Q: How did you get into painting?

A:  I began painting when I was a kid. My teacher saw that I had a knack for art and got me into an art program for the gifted and talented. I was lucky; for 2 years I learned about art and humanities, painted and sculpted, until the program got cut. I am grateful that I had the outlet when I was growing up. Painting is a kind of therapy; it helped me get through some painful experiences."

Q:   What inspires you to paint and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

A:  I am passionate with the perfection of nature. I want to capture it, connect with it. I like to paint the objects that I find beautiful.
When I paint, I focus intently on the subject so much that I feel connected to that subject.  I think it is important to pick subjects that evoke joy and beauty, because of the energy that it that rises in me and brings to the world. Also I am passionate about mastering my media before I die, and I hope to paint for the next forty years.


Number one rule in the studio: If I am not having fun, take a break.  Who am I painting for is the question I ask myself when I get frustrated, if it is to look good to someone else or seeking approval from someone else, you know ego -driven,  then I need to take a break.

Q:  What artists have influenced you, and how?

A:  Life is full of influences. I am grateful for my teachers Ms. Morgan, and Hilda, and my professors Robert Bechtle, Mark Johnson, and Paul Pratchenko. Historically, I like the painters Caravaggio, da Vinci, Artemisia Gentileschi... Van Gogh for his spirituality in painting, Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, and Sister Wendy. Music is also a big influence from  Ella Fitzgerald to Jimi Hendrix.  To paint with the music playing is an amazing experience.

Q:   What other interests do you have outside of painting?

A:  “I love to hike and eat. Hanging out and watching movies with my husband and son. Bike riding in the rain and on starry nights, being outside mostly.

Q: What are you planning on doing next?

A: I am moving into painting the light here, especially the crisp light that comes from blue sky and ocean air. I am painting smaller landscapes. I think it is a nice tension to capture the vast skyline on a small canvas. I continue to be fascinated with the figure.  I take found objects and recycle, reinvent them to art. And I want to continue with the cards. Basically to keep going with my art and see how far I go. That’s the plan.

To Contact Elizabeth Flanagan, please go to her website www.fairiecool.com.