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Barbara Haviland

Artist's Interview

How long have you been creating?: I am not your typical artist. I have a sister in law that had a frame and hobby shop for many years. She was always needing me to fill in on the classes she sponsored. I took them all and when I did oils, I was hooked. The rest is history. I have been creating for over 30 years. I consider myself self-taught.

What, besides your art, brings you creative fulfillment?: My involvement with the art league. I am the newly elected president and it has been a learning experience.

What are your motivations for creating?: I love to paint a variety of subjects. I guess if I had to just paint landscapes or florals, I would be tired of painting. I paint whatever I think might be a good subject. There are so many subjects to explore. Painting is who I am and I could not, not paint.

How do you know when a piece you have been working on is done?: I usually paint until I think the painting looks like what I want ,and it says hey, did I do that !

What do you find stimulating right now? How does this influence your creative process?: How does this influence your creative process? Right now, I am working on a project for Wet Canvas. I am doing 24 - 6"x4" paintings to swap with 24 other artists around the world. I really like challenges. I like to try new methods of creating but, I stick to oils. Oils are my favorite medium. I have tried them all.

Tell us a little about your work style: do you do a lot of projects at once? One at a time?: I like my art to look real but not like a photograph. I do several paintings at one time. I feel that way, I can remain fresh.

What are some of your artistic goals for the future?: I would like to be in more gallery shows and have my art just take off. I am teaching and I love that.

What would you like your fellow EBSQ artists and collectors to know about you and or your work?: My art is painted from the heart. I love what I do and am open to challenges. I am an artist that loves commissions. Most artists do not like them. I think that commissions challenge you as an artist. Each year for the past 3 years I have done a portrait of my doctor and his wife. We barter for the services. I get free medical and he gets a new portrait. It is a win, win situation for both of us. Thank you for this chance to be interviewed. I have been on EBSQ since the beginning and we have certainly grown in numbers.