Section: In Conversation
I can't rule out loving any subject I get to paint, because only in looking at something or someone with the intention of 'getting a likeness' so you really SEE. Then you fall in love with it. Each artistic opportunity is a gift to be with a tiny portion of God's creation and interpret it in a new way.
In Conversation With Artist Carole Mayne ~
By Dawn G. Prince
A
rtist Carole Mayne's recent trip to Italy is just a part of her love affair with painting in the open air. The term Plein_Air started in the 1800's as artists wanted to move away from the predomintely religious and portrait painting. They turned to nature for inspiration believing that painting outdoors was painting from life and a more realistic way of capturing the world in its natural state. Mayne, 57 has been painting since she was a teenager, and in 1991 she turned to painting outdoors. Her soft, yet colorful paintings have taken her to Italy many times and has won her several awards. Married since she was 18, she also paints around California where she resides. We talked to her about her art, passion and spirit.
This method of painting seems to be about trusting your own eyes and awakening or conveying your own truth, would you agree?
Yes, you have to think pretty quick outside, as everything is changing and you are aware that you better use your first impressions to grab an interpretation as you feel it, because your feelings are your truth. Someone else's feelings are their truth.
Plein air painting is the only way to get 'live' landscape information. Studio painting cannot give it. You bring the outdoor studies to the studio, and vice-versa.
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| cappuccino-matina |
I read somewhere that Plein-air painting is about "capturing the light and colors of a particular place." You went to Italy
to paint this summer, I can't begin to imagine the light and colors, what was that experience like, as this place seems to
hold something other-worldly for you?
The great thing about Italy is the vast panorama of history right there for everyone to enjoy. No one wants to put a subdivision over a vineyard, or bulldoze a beautiful old stone building, even if it's useless and decomposing, because it's still beautiful. The treasures of 2000 years of artistry are overwhelming and there is nothing to compare with that in California! Then there are fields of red poppies in late spring that make me jump for joy! Then there is the jewel-box of Venice! And lucious grapes at harvest and golden olive oil. And Assisi, a city of pink stone where millions of pilgrims come for St. Francis and peace. And hundreds of shades of green that have been cultivated and are sacred to the whole existance of Italians. When you eat in Italy, you are eating the light, rain, sweat and tradition.
Your glass and tile works are absolutely stunning - they also seem time consuming, and a steady hand and a great attention to
detail is needed, is it more involved than say regular oil painting?
No, you either are a detail 'nut' or you're not. I retouched portrait negatives for 25 years with a 000 paintbrush where the heads were the size of your thumbnail. There is 'precision', and there is 'finess'. Now, I'm less interested in precision. I am more interested in showing my heart than my head.
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| Hand-painted tile mural |
Which one is closer to your heart?
Oil paintings that are filled with light, juicy brushstrokes and color are where I get my greatest joy.
I can't rule out loving any subject I get to paint, because only in looking at something or someone with the intention of 'getting a likeness' so you really SEE. Then you fall in love with it. Each artistic opportunity is a gift to be with a tiny portion of God's creation and interpret it in a new way.
I know you've had some wonderful teachers, but training on techniques aside, artists tend to have a recognizable style all of
their own, what would you say is your style, and is it always evolving?
My style tends to be accurate, soft, and 'colorful and/or have a sense of place.' Most artists want to expand, no matter what the outcome. I hope for the remaining of my life to become more decisive, bold, and freer in every way imaginable.
You have taught people how to paint, can anybody learn to paint well, or does it have to be a innate gift that you are born with?
I tell all my students, 'If you wanted to learn to play the piano and practiced once a year, you would not be very good, if you played once a month you would still not be good!' It takes a lot of practice to get the rules of any new skill. And art, like any other discipline is ultimately about DESIRE. How much do you want it?? Talent is an initial direction, that I believe everyone possesses.
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| Mission San Juan Capistrano |
Besides the obvious appreciation of something beautiful to look at, what do you think art gives to the world? I mean what
would the world be like without the Degas', Monet's and Carole Mayne's?
I just returned from the Louvre, and those great works move people, even if it's unconsciously. They make you think higher thoughts, deal with moral dilemas, and learn from the past. They recorded great leaders, religious stories, the most nobel of man's qualities, lovingkindness, and the honor of brotherhood of this planet. My paintings are my own love notes to God in thankfulness. I guess art is like music, not everyone makes it, but everbody can sing along and enjoy.
What can your paintings tell people about you?
I am not so important, just as the flute is there to pass the music through, I'm just glad to hold the brush and mix the paint.
You said that you'd like to paint with passion and intention. I am big on women finding their passions, and living passionate
lives as somehow it's all connected to our purpose, what does art and having this kind of passion do for your spirit?
I feel deeply blessed that my passion is my work. It makes a challenge of creating art turn into faith-- like, 'if you build it, they will come' I have no idea where my work will end up, I just have to keep painting and trust the Universe will find some walls to hang it on! Most of all that passion has been tempered with my wanting to be a balanced person. I want to feel complete all along the journey. There is no later-time when I'll be fulfilled, if not now, when? Awareness in more moments is my goal. Painting is a joyful part of life where I can connect my spirit with Spirit. That's my passion.
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