Since Judy is a dear friend this interview should be a little easier for Cindy to do...  We hope to show some of the wonderful qualities that Judy has as a person and the awesome talent she has as an Artist.

1. Judy can you tell us how long you have been doing art and if young what made you think of becoming an artist?

I've always been doing art.  They say I was born with a paintbrush in my mouth!  It's just something I've always loved to do.

2. Judy can you tell us who it is the inspires your work if any and who are your heroes in the painting and art industry?

 I have always been inspired by great Artists throughout history, and regard them as my teachers.  Some of my favorites are those of the Italian Renaissance, the Pre- Raphaelites (I like John W. Waterhouse the most), and the Hudson River School of Landscape Painters.  Maxfield Parrish is my favorite illustrator, and I feel that Sir Joseph Noel Paton is one of the greatest Fairy Artists.  In my small way, I also enjoy continuing in the tradition of Beatrix Potter with her little animal people, and Cicely M. Barker with her lovely Flower Fairies. There are many artists of today who are my heroes.  There are too many to list here, but many are an inspiration to me.

3. Judy can you tell us what is your medium and where you get the subject matter for your art?

Mediums

My first mediums were, understandably crayons, which I loved to eat as well as draw with.  I developed then a very good technique with pencil drawing, which I feel has been an excellent foundation to the Art of Painting.  I enjoyed using pastels and charcoals a lot, but found them a bit messy.  I did enjoy blending them, and developed that blending technique in my painting methods.    I enjoyed watercolors, but since I make so many mistakes, I was delighted to discover acrylic paints, with which I could paint like watercolors, or oils.

  "CHERRY BLOSSOM FAIRY"

4. I see that you use a lot of animals.  Can you tell me why that animals play a big roll in your paintings?

 Animals seem very innocent and spiritual to me.   I know, realistically that nature is "red in tooth and claw".  But animals take just what they want, and do much with just the bare necessities.  They are a great inspiration to me because of that.  I think they are also very beautiful physically. I use them in my art for their beauty and for symbolic purposes. 

 "BIRTH OF A ROSE"

5. Since we know that you do Fantasy Art please tell us if that is the art that you chose to do or if that is the art that you fell into for a career.  Also if you had your choice in styles of art what would you do?

Fantasy

I love the Fairy Tale quality of Fantasy.  It uplifts me and brings out the childhood imagination that I enjoy.    I tend more toward the Lightful positive side of Fantasy than the interior dark side of it.  I do enjoy the macabre; it's just that I would rather not be immersed in it myself.  It would tend to depress me.

6.  Did you go to school for art or are you self-taught?  Where did you get your talent and training?

Education

I always took art courses, every since I was little, since my parents encouraged my art talent.   I majored in Art in High School, but regret that my Art teacher never gave me a good traditional foundation.  I was taught to paint like Picasso, Braque and Cezanne, without learning how to do anatomy and perspective correctly in the beginning.  This gave me bad habits that I had difficulty in repairing. I took some courses in Art College, but never finished.  I went off on my own, and have always considered my best teachers to be the "Great Masters of the Past and Present".

7. Do you have a favorite piece of art or one that is special to you for a reason and what is the story behind that art?

One of my favorite pieces is TITANIA'S FLIGHT.  I've always loved the Shakespeare play "A Midsummer's Night Dream", with all the elves and fairies.  Queen Titania of the Fairies is a beautiful creature in that, and I enjoy painting her.  She symbolizes eternal youth and fantasy. 

"TITANIA'S FLIGHT"

8. Judy can you tell me if you had a dream in your art career what would it be and what is it that you want to accomplish with this wonderful career that you have going on.

I hope to bring my work to more people through the various licenses I am obtaining.  I would like to develop my Art to be better and better, since I'm never content with what I am doing, and would like to constantly improve.  I am continually inspired by the work of the Great Masters, and the Beauty of Nature.  I have so many ideas for paintings I want to do; I don't know how I’ll ever find time to do them all.  And understandably, it gives me great happiness to hear when my work is appreciated by others.

