FEATURED ETSY SHOP - ARTISTIC ACCENTS BY DARLA

Moments in Time Original Mixed Media on Masonite

Welcome, Darla and her shop on Etsy, ARTISTIC ACCENTS. I just love the wide eyed look of Darla's angel paintings...there is something so whimsical and enchanting about them. Do be sure to visit ARTISTIC ACCENTS to see more of Darla's work.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I was divorced and for 2 years felt like I was lost and couldn't think about anything but being alone and I felt like a failure. I prayed for God to bring me something, anything to help me move forward and take my mind off the past. Then I saw Donna Dewberry on QVC and decided to order one of her kits. I ended up ordering more and eventually trained with Donna to become a certified instructor. I taught for several years and sold quite a bit of my work on Ebay and through special custom orders. It wasn't until recently that I became totally intrigued with whimsical folk art, mixed media angels and fantasy art. I'm just starting to actually design my own work (angels) and finding it so fun! It amazes me how I try to do 2 of the same faces and it never works out, yet when I try to do two different looks to my girls, I can still tell they've got very similar qualities to them. Does that make any sense?

Sweet Angel Annie Mixed Media

ORIGINAL Folkart on 16 x 20 Canvas

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I've tried them all, but like acrylics. I'm a MESSY painter and too impatient for oil painting. I like mixing different mediums the best and never knowing how a piece will turn out until it's done.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I like knowing my piece made someone smile. I'm finding out that not everyone appreciates my style at the moment, but that's ok. I'd rather create unique, one of kind pieces than try to copy the mass produced artwork that's hot at the moment at any given retail store.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Banana......my artwork seems to get sweeter as 'I' ripen with age ...ha..ha!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be, and why?

I would love to use clay and cloth and create dolls. I grew up with all brothers, and I have all sons (even male dogs), so I'd like to make sweet little girl dolls to have around.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Lately, probably due to turning 50 in a few months, I've been really interested and drawn to more spiritual artwork, and that's what I've been trying to create. The world is in such a state right now and painting sweet angels soothes me

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Paint what YOU like, and don't try to paint what you think people will like/buy. IF you love it, that's what is most important. Do what you enjoy and the other rewards and benefits will follow. Believe me, I have to repeat this to myself constantly.

Thanks for a great interview, Darla. It is always fun and interesting to hear how and why an artist creates what they do. Your paintings are delightful.

To learn more about Darla and her work, just click on the links below.

ARTISTIC ACCENTS WEB PAGE

DARLA'S BLOG