Artist Interview - Kristina Laurendi Havens

When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I was lucky to grow up in a very creative household...we made a lot of great projects. Each year the school teachers would anxiously await to see what exciting projects came out of the Laurendi household! I never grew out of that excitement of creating something new.

Describe a bit of your process...is everything planned or sketched out before hand? Do you work on impulse?

My paintings started out being very regimented and planned. I always sketched or worked out the color palette ahead of time. But now it's more impulsive. Party because I love re-working and layering. I welcome mistakes! One thing I've realized is you can't fix what's not there - go for it! Put some paint on the canvas! What's the worst thing that can happen? You have to paint over it! (Of course this philosophy probably isn't good for watercolors...)

What artist, past or present, has inspired your work?

Too many to list!!! I love Modigliani's and Clemente's portraits. I am enamored of the paint application in a Joan Mitchell. Chaim Soutine has luxurious paint. Cezanne had brilliant mark-making.

How are you taking your work/techniques to the next level?

This is a tough task. Too often artists get in a rut (so to speak) We find a technique or style that works for us and we stop growing. My personal challenge is to continue to develop my figure drawings and painting and take them from just being accurate representations and elevate them to meaningful observations of the human condition (sounds a little loftier than I intended!)

Has selling art on-line been a success for you? Why? How do you encourage people (or why would you encourage people) to buy Original Fine Art?

I'm going to answer both of these questions. So far I am thrilled with my experiences selling on-line. Etsy has helped me share my work with tens of thousands of viewers. I have had buyers from NY to CA and up into Canada and across the Pond - in the UK! That was very exciting! Buyers can connect with an image on screen almost as instantaneously as if they saw a painting in person. If an image speaks to you, go for it! You will be purchasing something that will enrich your daily life - and I'm not saying that to be cheesy - I sincerely believe that living with original art makes my home warmer, more interesting, and more personal.

See more of Kristina's work on-line at http://www.krystyna81.etsy.com/.

Interviews are with Fine Artists in the Gallery United Group on Etsy.com.