Today we’d like to introduce you to Judi Pheiffer.
Hi Judi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I guess one could say I am a “late-bloom” artist. I never really had the time to have an art practice until my husband and I retired and relocated to Encinitas about 14 years ago.
I was immediately inspired by the beautiful diversity of our natural surroundings, and the incredible light that artists have tried to capture for hundreds of years.
I started out taking adult drawing and acrylic painting classes at the local college to get some basic knowledge. After about a year of that, I was fortunate enough to find an amazing teacher and artist Carole Mayne who gave oil painting classes in her Leucadia studio. Once I switched to oils I never looked back.
I was also able to meet other like minded artists and become a part of our local art community. I joined the San Deguito Art Guild and have been displaying my art in their “Off Track Gallery” for about 6 years.
I have adopted the practice of “daily painting” and to paint ala prima directly from life, whether outdoors en plein air, setting up a still life in my home or painting outside in my flower garden. Having a daily practice has helped me grow immensely as an artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think one of the biggest struggles for me as an artist has been getting out of my own way in terms of self doubt about my work. Not having gone through the traditional path of years of schooling to study and practice art is part of that.
When I joined the art guild I certainly had very little confidence that my art was worthy of being displayed there. It was my artist friends that pushed me to give it a try.
I still remember the thrill of someone buying my first painting. Honestly even today I am always so appreciative that my work touches someone enough to want to spend their money and hang it in their home.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work primarily in oils in a “painterly” impressionist style.
My paintings are about the describing the beauty I see in everyday life with paint, brushstrokes and canvas. Whether its striving to capture the light in a landscape, seascape, still life or a child running on the beach, my hope is to connect with the viewer on an emotional level.
If I had to say what I am proud of, its that I am continually growing as an artist. Thru my practice and continued studies I see progress in my work. I am a far better painter than I was several years ago. It is a wonderful lifelong process and I am so grateful to be on this journey.
How do you think about happiness?
Happiness for me is the process of painting. Being in the moment, slowing down, breathing, aware of my surroundings, especially outdoors in nature. If it turns out to be a good painting even better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judipheifferart
