Interview with Caroline Ratliff, Artist of the Month May 2014
Caroline Ratliff was founder and 2013 President of PSST. Her painting "Gulf Spray" is shown below.
View Caroline's website of beautiful oil and pastel landscapes.
View Caroline's website of beautiful oil and pastel landscapes.
PSST: Caroline, why are you an artist or how did you choose to become an artist?
CR: Art was my favorite subject all through elementary, high school and college. I can't remember when I didn't draw. Growing up I drew horses and ballerinas. In college I studied classical art, mainly portraiture and at the university it was all abstract. I put away my paintbrushes until retirement many years later
PSST: Where do you paint? Home, studio, corner of a room? How is it set up?
CR: I paint in my studio which I love. I can shut the door when I want to concentrate or open the door and talk with my artist neighbors. I have all of my art supplies there.
PSST: What is your subject matter and how do you choose it?
CR: Landscapes look so easy, but they can be overwhelming. I've learned to focus by choosing boundaries.
PSST: What is your art background? Academic, self-taught, workshops?
CR: Although I have a major degree in art, I have learned more by taking workshops and by reading artbooks by master artists. Recent influences are Albert Handell, Matt Smith and Kathryn Stats.
PSST: How do you describe your painting style and color choices?
CR: My paintings are said to be peaceful. I enjoy the outdoors so I have a lot of greens and purples in my paintings
PSST: If you do plein air, describe an interesting/funny/dangerous plein air outing.
CR: It was a little scary when I tripped and fell face first into cactus plants at Big Bend. I broke my wrist and had to be driven 80 miles to the nearest hospital.
PSST: What do you consider your best painting ever and why?
CR: I'm still striving for that best painting ever.
PSST: What art events do you have scheduled?
CR: Cloister Gallery at Christ Episcopal Cathedral invited me to have a solo show the month of June. I've been working toward this for the past 2 years. The reception is June 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. It is at 1117 Texas Street, Houston. Parking is free in the church garage.
CR: Art was my favorite subject all through elementary, high school and college. I can't remember when I didn't draw. Growing up I drew horses and ballerinas. In college I studied classical art, mainly portraiture and at the university it was all abstract. I put away my paintbrushes until retirement many years later
PSST: Where do you paint? Home, studio, corner of a room? How is it set up?
CR: I paint in my studio which I love. I can shut the door when I want to concentrate or open the door and talk with my artist neighbors. I have all of my art supplies there.
PSST: What is your subject matter and how do you choose it?
CR: Landscapes look so easy, but they can be overwhelming. I've learned to focus by choosing boundaries.
PSST: What is your art background? Academic, self-taught, workshops?
CR: Although I have a major degree in art, I have learned more by taking workshops and by reading artbooks by master artists. Recent influences are Albert Handell, Matt Smith and Kathryn Stats.
PSST: How do you describe your painting style and color choices?
CR: My paintings are said to be peaceful. I enjoy the outdoors so I have a lot of greens and purples in my paintings
PSST: If you do plein air, describe an interesting/funny/dangerous plein air outing.
CR: It was a little scary when I tripped and fell face first into cactus plants at Big Bend. I broke my wrist and had to be driven 80 miles to the nearest hospital.
PSST: What do you consider your best painting ever and why?
CR: I'm still striving for that best painting ever.
PSST: What art events do you have scheduled?
CR: Cloister Gallery at Christ Episcopal Cathedral invited me to have a solo show the month of June. I've been working toward this for the past 2 years. The reception is June 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. It is at 1117 Texas Street, Houston. Parking is free in the church garage.
