Margaret Gladys

What made you choose pastels as a medium? and how long have you been using pastels?

I took a college class in pastels years ago and I was hooked. It’s a versatile medium that allows me to translate what I’m seeing on to paper seamlessly.

I put them on the back burner for years and then began to paint again after retirement, which has been for about the past 13 years.

What are your favorite subjects to paint?

I love painting landscapes, I guess anything from nature draws my attention. Many of my subjects come from places that I’ve traveled myself.

How has your practice changed over time?

I think that over time I have loosened up a bit with my painting and am also not so concerned with making it an exact replica of my reference.

What is the best art-related advice you’ve been given?

I remember when taking an art workshop with Elizabeth Mowery, she said not every painting is for framing or submission into a show. I always try to remember this advice. It's easy to want to frame everything you paint.

What do you wish you’d have known from the beginning, but took years to learn?

I think when I first started painting I was trying to make everything perfect in the painting. Now I just enjoy the moment while I'm working on the painting. It's like a therapy for me.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in nature and through travel.

When is your favorite time of day to create?

I enjoy creating in the mornings, especially when the sun is shining

How do you develop your art skills?

I believe I have developed my art skills by attending pastel workshops. It provided a time to connect with different instructors and their particular style of painting, as well as with other artists. I am presently participating in a Patreon group under the direction of Jacob Aguiar.

How do you define success as an artist?

I think I can define my success as an artist by saying that if someone looks at my painting and finds joy or happiness in it, I’m happy.