etc. The rest is history.

2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?

My first and favorite was Norman Rockwell. I love the way he turned everyday activities into art.

3. What was your dream job as a child?

I thought I wanted to be a commercial artist.  However, over time that changed because I didn’t want anyone to control what I created.

“What She Sees is What She’ll Be” by Tim Giles

9. Are you a night owl or early bird?

I prefer to paint early in the morning, because that is when I get my burst of energy. However, I have no objections to painting at night either. Usually, I am too tired when I get home from my 9-to-5.

10. How long does it take you to feel finished with a piece of art, and how do you decide it’s done?

It depends on the piece. Some work I have completed in the past, I knew right away what I am trying to accomplish. Being extremely creative sometimes, I will try crazy things for effects. Example I painted a painting titled “BLUE” where I poured water onto the water color paper, dropped different color inks in the water, and watched the ink run……….. then I focused on the image. It was so much fun!

11. How would you describe your art in three words?

Realistic, detailed, tells stories.

12. What fictional person do you want to meet the most?

The Incredible Hulk.

13. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being an artist?

My favorite is creating art, and my least favorite is selling art.  I typically get help running the business i.e., art shows, advertising, etc

14. If you could only create art of one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Historical incidents of the past. An example would be the cruelties done to African-Americans: slavery, lynching, etc.  Why? To capture history to pass on to the youth. They must know their history, I believe.  You see artists are modern day scribes, and we create/capture the pulse of that particular event in history. We feel the pulse of that time.

15. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

My home town, Suffolk, Virginia. I want to open the first African-American museum/studio there.  Of course, working in Paris would be fun too

“Pique” by Emily Rolen

1. How did you first discover your interest in art?

I was always scribbling on something as a child. I would draw with chalk and make pictures out of dirt and rocks if I was outside or use pastels or colored pencils if I was inside.  One summer my mother surprised me with art lessons from her artist friend, Rita Carmen, and I was over the moon.  I’ll never forget the excitement of walking a few blocks to her garage studio with my pencils and pastels.  She really emphasized the use of patterns and textures. I’ve held on to that love of texture ever since.

2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?

Oh wow, there are too many. Growing up, we had so many gorgeous impressionist prints on the walls. My mother loved Monet and Renoir. I remember wanting to just fall right into those scenes, like the children in Voyage of the Dawn Treader.  I would imagine myself having tea at the ‘Bal du Moulin de la Galette” or exploring in one of Monet’s gardens.  His scenes captivated me as a child.

3. What was your dream job as a child?

I’ve always been fascinated by the arts, and when I was small, I was especially in love with dance.  After watching Riverdance and The Nutcracker I was convinced that I would be a dancer. That lasted me through several years of ballet and tap dance classes, but I eventually realized that it wasn’t all smiles and high kicking.

4. Did you have an art mentor?

I am in the market for a mentor! I’m at a point where feedback throughout the creative process is so beneficial. There are so many recent artists whose work inspires me; Sara Pittman, Kaitlyn Rose, Martha McGrath and Gisela Colon, just to name a few. But I haven’t had the opportunity to work with a mentor.  Now that I’m a full-time artist and getting involved in the local art community, I really hope to learn from someone in that way, through my local art community.

5. What is the one art supply or tool that brings you the most joy?

I love this question!  I love *love* creamy white oils.  It gives you a perfectly blended finish and adds a wonderful satiny sheen.

6. What’s the last movie or book you really enjoyed?

So. During the season of covid madness, I’ve been going back to my favorite happy feels comfort movies, and Amélie is at the top that list.

If you haven’t seen it, you need to fix that immediately. It has everything; a dreamy soundtrack, a gorgeous Paris backdrop, eccentric odd-ball characters, (including a painter!)  love, mystery, and a charming protagonist on a mission to make people happy.

7. What kind of music (if any) do you listen to while creating art?

It really depends on my mood, but all my tried-and-true art playlists include Coeur De Pirate and Kid Frances Coli, (delicious French crooners) for when I’m watercoloring a first layer, Alt-J and the Black Keys for when I’m texturing, and Goldfrapp, Borns, and Billie Eilish for laying on acrylic. My art tends to be abstract and fanciful, so that’s the type of music I’m drawn to when I’m painting.

