Carolyn Stephens, owner and artist of Dirt Road Gallery, Rochelle, GA  has been an oils painter most of her life.

While visiting on the phone I asked Carolyn for an interview, and in her beautiful, graceful way, she granted it.

Here are some of the questions I asked her:

How long have you been painting?

Carolyn:  When I was about 15 years old an aunt gave me oil paints .  I have never had an art teacher.

How has your painting evolved?

Carolyn:  I started out painting our family home place and then on to family pets, including horses, cows, cats, dogs, etc.

Have you always painted full time?

Carolyn:  No, for many years I worked in an office.

When was your first solo show?

In 1963 a relative sponsored my first solo show.

How many paintings did you have?

Carolyn:  Including paintings and drawings there were approximately 15.

What are your memories of this show?

That it was well attended by family and friends.  I still have my guest list.

You have been very active in the art community in Wilcox and Crisp Counties.  What are some things you’ve done?

Carolyn:  In the 1990′s, I sponsored 2 art shows in Cordelle, 23 artists participated.

Are you still active in the local art community?

Carolyn:  Yes.  I’m still on the Planning Board for Wilcox Arts Council.  We sponsor a spring art show in Rochelle, open to local and regional artists.

I’ve assisted in several local projects,   sponsor the Dirt Road Gallery Show and Sale each year, the first weekend of November. This will be the seventh year for this show.

When did you start teaching?

I retired in 2000 and for about the last five years I’ve taught continuously.

How do you encourage beginning students to paint?

Practice, practice.  I like for new students to paint what they like.

What inspires your creativity?

Lots of different subjects.  I like the beauty of nature and study the image as I paint.  From my imagination I feel the  perspective and color – preferring the darker tones. Does your art teach you what to teach?

Carolyn:  Yes, it reminds me of what can and can’t be done by my students.

Have you felt that art has been your calling?

Carolyn:  Yes, like so many things, it gives me great pleasure to see my students painting come alive and be pleased with their work is outstanding.  I believe that in teaching I’ve learned many things.

How do you find time to paint?

Carolyn:  I’m incredibly passionate about art.  Cut out TV and other activities that won’t furthur my art.

Is there any one type painting that you prefer to paint?

Carolyn: Yes, I love to paint commissions.

To see Carolyn’s art visit http://dirtroadgallery.com

I would love to send you the Valle of Yellow Creek Art Studio E-Zine.  Just enter your name and e-mail in the box above and to the right.  Your privacy is important to me and your information will never be shared.

Honor your creative spirit!

Ellene

Ellene Breedlove Davis

http://ellenebreedlovedavis.com

Join me at http://Twitter.com/ellenebdavis

On Face Book http://budurl.com/h47y

Tags: Add new tag, Dirt Road Gallery, oil painter