Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrilynn Dubreuil
Hi Terrilynn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first watercolor painting was on lined composition paper. Created when I was 6 years old. I came across it when I cleaning out my parents’ home after their passing. It is a painting of our house on the lake, from the lake view, with shadows and reflections in the water. Looking at it objectively, I’m impressed with the ability of the child.
We had no art teachers in school growing up until high school .. and then it happened to be my mother who made inroads to be the teacher. Any other “art activity” was just a classroom teacher giving us fun stuff to do with crafts. My mother had a BA in Biology but when I was about 10 she decided to get into art. Through osmosis of her learning and painting, the instructional and history books she had is how I learned the most about art.
It wasn’t until my Junior year at University that I decided to major in Fine Arts. Then I took every course I could fit into my schedule and would be at the Art Academy studio until midnight and sometimes 3am. Drawing, oil painting, watercolor, sculpture, printmaking, design, and history. I loved and absorbed it all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obstacles, of course! But my struggles were more like road blocks or speed bumps. Things that would stop me temporarily, make me turn aside, or hold me back a bit until I could find my path through or over them. Things like having a “normal” paying job, starting a family, my husband getting headaches from the solvents, etc. Bump, bump, bump … so my chances to create happened by fits and starts. But I persevered. I thought that if I could do ANYTHING, any little creative act, with my art, regardless of impediments, I was continuing. THAT was the important thing.
I had seen too many of my university artist friends hit similar road blocks and just stop creating. Never to start again. I was determined that that would NOT happen to me. However little time I had to create, I was at the very least creating something!
This spring 2024 I was awarded the Master Circle for the International Association of Pastel Societies. I’m finally beginning to get the feeling that the successes in my journey are not just “flukes” anymore. The bumps and turns have been worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When young, I wanted to be a sculptor. I think naturally in three dimensions, spatially, and I love creating or viewing a sculpture that works well from every angle. But one needs a big studio plus I thought “it’s so hard to market 2 dimensional work that how on earth would I market 3 dimensional pieces?” So I focused on oil painting. Eventually, a road block, when my husband got headaches, and I had to move on. I went to watercolor and soft pastel … media that was quick and easy to pick up, to use, clean, and put away, especially helpful when I had small children.
Just a few short years ago I was painting in France one day and realized “Pastels make me happy!” Back in the States I joined a pastel society whose members introduced me to sanded surfaces and a variety of soft pastels! EPIPHANY! The immediacy of the medium and the versatility it offers has opened so many exciting avenues of expression. In a short time, within the supportive soft pastel community, I have grown to become an internationally known artist, teacher and award winning painter.
My most recent paintings have been filed with deep inner emotions. I am presently working through a series that helps me process the death of my Mother. She was my first mentor, art teacher, and greatest supporter. I’ve had many other artists tell me, often near tears, how much those paintings have touched them so personally.
What matters most to you? Why?
My daughters and grandchildren are what matters the most to me. I drive over 1000 miles every 2-3 months to see one family and then the other. I often use my grandchildren as muses for my paintings. Again, I think the connection helps infuse the paintings with greater emotion.
Next, my friends, artist colleagues, and students are vital to my life.
Finally, travel. I find such great inspiration in discovering and exploring new places. I love Nature and Life. It is my most focused intent to live my life to its fullest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TravelingArtista.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TravelingArtista_Art
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TerrilynnDubreuil.TravelingArtista
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@TravelingArtista
Image Credits
Terrilynn Dubreuil
Rosalie Barden
Eliana Tarbox