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting their art journey?

Pick a direction! It became so much easier for me to grow and improve once I narrowed down my artistic style. There are so many wonderful directions you can go when creating art, but at least for me personally, I didn’t start to really hone my skills until I decided to stick with one style.  For me, that meant sticking to abstract painting.  Maybe I’ll change that in a few years, but for now I still have so much room to improve in my little niche.

9. Are you a night owl or early bird?

I can get caught up painting, or doing something else I love in the afternoon, and then out of nowhere it’s 3am. I guess that makes me a night owl.  I really handle life better when I get my nine hours though. 

10. How long does it take you to feel finished with a piece of art, and how do you decide it’s done?

Occasionally, I feel like one of my pieces is truly in balance.  I think as an artist, that’s one of those things that you live for.  When that happens, I want to get it off to the printers as soon as possible, so nothing breaks that magic.  In general, though, I’ll feel like a piece is good enough, and then force myself to stop messing with it. With most of my pieces, I could just work on them forever and never feel done.

“Burst” by Emily Rolen

When you are really immersed in a work everything feels so calm, like being underwater. All the extraneous thoughts and noises are dulled, and you’re in another world.  I love that peace and perceptual stillness.

14. If you could only create art of one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would have to be something geographical, or plant based.  I love creating abstracts from aerial photography.  Would that count as one subject?  I could probably work from shots of mountain ranges and lakes forever.  Either that or poisonous plants. Their colors and patterns are so vibrant it’s unreal.

15. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Oh fun! Maybe Florence or Barcelona.   I think somewhere bustling and architectural would be so amazing for encouraging artistic energy. An apartment with a view in a busy city.  The history and culture right out your window would be unbelievable. If you’re giving any of those away, let me know. 🙂

A little bit about Zoe:

Zoe Jarvis is a full-time artist and small business entrepreneur based in Northern Virginia. She creates artworks small and large in cut paper and colored pencil, and her work has earned her numerous private commissions. Zoe is constantly refining her style and emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic to fuel her artistic practices. She prides meticulous attention to detail, eye-catching color palettes, and clean craftsmanship.

Where to find Zoe:

Web: zoelinnjarvis.com
Instagram: @zoelinnjarvis

1. How did you first discover your interest in art?

If I’m honest it’s probably because I loved being the center of my parents’ attention and a reliable way to get them to look was to draw pictures and wave it in their faces… so lots of art was made.

2. What was the first work of art/artist you remember being excited about?

When I first saw Maxfield Parrish’s fantastical dreamlike paintings. I also adore the distinctive and saucy illustrations of George Barbier.

“Dahlias” by Zoe Jarvis

“Virginia Blue Bells” by Zoe Jarvis

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting their art journey?

Time is your most precious currency, spend it carefully. Prioritize proper nutrition. Move daily- gotta exercise to keep your head in check. Sleep well. Notice your thoughts. Give yourself grace.

9. Are you a night owl or early bird?

As a small business owner, I have agency over choosing my work hours and I lean all the way into that. So sometimes I’m a night owl, other times I’m up at sunrise. I consistently get a second wind to do art around 8pm and love letting myself work late into the night on a project that makes me happy.

10. How long does it take you to feel finished with a piece of art, and how do you decide it’s done?

It varies depending on the size and complexity of a piece but I’m slow. I don’t like to rush art making. Most times I just know when a piece is done. Whenever I’m not sure I give it a few days then revisit.

11. How would you describe your art in three words?

Colorful, enchanting, nature

12. What fictional person do you want to meet the most?

The majestic clowns in Maxfield Parrish’s painting entitled “Lantern Bearers.” I would get a kick out of seeing them in real life just as they are shown in his painting in all their mystery and magic.

13. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about being an artist?

My favorite: It allows me to work from home and make a living doing something that fulfills me. My least favorite: People caring more about how much my work costs than the work itself.

14. If you could only create art of one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Nature. The world is filled with so many different kinds of terrain, ecosystems, habitats, microworlds, and nooks on land, deep sea, underground, and in the sky.

