Carla Grace - Not Knowing How to Do Something Is Not an Excuse Anymore (Artist)

I encourage every artist to fill the gaps in their knowledge and experience through research and through seeking help. Google is your most important resource. If you have a question, ask Google first. Don’t wait on other people to answer your questions and then say “but you never told me…”.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am a wildlife artist that specialises in realistic painting with acrylic. I started off doing pencil portraiture around the age of 17 for pocket money. However, with a background growing up in Africa, I was always drawn to wildlife, and so decided to brand Carla Grace Art as a wildlife original art business.

My journey as an artist started when I dropped out of art school at 23 and moved to Australia. I had never considered making a career out of my talent because being an artist is not usually considered a wise career choice. So my transition into becoming a full time artist was slow and happened over the course of 3-4 years.

2. What inspired you to become a painter?

My inspiration to become a painter rather than sticking with pencil mediums came about when I felt like I needed more of a challenge in what I did. Painting opened up a lot more options in terms of size and price point. I transitioned into painting with acrylic and oils in 2016.

3. What fascinates you about wildlife?

Everything fascinates me about wildlife. Having grown up in Africa, I was able to experience wild animals in a very real way, and so have a deep love and understanding for them in a way most people don’t. I am drawn to representing them in the most honest way possible, which is why I paint realistically.

4. You identify yourself as a self taught artist, can you please elaborate more?

Self taught is a tricky term to use to describe my training because I have been to art school. However, the art that I did while at art school ended up in the bin. I can honestly say that I learned nothing there about how to paint or draw. Everything I know how to do I have taught myself.

So in that regard, I would consider myself a self-taught artist. I am aware though that everything I have taught myself has been through the observation of others, reading books and watching youtube tutorials. So in this sense, I am not self-taught because I have gained my experience from everything around me. Basically, I have had no formal training.

5. How do you balance between your professional and your personal life, being a mother?

Pursuing balance between working and being a mum is something I have learned to let go of. As the child grows and needs change so does the demand on my day, and so I soon figured out that in order for me to continue working while being a mum, I had to let go of trying to control the day. I chose instead to focus on keeping a positive mind and hear attitude towards the clash between my daily ambitions and what I could realistically get done.

I included Emily in everything I did throughout the day, rather than trying to fit what I wanted to do around Emily, I fit her into what I was already doing. This meant she learned very early on that "mum is working, and I can be part of it”. She paints with me, or plays on the floor.

She is always excited when I am in the studio and loves to watch or help with whatever I am doing. I get more work done when she is asleep obviously, but I am not bent out of shape when I have to slow down to teach her about what I am doing so that she can join in.

6. Which painter do you admire the most and what is your favorite artwork by that painter?

When it comes to wildlife art, the first artist I think about is Robert Bateman and his Bison. But if I’m honest, I am more inspired by the work of CJ Hendry, not because she is a painter (she isn’) but because she has an incredible business mind and approach to her work and brand. She is a big thinker and has gamed the game when it comes to selling and collecting art.

7.What would you advise to upcoming painters?

My advice would be to be clever about your business, and not to wait on other people to discover you in order to make your success. The “big break” stories that everyone hears about is not reality. If business is not your strong point, then seek business advice. Not knowing how to do something is not an excuse anymore.

Be proactive. It may take years to get yourself to a place where you start to see results, but as long as you are actively pursuing what you need to know to make it happen, then you are in control and your success is up to you.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

To be honest, I am not a reader, and have never really been into using books for anything other than decorating a bookshelf. I can’t say I have a favourite book, although I really like the “name of the wind” series by Patrick Rothfus which I have listened to on Audible.