Jessie Beard

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I work predominantly in acrylics due to the fast drying nature and versatility – I use a lot of layers and I include acrylic paint pens, wax pastels and oil pastels into my process also.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

Inspiration is found when I am on location, whether the outing was intended to seek out my next subject or, as it is more often than not, what I stumble across when exploring and appreciating the outdoors with my family. I refer back to photos I have taken and paint what I am drawn to in that moment. Sometimes the reference is used only in the beginning stage of an artwork or through the entire process, it is the initial prompt that opens up a whole realm of possibility on my canvas. I can spend as little as a couple of days on an artwork if my vision is clear or weeks at a time with ‘rest’ periods to accomplish a well resolved painting through countless layers, each mark paving the way for the next. The fine details are usually the final step and I’ll then take a photo to look at it with a different perspective, I will know if it feels like nothing else would add value to the composition.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I work from my studio out the back of my house that my husband and father built for me. It is my sanctuary. I am surrounded by works in progress and beautiful morning sun, usually a coffee in hand and my two mini schnauzers snoozing by my side, coming and going as they please. At the end of the day my four year old runs in excitedly after preschool to see what I have been creating. I love being able to share my space with my girls, they will grow up with such a big exposure to art and be encouraged to express themselves creatively.