Libby Anderson - I Think the Final Product Is More Important Than What Media Is Used (Artist)

The themes that I tend to choose to work with are more organic having to do with nature. Flowers area central theme that has dominated my work. I do like portraits but not as commissions.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My father was in the U. S Air Force so my family lived in different places as I grew up. I lived in Florida, England, Maine, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The one constant in my life was definitely an art.

2. When and how did you decide to pursue art? 

I knew from an early age that I wanted to be an artist. At the time that I went to elementary school, there were no formal art classes. Usually, the classroom teacher would pull out supplies on Friday afternoon and have a lesson. I went on to take classes whenever I could and to major in art in college. I taught art in elementary schools in grades K-8 for many years.

3. What kind of themes and aesthetics do you work with?

The themes that I tend to choose to work with are more organic having to do with nature. Flowers area central theme that has dominated my work. I do like portraits but not as commissions.

4. Which mediums do you usually work with and why?

I began painting with watercolors but after many years I realized that oil painting was more suited to the way that I painted. I occasionally paint with acrylics and experiment with mixed media. I think the final product is more important than what media is used.

5. Who is your favorite artists and why?

My favorite artists are numerous but two of them are Modigliani and Bonnard. They are quite different but what ties them together is their use of color. Color is the most important aspect of painting to me.

6.What message would you give to aspiring artists?

The message I would give to aspiring artists is to keep working on finding your own style. The way to do this is to keep working every day to practice this and it will finally emerge. Relax and look for the joy and excitement of creating. It is truly a gift.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is Earthly Possessions by Anne Tyler. My favorite art book is Gary Buchovnik- Watercolors.

Libby Anderson

Interviewed By - Anshika Maurya