Behind the scenes with Linda Calvert-Jacobson

12th September 2012: It's our pleasure to introduce our September Artist of the Month - Linda Calvert-Jacobson's paintings are admired by clients around the world and her positive attitude is infectious! Linda is based in Texas, USA - she has built up a huge following for her exhibitions and originals.

What's your favourite design/piece of work & why?

My signature series features wildflowers. Texas is known its abundance of flowers that bloom every Spring. As a native Texan, it only seemed natural that I would make flowers my focus. I love the variety of colour and shapes that I can incorporate in my paintings. Since I use a somewhat abstract style, people from around the world can relate to my wildflowers and see something familiar and exciting when they look at my paintings.

What's been your best-selling design or piece of work to date?

My most popular paintings are often ones with strong red backgrounds. Using shades of crimson, cadmium, scarlet, maroon, vermilion and other variations adds a level of excitement and intensity to the work that seems to speak to the viewer.

 

Linda discusses her work with Hashmat Farooqi, owner of Paint Box Gallery in New York City.

Which part of the process do you like most? When I paint, I go into my studio, close the door and let the creative process take over. My most favourite time to paint in early on Sunday morning. With some quiet music in the background and the phone ringer on silent, I find a peaceful place in my soul and begin to create. It’s magical, surreal and very fulfilling.

Which part do you like the least?! Overall, I enjoy every step of the painting and creating process. The part I like the least is having to stop for the day because I’ve run out of time, or energy, or the color I need next!

What would your dream project be? When people see my work, the most frequent comment I hear is that my work is so “happy.” I would love to see my cheerful paintings decorating hospitals and other places where they can give people a reason to smile.

Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration? My biggest source of inspiration, first and foremost, is the nature around me. I’m also inspired by the artists whose work I’ve admired over the years. And, finally, I am inspired by my family: my parents who encouraged me to follow my dream as a child and young adult and are now in heart; my sisters who have always been there for me; and my husband who finds ways to encourage and assure the artist within that I’m following the right path.

Which is your favourite Art House Licensing artist & why? There are really so many wonderful artists represented by Art House Licensing that it’s difficult to name just one favourite! I will list a few. I really like Mique Moriuchi for her whimsical animals and use of color. Diana Leadbetter’s watercolour fruit are just amazing and proves that she is a master at how she handles the medium. Melissa Mailer-Yates paintings of horses are powerful images that speak to the heart of the animal lover in me.

 

Which is your favourite Yellow House Art artist & why? (www.yellowhouseart.com – our associated site selling original artworks) Again, there are too many good artists at Yellow House Art to single out just one. I love ceramics so I will mention a couple of artists whose work speaks to me. First, Jane Muir’s expressive stoneware women are wonderful examples of how clay can be manipulated into something with personality. I’m also taken by Ken Eardleys’ bowls and mugs and his choice for decorations. They are simple yet elegant and, again, full of personality.

 

Do you have your own work at home? My husband and I have a personal collection of my work from over the years. It’s a way for me to reflect on where I’ve been, evaluate where I’m at, and consider the future. We have also began collecting a few works by others, mostly emerging artists. We follow the rule of collecting what we like, looking at it as an enhancement for our home and our lives and not an investment. 

When designing your studio, what was the most important factor? For my studio, a secluded and peaceful environment is essential for my allowing my creative juices to flow.

What's been your biggest mistake/cock-up?! I don’t really feel that there’s been a “biggest mistake” in my life, professionally or personally. I believe that there is a lesson to be learned in every experience, whether it was a good experience or a bad one. I think of myself as a “work in progress,” always learning, always growing, and, hopefully, becoming a better person along the way.

What's on your drawing-board/ in your kiln / on your easel / etc. right now? I’ve been experimenting with some different colour palettes and compositions and will continue to explore ways to evolve my wildflower series.

What is the last book you read? Marks out of 10? I don't find much time to read for pleasure, other than essays in the New York Times. But I do try to work in a book now and then. One of the last books I read was "Ahab's Wife" by Sena Jeter Naslund. The novel was inspired by a passage from Moby Dick regarding the wife of Captain Ahab. I give it a 10.

What is the last exhibition you went to? Marks out of 10? Texas was fortunate to have an exhibit of glass by the Seattle artist Dale Chihuly staged at the San Antonio Museum of Art and I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to see it. I just love the colors, shapes and forms that the glass takes on. Again, I would give it a 10!

If you could own a masterpiece, what would it be? I would love to own a Kandinsky or a Cézanne. They are two of my favourite artists.

What’s your proudest achievement? I take great pride in sharing my art with the public. When someone buys an original painting or a product with my one of my designs, I am honoured and humbled that it move them to make that purchase and that they loved it enough to make it a part of their lives.

What’s been your biggest challenge? Even with the Internet and all the technological advances, there’s still a challenge in getting exposure and finding ways for people to really see the work and its potential.

What’s the main advantage/your favourite aspect about working with Art House Licensing? I love that Art House Licensing is giving me the opportunity to show my wildflowers to the world, and giving companies the chance to add my designs to their lines.

 

 Thanks Linda, we love the vibrancy and vitality in your work and have enjoyed hearing more about your inspirations and motivations behind your wildflower paintings!