Enough about me already. A month or so ago, a blogging friend and fellow artist featured me on her blog and I was very flattered. I thought it would only be fitting if I returned the favor. So here she is Paula Manning-Lewis:

I know you are a painter based on the art work on your blog and website. What kind of paint do you use and do you use any other mediums?

Currently, I use Watersoluble Oils and acrylics. The H2O oils (as I like to call them) I use for painting on canvas and matboard and the acrylics I use for painting on guitars, furniture and wood. When I started painting, I used watercolors exclusively, so I’ve always enjoyed the consistency. The switch to H2O oils was necessary with my abstract work so I can layer my designs without washing out the bottom layers. Also, I tried working in regular oils for about a year, but I had to stop because they were making me physically ill. I’m allergic to everything, so I guess I was particularly sensitive to the solvents, etc.

I just read on your blog that you have a booth at the North Forth Market in Albuquerque can you tell us about it? Where else can we find your work?

The North Fourth Market is essentially an Antique Mall/Flea Market where I rent a booth. I also have another flea market booth on the south side of town. I use these booths to sell all kinds a stuff! My husband and I love to go to yard sales and Goodwill, so it’s a great fun way for us to make extra money. The new booth at the N. Fourth Market is intended only for new items. I will sell my handpainted repurposed furniture there as well as handpainted frames, mats, and my old Beck prints.
My current artwork and prints can be found in a few places. The House of Lyndon Gallery in Gallup, New Mexico, my Etsy Shop and during the warmer months at several outdoor markets around Albuquerque, the NM State Fair and possibly the GO! Art Festival in downtown Albuquerque.

You live in a beautiful part of the Southwestern United States. How does the landscape affect your art?

The New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona landscapes have always been a tremendous inspiration for my art! Before I started the Spiral Abstract Series, there was the Rock Series which was more directly inspired by my surroundings. However, the colors and symbols in my Spiral Series are still influenced by my favorite place in the world, the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico.

Do you have any specific art related goals for 2007?

My main goal for this year is to get my art back into several art galleries. I had my first gallery show in a couple of years in March at The House of Lyndon in Gallup, New Mexico. One gallery down, several to go! Next up, I will be sending out cd roms of my work to many galleries in the area, including Santa Fe.

I enjoy your daily journal paintings. Do you really paint every day?

I try! That said, I call them my daily journal paintings because I see them as a daily expression, kind of like writing in a journal, only painting. I never spend more than a couple hours on one. My goal has been to paint at least 5 days a week and I usually reach that goal, whether it be painting on canvas, furniture or guitars! I like to use the d.j.p. as a means to come up with new ideas for larger paintings.

What do you find visually stimulating right now?

Spring flowers, trees budding with new leaves, cloudy skies and mountains covered in snow.

What is the last book you read that you would recommend to someone else?

The Secret. Great book and the dvd is even better. Positive thinking is great! Thoughts really do become things. I think everyone should check it out, it should be required reading in schools! The world would be a much better place if everyone held only positive, happy thoughts in their minds.

Who are your favorite artists?

That’s a tough one! I have so many favorites; Georgia O’Keefe,, Vincent Van Gogh, John Singer Sargeant, Steve Hanks (lives in Albuquerque too!), Leo Neufeld (one of my teachers), and then there are all my online favs, Cynthia Guajardo (shucks Paula - you didn’t have to add me just cause I was asking the questions!), Jessica Torrant, Jafabrit (sorry I don’t know her real name!), and of course my local favs(some are artist friends of mine); Josephine Brionez de Flores, Charl Agiza, Shawn Turung, and Angus MacPherson. I’m sure I’m forgetting someone! Note: Where I found links to artist’s websites, I added them.

Finally, what would you like people to know about you?

Art is my life! Next to my family, art is the most important thing in my life. I have considered myself an artist since I was 13. Other than high school art classes and a life drawing class I took a couple years ago, I’m self taught. I am so thankful to all the people that have supported my art throughout the years and made it possible for me to make a living as a full time artist!

Can you share a photo of your studio or of you at your easle? Paula kindly provided me with a photo of her studio, but shied away from one of herself.

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Paula, now go visit her blog! I own one of Paula’s paintings, and it’s gorgeous. I looked at it for a long time when I first received it; the photographs just don’t do justice to them. She has painted so much depth and the suble layers are mesmerizing. (I have it hanging in my bedroom and it’s one of the first things I see every morning.)

Have a good week everyone,

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