Meet My Artist Friend
I'm thrilled to introduce this new monthly series! This newsletter came out of a conversation with a friend where I kept talking about "my artist friends". She laughingly asked how she could meet all my artist friends, and it sparked this idea.
I love having all different types of art in my home, and I know other people do as well. Most importantly, I love how welcoming the online art community has been in my own life, and I want to continue to support that mission. Please check out my interview with my first artist friend….Serena West!!
Tell us about yourself-
Although I grew up in the city, I am grateful that I have since been able to transition to a small town in what is called “cottage country” a few hours north of Toronto, Canada. I share my home with my husband and two boys, along with our cat Beans, and dog Copper. Here in Muskoka, an area that is world-renowned for its rugged landscapes featuring windswept pines, pristine lakes, thick forests and abundant wildlife we get to experience the glory of all 4 seasons, and no matter the weather we enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.
How did your artistic career begin?
As a child I loved to create, but didn’t feel that I was very good at art. After taking an art class in high school I was very excited to know that I could learn new techniques that allowed me to improve greatly, and I have enjoyed drawing and painting ever since. Shortly after studying for a year at the Dundas Valley School of Art/McMaster U., I began my own mural painting business. Once we moved away from the city and while I had small children, sadly my art was put on hold for several years. I’m happy to say that I have now been creating again for over eight years and have recently been able to spend much more time solely on my art practice. Although my main focus is landscape paintings, I also love painting custom orders of portraits or pet paintings forclients.
How would you describe your art?
I think it could be described as a mix of realism and impressionism. I love painting landscapes, however, rather than focusing on the intricate details I like to focus on light, shadow and the feeling of a place. Other people have described my work as serene, and I think that is a fair description - serene, with pops of colour.
Where does your inspiration come from for your paintings?
Being in nature is my happy place, and spending time outdoors helps me unwind and find inner peace. So I would say that inner emotions inspire my work a lot, along with the healing that comes from being in nature. When I paint, I try to capture the calm and peaceful feelings that nature can offer us. My wish with each painting is to remind people of their fondest memories spent outdoors, so they can bring a piece of the wild places home.
Where can I find your art? Or where can I purchase?
I belong to a great Artitst Collective in the Annex a store in Bracebridge, Ontario. My work is among work from over 20 artisans, and you can see it in person there. If you’re not in Ontario, my original paintings as well as art prints are also available in my online gallery shop at
https://serenafineart.com/collections and Instagram: instagram.com/serenafineart
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or creatives?
That would be to never give up on your dream of being a fulltime artist, but to also be patient. It takes time to develop the skills needed, as well as to discover the best ways to get your work seen by others. In the meantime paint, draw or create whatever it is that you make as often as you can in smaller sizes, because that is the fastest way to truly grow and develop both skill, along with your own style as an artist.
Serena and I were part of an artist small group a few years back, and I can truly say she is beautiful inside and out. Thank you my friend Serena, and go check out her gorgeous work! Her landscapes remind me of the lake shores here in the South, but as she told me- it's just much colder up there! Haha.
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Stay tuned next month for my next Meet my Artist Friend series!