FEATURED ARTIST - HOWARD KRAUSS
How long have you been a member of the GCWS and why did you join?
Except for the very first meeting I have been a member of GCWS and I joined because I wanted not only to learn how to paint watercolors but to see if I am any good. What strikes me from the very beginning is that even though many of the members are professional artists I was accepted. It is also via the critique sessions that I found the true value of GCWS - the positive encouragement I receive at each meeting.
Have you held any positions with the GCWS; if so, what positions?
Due to travel and family commitments I am unable to be an office holder.
What are some of your artistic achievements?
There are two that come to mind:
1- When I look back at some of my earliest paintings I see a vast difference in my paintings compared with today's.
2- The confidence to show my paintings in public
Describe your usual procedures for creating a painting.
Many of the paintings that I consider "finished" have taken up to 2 or 3 years of contemplation before putting brush to paper. Most of that time was spent in drawing and redrawing and thinking about the painting's composition and value scheme. Once I am satisfied with this I usually paint very fast. I like wet-in wet but, of course, the subject matter will dictate the technique(s) I use in a particular painting.
How long have you been painting?
It seems I have been doing art all my life.
In what medium, other than watercolor or acrylic, do you work?
None
Where do you get your inspiration for paintings?
Since we travel a lot I usually draw/sketch the places we see. I do take artistic license and rearrange the elements to give a more pleasing composition. And I reply upon photographs.
Are you a teacher?
Yes at hobby Lobby, the Oxford Community Art Center and I will be teaching art on Cruise ships.
Where do you see yourself in the future? (i.e., is painting a hobby; will you enter shows; do you see yourself teaching?)
It is very difficult for me to say where my artistic efforts will lead me. I enjoy knowing the members of GCWS and I hope to continue to improve. I have entered a few juried shows but have only been accepted in a few. I enjoy sharing what I learn about art and making paintings with others. And hope to be able to continue do do this.
Is there anything else you would like for us to know about you and your art
When I first started out to see if I could actually succeed in making a watercolor painting that was pleasing to look at I had no real idea as to how to accomplish this. Then I met Ray and Diane Loos. They had a bumper sticker on their car that said - I LOVE WATERCOLOR. I left them a note and they were kind enough to call me. I found out that Ray was teaching in Oxford that summer and during his workshop he said two things:
1- The only way to succeed is daily practice which I try to do
2- That I had an eye for composition that was half the battle toward making a successful painting.
I have sold a number of paintings over the past few years and to see my work accepted by others brings me great satisfaction and encouragement.
