This week in the DP Café
Meet artists Linda Apple and Gerald Schwartz
A Chat with artist Linda Apple
How would you describe your painting style?
A bit of impressionism and realism, with often a touch of whimsy.
What was your earliest indication that you wanted to be a painter?
My mother once told me that I started to draw as soon as I could hold a crayon. I have no memory of that, but I do remember that I created coloring contests with my grandfather when I was six.
Do you come from a painting family, or did you pick it up on your own?
Both of my parents were very creative in their own way. My dad always bought me creative toys so he could help me build steam engines or work with those great Erector sets!! He grew beautiful roses and did primitive style painting and sculpture in his later years. My mum taught me how to design and make clothes, cook and do flower arranging.
What is your favorite movie & why?
I LOVE movies, so this is a hard one. The most recent favorite is Avatar. The visual effects are amazing and the story is great too.
Favorite book? Why?
I read a lot!! I love fantasy, adventure and a good mystery because they stir the imagination. I am a Harry Potter fan. I think that J.K. Rowling is a fabulous writer.
Favorite type of music? Why?
Jazz and Blues. I think Jazz is like poetry and fantasy........ really imaginative.
Favorite color? Why?
Blue, but I don't know why.
For how long have you been painting daily?
I have been a painter and sculptor for over 42 years professionally now and in all those years there has been very few times that I have not been working on my art.
Do you complete a painting every day?
It is not very often that I complete a painting in a day. I usually have two paintings in various stages. I will do about three quarters of a painting and then let it sit overnight and go back into it for highlights and details on the next day. Once the first one has been set aside I begin another one.........or work on my sculptures.
What's your typical day like?
Well, I get up and start the day with a large cup of coffee!! Then I get on the computer and do about 2 hours of work. Emails, marketing and posting stuff. Then I start painting. Sometimes I forget to stop for lunch and I continue until about 6:30 p.m. I eat dinner and get back on the computer to follow up on any business emails, etc. After that I often go into the t.v. room and watch a couple shows while I work on my sculptures. I end up going to bed about midnight and read a good book until I hopefully fall asleep. You can see how things like laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning the house only gets squeezed in when necessary! Smile emoticon
What have you had the most fun painting?
I think that I have the most fun when I do the fantasy paintings. Next would be the people on the street and animals.
How would you like to be remembered?
Gee, this one is tough. I use to think it was "as a famous artist" but these days I think it would probably be - a kind and loving person. Although throwing in a "great artist" would be o.k. too :-)
What is your favorite room in your house?
My front porch! I guess that isn't in the house but it is my favorite place to work when weather permits. I have a painting room upstairs but I am rarely in it. Since I only live with my little dog Emma, she doesn't seem to mind where I put my mess.
If you could have dinner with anyone famous, past or present, who would that be?
From the past, I wanted to meet Katharine Hepburn or hang out with Gertrude Stein and Alice B..
What are you most proud of in your life?
That would probably be my son. I lucked out! He is one of the most loving and kind people that I have had the honor of knowing.
What is one thing about you that few people know?
I was in the movie "Brubaker" with Robert Redford. Don't get TOO excited... it was only a brief few seconds of fame....... but I did get to be on the set for a few days and meet Redford, Yaphet Kotto and a few others in the movie. It was REALLY a fun experience.
What are people most surprised to find out about you?
That I lived alone for 8 years in a cabin I built with a chain saw in a remote area of the Colorado mountains. I guess I wasn't totally alone. I had four horses and three dogs. My nearest neighbor was four miles away.
What one word would you use to describe yourself?
Determined
If there was a movie made about your life, would it be a comedy or a drama?
Put them together - A dramatic comedy of accidents.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sure, I can always find something to add! Doing these questions has been an interesting experience. For those of you who know my work and those who don't, I really enjoy a bit of humor. I think (especially in hard times) that a good laugh or a chuckle can change the day and even change the world, a smile at a time!
See all of Linda Apple's work at: http://www.dailypainters.com/artists/artist_gallery/670/Linda-Apple
A Chat with artist Gerald Schwartz
How would you describe your painting style?
If we are talking of my canvas paintings its a contemporary realist, my miniatures are a real mix, contemporary but looser, free' r.
What was your earliest indication that you wanted to be a painter?
At age 16 I knew after seeing a Salvador Dali painting there was no question...
Do you come from a painting family, or did you pick it up on your own?
Painting picked me and no one ells in my family..
What is your favorite movie & why?
To many to mention, lots of Black & white's Lots of foreign films, Good B&W for they rely on composition, a good one is "The third Man" , "Key Largo"
Foreign films for I feel they have better stories then most of the american films that are directed at kids only, you know.. brainless :)
Favorite book? Why?
" Catcher in the Rey " "Fountain head" "The Stand" Why, read at the right time in my life...
Favorite color? Why?
Blue, Cobalt blue in particular, it was the color of the light when I was still in my crib, true story..
For how long have you been painting daily?
To long to remember, the dailies to post, the last seven years...
Do you complete a painting every day?
Yes
What's your typical day like?
Feed my cat, pot of coffee, walk outside, check emails then its studio time all day..
What have you had the most fun painting?
Putting together a series like I just did... But the most fun is the mer fact that I get to paint is the most fun....
How would you like to be remembered?
I am true to myself
What is your favorite room in your house?
The house
If you could have dinner with anyone famous, past or present, who would that be?
Charles Bell a photorealist
What are you most proud of in your life?
My two children & my wife
What is one thing about you that few people know?
My love of cooking and I did catering..
What are people most surprised to find out about you?
30 years as a top stylist in L.A.
What one word would you use to describe yourself?
Crazy
If there was a movie made about your life, would it be a comedy or a drama?
EASILY BOTH otherwise known as a Melodrama
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sure! but I need to go back and Paint :)
See all of Gerald Schwartz's work at: http://www.dailypainters.com/artists/artist_gallery/1038/Gerald-Schwartz