15. If you could have a studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Someplace that was always 60°-70°, suburbs or country (please not a busy city), a great grocery store and art store nearby, familiar faces, and bonus for tropical gardens or beaches in the area. I wish I could visit New Zealand and Mykonos, Greece but I don’t know if I want a studio in either place.

“Hibiscus Syriacus IV” by Zoe Jarvis

Artist Amy Lin is back in Washington DC from her recent move to Russia. Amy’s brilliant new collection of works brings her back to our nation’s capital for her solo show opening “Diffusion” at Addison/Ripley Fine Art on March 2, 2013. Old Town Edition’s role in this endeavor was the capturing/photographing of all of Amy’s fine detail drawings. Professional art image captures/photography is essential for making sure an artist’s digital images look identical to an artist’s originals.

Old Town Editions is proud to work with talented young artists such as Amy. Congratulations on a gorgeous collection, Amy.

Amy is one of many artists working with Old Town Editions, utilizing the digital capture part of our process alone. It is especially essential with work like Amy’s to have a professional art photographer or reproduction studio with the proper equipment to evenly light and capture all the very intricate detail.

A digital image capture from our 216 MP capturing system is the last image one will need of their artwork.  The image capturing services that we offer for artists like Amy are just like the services we provide for museums. This is the best form of digital preservation for antiquities and artwork. This digital file encompasses any use that one would need.  Alternate uses for these high resolution digital captures include, but are not limited to, show entry submissions, card printing, lithography printing, book printing and many more. If the artist decides at a later date that they are interested in limited edition printing, they will have a file suitable for digital fine art or giclee printmaking with Old Town Editions.

Amy has not had any digital reproductions or giclee prints made of any of her work to date.

Having a professional image capture/photograph of your work insures that your digital images look identical to your originals.  Only photographers that regularly capture artwork  with the proper equipment understand and can apply the precision process of the setting up the camera and lighting for a perfect art capture.  You cannot achieve this with any professional or consumer grade DSLR camera.  This process is only achieved with the use of a few types of  digital scanning backs. Only the proper equipment operated by a true artisan themselves can have the capability of giving you the best image possible.

Below you can view Amy’s beautiful new body of work captured by Old Town Editions.

Reston Interfaith commissioned artist Dana Scheurer to create the original painting “Dancin’ On The Dome”, and one hundred limited edition fine art reproductions. Scheurer has created a following from her involvement with groups like Greater Reston Art Center. She also participates in local area art shows selling originals and prints.  She’s created original artwork for Reston Triathlon, Reston Kids Triathlon, and the Reston Home Tour.

Her involvement in the local arts community and her subject matter have drawn attention from several Reston based businesses.  Dana’s involvement in the community has created strong demand for her artwork.  This is evidence that being involved with local art associations, shows, and galleries helps an artist to gain publicity to become successful.  Dana has been creating limited editions with Old Town Editions since 2004.

Selling reproductions allows more people to afford an artists work, and ultimately offers the artist more exposure.  People come to her shows looking for her new prints and originals.  Images she’s created were used to conceal construction around the Reston Ice Rink.  OTE captured her artwork for printing in an extremely large format.  OTE’s ability to push the limits of convention and size has allowed her artwork to gain even more publicity.

OTE:  How do you use prints to help advance your art career?
Scheurer:  To sell of course…people that can’t afford the originals can afford my work, ultimately to return at a later date to buy an original.

OTE: What words of wisdom or advice do you have for anyone looking into creating giclees from their original artwork?
Scheurer:  Find yourself a reliable printmaker. One that you can depend on having the highest quality, and  will always be there for you.  Always look for ways to promote yourself like having small card size prints to hand out for someone to take away at a point of sale to establish connections.

About Reston Interfaith:

Since 1970, Reston Interfaith, a nonprofit, has reached out to 250,000 neighbors-in-need, helping them overcome tough economic times in an already high cost-of-living region. Reston Interfaith helps people build more stable lives by connecting them to vital resources that solve their needs for housing, childcare, food or financial assistance.