Jen Tracy, Artist Interview

'The Clockwork Queen'

 I'm feeling inspired today by artist, Jen Tracy, and am so happy that she agreed to a short interview! 
I am loving her use of vivid color and bold ink lines. 

 Jen Tracy the Interview
1. Where do you live? 
Currently, I live about ten minutes outside of Atlantic City in New Jersey. Many of my most recent paintings are of cities and towns within driving distance of my home. Philadelphia, New York, Collingswood, and Ocean City are my favorite places to paint.

'Perky' depicts the bright, beautiful Perkins Center for the Arts in downtown Collingswood, New Jersey.

'Down the Shore Store'

"Shop windows in vacation towns are always eye catching. Something about that orange dress demanded to be painted."

 2. Tell us about your journey. What’s your background? How did you get into
art as a career?
I've always been an artist. My mother used to paint giant, wooden Halloween decorations. One of my first memories is designing and painting blue rocks at the foot of a witch she drew. It was my intention to work in animation, but once I discovered painting I knew fine art was my calling. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Painting and Art History in 2005.

3. How would you describe your style? Your work feels modern, yet timeless to
me. Where do you find your inspiration? Do you have favorite artists, past
or present, who influence your style?
My main inspiration comes from life. I do not work from photographs unless it is completely necessary. My style is bold and bright. I use traditional watercolor techniques combined with bold ink marks. I think the black lines are remnants from my cartooning days. I love the contrast of bright, loose colors, and sharp, dark line. Some of my favorite artists are Dorothea Tanning, Natasha Allegri, Pierre Bonnard, and James Jean.

'Dribble Dave'

4. I love to know an artist’s process. How does the process work for you? Do
you start with a pencil sketch? Do you have images you look through? How
do you decide what to paint?
I switch back and forth between pen and watercolors. I do not draw with a pencil first. I do not believe in mistakes (or erasers). My process is very forgiving. I embrace every mark. Usually I put down a light color wash of paint. This wash is abstract, and determines the mood of the piece. After that dries, I go back in with pen and sparsely construct the basic composition of the piece. The pen is very important as it is the step that makes sure my perspective and proportions are correct. I then refine large shapes and finish the bulk of the drawing with watercolor. I switch back and forth between pen and paint until I feel satisfied with the painting.

'Eye Contact

"When I’m in the suburbs, I paint tall buildings. When I’m in the city, I paint park scenes. I don’t get it either. This is not my first painting of Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia in late summer makes me smile. "Eye Contact" was painted on sight in that always sunny city of Philly, USA."

I paint what I find inspiring. Urban landscapes are my new passion. Last year, I was very into painting portraits of houses. I can't wait to see what joy next year brings. Outdoor scenes seem to be a reoccurring theme.

'Those Orange Beams'  Occupy Wall Street Painting Original Watercolor

"Color speaks louder than words. Those orange beams are quite powerful.

I'm taking in the Occupy Wall Street movement the best way I know how, through painting. While I don't always agree whole heartedly with the rest of the 99%, I acknowledge that I am one of them. If you make less than $350,000 a year, you are as well. "

5. Do you have a favorite piece?
My favorite piece is always changing. Right now I'm quite fond of 'When Honest.' It is an urban landscape of Union Square that I painted on my most recent trip to NYC. 

'When Honest' Watercolor and ink on cotton paper. 6" x 5.5" (15.2cm x 14cm)

"Union Square stole my heart. Something about this corner of New York is different. The materialism fades, the cliques meld, and eye contact is made. If I lived near NYC I would paint this park all the time. This was painted on site, looking down Broadway from the steps of Union Square."

6. What has been your most thrilling moment, thus far, in your career as an
artist?
The first time I went to the MoMA. Going to the Museum of Modern Art in New York is spiritually uplifting. It reminds me why I paint. It reminds me that I am not alone in my need to paint. Walking around the MOMA brings me almost to tears. I get sappy just thinking about it. 

Photo by Dada Gum

7. Everyone loves to see where an artist creates! Where does your work take
place?
The beautiful thing about watercolors is their portability. My paint set is always in my purse. I work on site, which leaves my home relatively without the look of a traditional art studio. It is rare that I paint at the same location twice.

'City Sketch' - Original ACEO 

 "Painting in the city is one of the more wonderful ways to spend a Wednesday. This is a small watercolor and ink sketch of a tiny corner in Philadelphia. I painted it while sitting on a park bench in one of Philly's many bustling squares. It was an overcast and breezy afternoon."

 8. Where can everyone find you? (Your blog) Where do you sell your work?
How do you market it and which avenue has been most successful?
My blog is jennifertracy.wordpress.com. I sell my work in various galleries, art center, consignment shops, and on Etsy jashme.etsy.com. I also accept commissions through social networking sites like Twitter twitter.com/jenthetracy. The Internet has enabled my success as a professional artist. I don't know what I would do without it.

9. What advice do you wish someone had given you when you began this
journey?
Charge what you are worth. Many artists, including myself, start out practically giving their work away to "get their name out there." There's no such thing as getting your name out there. People will respect and value your work more if it is priced properly. This is your passion, but it is also your job. You deserve to eat.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity to speak about my work. Your blog is beautiful. It's an honor to be featured.

Thank you, Jen!  Your work is beautiful and inspiring.  'When Honest' might just be my favorite piece, too, as New York City and Union Square are especially close to my heart.  (My daughter lives in Brooklyn and I always try to rent vacation apartments around Union Square when I visit.)  It is an honor for me that you have taken the time to share your story on my blog.