Interview with Pat Blair [patlblai] on Whohub

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What do you do? How do you define yourself as an artist?

I paint mostly in watercolor or with pastels and sometimes in oils. I paint almost everyday. In addition I am a graphic artist doing whimsical dragon figures as a specialty. I also teach watercolor painting and drawing & sketching in my home studio and mentor several new painters.

Going out to paint on site in Plein Air is a favorite painting endeavor. I see painting possibilities everywhere I go. I love to paint landscapes, river scenes, big sky, open fields, distant mountains and lush green hills. I must become one with the scene. Living in Southern Oregon allows me ample opportunity to view beauty close up and personal!

Art Education: Business and Art at Eastern New Mexico University and Southern Oregon University.

What is your message?

Stop and smell the roses! There is plenty of time to learn something new.
I see beauty in everyday life and appreciate being allowed to become a part of the scene. Looking at nature and God's creations should give one a constant sense of wonder. How an artist interprets the scene is paramount whether it be in abstract images or traditional art. If you want to be an artist you must be there!

Your biography in four lines.

I. I became an artist with my first crayons.

II. I learned the techniques necessary to become a better artist while in formal training in High School and at ENMU & SOU.

III. I continue to learn as I paint and consider myself mainly a self-taught artist.

IV. I will never stop!

Do you upload your work to the web? If so, where could we see it?

How is an idea born? For you, what is inspiration?

Inspiration for painting for me comes from nature. I love painting en plein air but when I cannot be out in the elements I resort to composition using many of the thousands of photographs I have taken. At other times I am inspired by color
and light. Experimenting with watercolors and what happens with wet on wet sometimes is all the inspiration needed to trigger a new painting.

Art is the self expression one person gives to the world by interpreting what she/he sees or feels. I consider painting as a form of storytelling. The artist hopes that the viewer will appreciate that story interpretation and possibly gain from the viewing experience.
It goes like this,. . . The artist is inspired to paint with a focus on something, whether it be color, contrasts, shape or action. A message is there that the artist wants to relate to another person in some manner. The great artists tell their story well!

When do you get your best ideas?

Sometimes I dream ideas and act upon those dreams.
Most times I have used the sleep/dream process to work out the issues I am having with a painting. I sometimes arise from bed in the morning and go directly to my studio to work on the painting that has given me "issues".
I find that talking to other artists or people who appreciate fine art inspire me or at other times it is a new tube of color or a plain white canvas or a sheet of Arches watercolor paper.

How do you evaluate whether an idea is good or not?

I am usually satisfied with the process. When a painting is near the finished stage I sometimes set it aside in what I call the "think I'm done" place. I let it stay there while I work on another piece and then go back to it. At that point... I fix it or know it is a good idea and it is finished!

Three creative ideas that you would have liked to have created?

1. Post it notes!
2. The Digital Camera
3. The Apple Computer

When and how did you begin to see yourself as an artist?

As a child I was encouraged to be creative. I thought I was an artist, my parents led me to believe I was an artist and provided the materials and supplies I needed to explore. I suppose I could say that I have always been an artist and once I learned to become more disciplined I have been more successful. I must create in one way or another!

I believe that every child is an artist and sees the world through fresh eyes. Children are artists until someone tells them they are not.

Why do so many artists and creators have such volatile personalities?

Sometimes it is difficult for an artist to realize that their viewpoint may not work for others. Live and let live would be a great motto for those individuals. My art gives me pleasure. I accept my abilities and/or lack of abilities and try to convey my message to others on my own terms. There is no need to be angry or frustrated if someone rejects my work. Others like it.

Do you consider yourself postmodern?

No but I am in the here and now!

How should a work of art be evaluated?

Each piece should be evaluated on skill and technique. Composition, color, values are important as well as the emotional impact a painting makes.
If an artist paints in transparent watercolors, for instance, only transparent colors should be used. Oil paintings should be judged on luminosity too.

In many cases the art is evaluated based on "the in thing this season"!
Paintings need to have an audience. The viewer evaluates these paintings and
make his/her own judgement. Rarely does a painting appeal to the masses.
What speaks to one person may repulse another.

Must an artist reinvent him/herself everyday?

Yes, there is that necessity. Otherwise those viewing the work tend to feel that they have "been there, done that"! Artists, however, should always stay true to themselves and strive for perfection.

Which artists do you admire and how do they influence your work?

Thats easy! Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth, N.C. Wyeth, and Maynard Dixon.

All used lots of color and were so very sophisticated in their own time.

What do you think about public funding for the arts?

Public Funding For The Arts.... Yes and no. I do think the public, even those without funds, should be exposed to art, music, dance and theater. Art in public
places is important. Those artists should be compensated for their creations.
Public Museums, Public Broadcasting, should have some public funding.
I don't think, however, an artist deserves public assistance any more than does a musician, a terrific chef or an inspiring classroom teacher.

Does it pain you to let go of a piece you have sold?

I'd love my paintings to go to someone I know. At least I could feel like each one is in a good place. I do attempt to keep a record of where things end up.
I am always in love with the current piece I am working on and the last piece I did....But it is like having children. You do the best you can and give it your best try then you just hope they can make it on their own!

Is a work of art purchased, or is it better said, that it is the artist who is bought?

In the real world I think incredibly great art creates it's own demand. Purchases are made considering the piece's staying power and the name of the painter.

It would be better to say that art is appreciated by the person who bought it on it's own merit but I don't believe that to be true. It is the reputation of the artist and the piece that sells for large amounts. An item sold at auction is likely to be at huge prices or taken back for a later sale. When it is actually sold at auction that means that there has been a purchasing war.

The best way for an artist to be given validity is to have a "sold" dot on a piece at the end of a showing or auction. It is then that the artist gets a "second look".

In art, there is no guide. How do you know what the next step is?

I believe artists move from one step to another naturally. You should continue to grow, explore and experience new waves in the art field.
Just go for it!

How do you feel about the fact that the pieces exhibited in contemporary art museums are often of artists already deceased?

I can't really say but I appreciate the fact that only the finest artists have made such an amazing impact that their work has survived wars, weather, and vandalism for eons! The 'NEW' artists deserve their place too.

What role have the figures of art dealer, gallery owners, representatives, and intermediaries in general played in your career?

It would be grand to have a representative interested in promoting my work but alas, I rarely deal with dealers and gallery owners or representatives.

I have had benefactors and collectors who return often to see new works but for the most part I have promoted my own paintings and exhibitions. I have had one-persons shows, and on occasions have paintings in a multi-person exhibits. I admit I am selective and rarely enter my pieces into contests.

What types of jobs do you usually do?

I am a painter. I paint almost everyday. I also teach painting classes when
I can. It is totally amazing to me how much students give in return.

Teaching is a wonderful learning experience, it requires that this instructor be ‘brushed up’ on her knowledge. When I have to verbalize what I know about painting and art it is reinforced.

Which of your jobs or tasks do you most enjoy?

Painting first, teaching second.

Do you personally collect any items?

I am a packrat! I collect books, Native American pottery, Coins from places
my friends or I have visited and dragon figures.

Which websites do you frequently visit?

What advice would you give to those just beginning?

Paint every day but don't do it unless you really mean to be critical and work at it! Consider yourself a student of art. Learn from each mistake and draw and sketch every chance you get and keep journals.

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