We were lucky to catch up with Galina Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Galina, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’m mostly self-taught. Learning my craft has been a slow process and I believe it’s always ongoing if you want to grow as an artist.

First, I took beginner classes in watercolor painting. I didn’t know what I wanted to paint, and alongside other students I painted everything, from landscapes to still life to portraits. I soon realized I loved painting people and needed to sharpen my drawing skills. I started taking drawing classes and attending life figure drawing sessions. I sought out workshops and classes with artists I admired and wanted to learn from and developed a habit of practicing every day.

I believe that solid drawing and painting skills are the most essential in developing my craft.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a portrait artist in Ventura, California.

I always enjoyed painting and drawing growing up but I didn’t embark on the journey of a professional artist until I experienced two other professions. I worked as a Language Specialist for the FBI in Los Angeles for eleven years. And prior to that, I worked as a Graphic Designer.

I’ve been a full-time artist for 10 years, focusing on portraiture and working in watercolor. I love the fluid, spontaneous nature of watercolor that I don’t find with other mediums like oil, acrylic or pastel. And I love painting people. When I look for a muse for my portrait, I look for a connection to that person. And as I paint, I try to capture this feeling to create a memorable experience for the viewer.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to continue sharing my passion for portraiture. I want to evoke an emotion in my painting and engage the viewer. I want to create paintings that will make art lovers notice my work and tell others about it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others through my art. It makes me happy when people can relate to my portraits and stories I hope to tell with every face I paint.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.galina-richardson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galinarichardson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalinaRichardsonArtist/

Image Credits
Personal photos.