March 2008

SUE MILLER

www.suemillerart.com

What are your main influences for your style of art? What is the best way to describe your style?
The main influence for my artwork was my father Tony Pacheco who was a professional artist, musician and teacher. Being raised by him brought a lot of magic and mystery into everyday life. His work can be viewed on my web site www.suemillerart.com

Why did you decide on this particular style of art?
The best way to describe my art style is probably whimsical Americana fantasy art.

Do you have a favorite artist whose work inspires you or has influenced your art in any way?  How do they influence your art?
I have many favorite artists that I have enjoyed looking at thru the years and my Father of course is probably my favorite. . .
Also have enjoyed Amy Browns artwork and also Cecily Mary Barker, Brian Froud , Maxine Gad, Josephine Wall, Jessica Galbreth,
Myrea Pettit, Harrison Fisher, Norman Rockwell, Mary Engelbreit, Walt Disney, Arthur Rackham, Sherri Baldi. But most recently I have fallen in love with the brilliant artwork of Sheila Wolk. She is probably my very favorite artist alive today. Her amazing mural size artwork done in  chalk pastels has shocked my eyes. I can’t believe how wonderfully talented she is. Plus I have gotten to know her and her spirit and personality are ever so charming and fun. She is a true master and I feel one day she will go down as one of Americas finest artist. Her work it truly brilliant.

As an artist do you ever have an uncreative moment? If so what do you do to get that spark back?
I think all artists go thru times when they get a creative block. I find if I just try to start anything new it helps. If I wait too long in between paintings it’s harder to start up. So I try to finish a piece then start up a new painting right away. Creativity is like a well. If you keep taking water from a well it eventually runs dry and you have to wait for the well to fill back up again. It’s normal. During those times I find that it helps if I go to book stores and study art and new paintings and books that might be out. I cut out anything interesting from magazines that might inspire something new. I have thousands of art reference books in my art room. So I find if I spend time looking at them I get very inspired.

How much time do you usually invest into a drawing or animation, from the time you get an idea, research it, sketch it, tweak it, and color it, and/or animate it?
I try to spend a lot of time on the drawing of my artwork. I feel it is very important to start with a good sketch. Usually if there is a good drawing the painting will come out better. I always use lots of reference. I use models and props. I’m very grateful because I have been able to use many of my beautiful art students for my models thru the years. Plus I have two beautiful nieces that I have used for models.

What kind of routine do you have when you draw? What kind of schedule do you have if you have any?
When I am ready to work I make sure my art room is organized. I have all my supplies right there next to me so I don’t have to stop in the middle of my working time to hunt for something. It breaks the moment up if I have to do that. So I get everything all lined up and I light a scented candle and put on usually mellow music. I even sharpen a batch of pencils so I don’t have to go back and forth with that. I have a drink of coffee or water next to me.

When you draw, what do you do to concentrate on your work and inspire your style? For example: some people listen to music, other people draw in the park, some people head down to a coffee shop, etc.
I pretty much have a drawing or painting project going all the time. My life is my hubby my doggie…my family/friends and our home and my painting and teaching.  Our house is a very creative house. My husband is a professional musician. He is always writing music, composing and recording here.  Our house has been quoted by New Jersey's largest newspaper as  “THE HOUSE OF ART AND MUSIC.”

Does your art have spiritual messages to them? How does faith influence your work?
Yes I do believe my work has spiritual messages in it. I always like to paint art that makes people enjoy their stay while they are viewing it.
I like to make people feel good and also send messages of hope and faith.

What would you say is the most interesting thing about you that people might not know about?
The most interesting thing about me that folks might not know about is that I really love people and enjoy and cherish good honest friendships.

What are some of the craziest things you have painted on?
Probably one of the craziest things I have painted don are wine bottles

If you were not creating art or teaching art what else would you be doing now?
I can’t image on doing anything other then my painting or teaching. However I do love gardening and decorating and cooking.

If there is one memorable moment in your career that you are waiting for so you can say that you are fully satisfied with how everything has gone, what is that moment?
Right now my husband and I are working on a book together. I think when that book finally comes out it will bring both of us a special satisfaction

How would you like people to view your work?
I would always hope people would view my work with great respect. My work is what I have chosen to do with my life. I have always tried to stay very focused on it.

What do want to achieve with your work? (World domination, best artist ever, more money than you know what to do with, etc.)?
I don’t really know what I want to achieve with my work. The actual painting process and the joy I get from my painting is truly a huge reward. I am probably the happiest when I am working on a painting. It’s a place that I go to escape life. I guess having the money to live comfortably and maybe help out folks that don’t have money and need assistance.

What do your friends and loved ones think of your art?
My friends and loved ones have always loved my work and have encouraged me thru the years.

Who is your harshest critic?
My dad was probably my harshest critic. But it was always constructive criticisms…and I really welcomed that because it’s how you learn.

What pets do you have and do they factor into your art?
I have a wonderful female doggie and her name is Autumn. She always sits right by my side when I paint.

If you were to re-do anything in your art career what would you change?
Don’t think I would redo anything in my art career. Everything has been a learning experience.

Please tell us some things that you wish you could accomplish yet with your career?
I look very forward to my husbands and my book to be completed. We work on it all the time during the every week. It’s a long progress but I do think it will be very rewarding.
Plus I hope to get more of my work out there to the world. I would love to get many more great licensing deals and exposure. I hope to be able to continue to paint for the rest of my life. Plus I do enjoy my inspiring art students.

Princess Butterfly (2008)

A Brush with Nature

Mother Nature 2

Nixie

Thunder