Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyson Blanchette.
Alyson, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in west Texas and was fortunate enough to be raised by two amazingly supportive parents who helped me to explore whatever creativity was for me. I dabbled in almost every medium and expression possible growing up, before I became obsessed with drawing. My parents bought me a “How To” book on drawing cartoon figures and I used that book until the spine was falling apart and I had filled a few sketchbooks. I continued to practice and play with drawing different styles of different subjects. When I arrived to college, I learned I had a knack for painting as well. Being a college student meant that I was usually pretty low on cash, so I would paint commissions for girls in my sorority or for people from my home town. That gave me plenty of practice painting many different subjects and styles that I normally would not have tried. Since college, I became an Elementary School Teacher and eventually (hopefully), an Art Teacher. I still do commissions for co-workers and friends, but I have been making an effort to find my own voice in my art. Currently, I am favoring my art journal and markers, as well as acrylic paint and canvases…and an occasional piece of furniture.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art consists of bright colors, bold shapes, and slightly psychedelic themes. I am drawn towards bright color and I find that my thoughts tend to be expressed best with colors that make me feel energized. In my painting, I use 99 cent craft paint and canvas. I typically sketch an idea before I use any paint. When I don’t feel like painting, I will use my art journal, markers, and pens to capture passing thoughts and images. I create my art because of a need to express myself. My thoughts don’t come to me in words, but in pictures. When I am able to interpret those thoughts on a canvas or paper, I feel like I am able to been seen and heard. I have always struggled with expressing myself in words, and I find that art allows me to convey the message I want to convey without getting tongue-tied. I create my art in order to iterate my thoughts and feelings in a way that feel the most genuine to myself and in a way that visually makes sense to me.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Art absolutely does not have to be expensive. I am a firm believer in using what you have to get where you want to be. In my opinion, creating art is more about ideas coming to life rather than the cost of the materials used. You should splurge where it counts, like on paintbrushes that don’t shed and good quality pens for line work. However, know when you can reuse materials you already own, like pieces of furniture, to add character to your art. One of my favorite paintings is one I did on a headboard that my husband was going to throw away. It is so much more special to me because it has that extra meaning and we were able to reuse something rather than just tossing it in the trash.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Take a look at my work on Instagram – @alysonrenaeart
Contact Info:
- Address: San Antonio
- Email: alysonrengel@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alysonrenaeart
Image Credit:
@alysonrenaeart
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