9. Now on a more personal note.  Can you tell us about your family a little?  If you are married, any children, brothers and sisters and parents that you feel comfortable telling us and if they are or were supportive of your career in art.

I live happily with my Soul Mate and Husband Michael, a true Renaissance man, who is a great inspiration to me. We have no children.  My parents were very supportive of my artwork, and were very proud of any accomplishments I had in my career.  They were both artists.  My mother is still living.

10.  I know that you had some other studies and teachings in your life so can you tell the public what they are and if you still do them and if so or not why?

Early influences - German Expressionists, French Impressionists, Surrealists 

My early work was a bit more morose and dark, influenced by the German Expressionists.  When I discovered the Impressionists I became lighter and brighter in my colors and style.  I still have somewhat of an Impressionistic background style, and I enjoy using Monet-type colors.  I enjoyed the Dali type symbolism and Fantasy elements, which has influenced me to this day.  And Disney fantasy, along with other children's illustration has always played a big part in my Art. 

I've taught Art, Modern Dance and Classical Ballet, and Drama to adults and children.  I also created a Community Theater Group, presenting classical literature, including Fairy Tales and Shakespeare, on stage.  At this time I have decided not to teach anymore, and to devote myself solely to my Art Work.  I always have been fascinated with the gracefulness of dancers, and often ask them to be models for my paintings.

11. Judy do you own any animals?

When I was a child living at home, we had fish, parakeets and dogs.  As a married couple we have had two adorable pet rabbits, perfect pets for vegetarians. 

12. This is another more personal one that I think other will be interested in.  Judy you are a vegetarian and I was wander if you have always been and what influenced you to become a vegetarian and what you can tell others the reason that you feel is important about that?

 I became a vegetarian as a teenager.  This was for spiritual, health and environmental reasons.  I feel good that I don't eat animals, although I do eat some dairy products.  I also keep up my B12 supplements, since you can't get enough of that vitamin being a vegetarian.  

"HEALING SPIRIT"

13. Ok Judy on to what is more about the Art Industry...  Can you tell us why your web site does not have anything for sale directly on your site?

 I don't want to spend time or money in purchasing or producing products or mailing them out to people.  I want to use my time in creating my paintings.

14.  We see that you have many companies that turn your artwork into products.  So, If other artists are reading this interview can you tell us what you look for in the company that asks you to use your art and what are your rules for saying yes and no?  How do you choose these companies or do they choose you?

I research companies and make sure they have a good reputation.  I also ask other artists who have been published by that company if this is a good company to work for. Sometimes a company will find my work on the Internet, etc., and sometimes I submit work to them myself.    

15.  Judy as young artist emerge every year can you please tell them something that will give them hope in the industry or for their career that will inspire them to succeed?

Believe in yourself to the utmost.  Never give up trying to succeed the way you want.  Do your research into what markets you want to license in. Then, keep knocking on doors. 

You have to get used to being rejected.  Don't let that get you down if it happens.  Just keep on trying.  You will eventually find a niche where your artwork will fit in.  Then you will be very glad to be appreciated for all your efforts. 

If you wish, you might also want to find an art agent to represent you.  There are also many conventions that artists go to in order to find potential clients, agents, etc.  Some of these are INATS, FAERIECON, FAERIEWORLDS, SURTEX, different Licensing, Gift and Art Expos throughout the country, etc

But understand that this must be something that you love to do.  If you enjoy doing it, you will do it well.  Do the best work you can.  Don't cut corners.  That way you will be known as an outstanding artist who puts out their best.  Good luck!

16.  Judy as a Earth Minded people are, I am going to be asking this question a lot from here on out.  As leaders in our industry can you please give the people out there your view on the Dangers being posed on the damage of the Earth and what you feel that people can do to help change it for the children to come???

All of Nature is alive to me, and I try to show this in my art work.  I try to inspire a love and appreciation of the Earth through my paintings.  I would just say to try and think of the future, and the way the Earth will be if we misuse its resources.  Don't just live in the present and have a "take all you can get now" attitude, without thinking of future generations. 

 "FAIRY SECRET"

Please visit Judy Mastrangelo’s website to see more of her artwork.

The Mystical Visions of Judy Mastrangelo