We are so excited to be featuring April Cole front and center this month, in the spotlight where she belongs!
You will love reading more about what this amazing gal has to share! Here are her answers to our Spotlight Artist questions.
1. Name and state (city or region if desired) -
I am currently living on Whidbey Island, nestled deep within the forest. Tho my heart belongs to "SUNNY" Southern California where I grew up. After college, I've spent most my art career teaching, as an Art Instructor. Teaching throughout the Los Angeles School Discrict, Private Schools, Neighborhood Charter Programs, Religious Educationl Programs and at Local Art Community Centers.Students ranging from K-12 grade level, were given the basic concepts of art. My curriculum consisted of The Seven Elements of Art and The Priniciples of Design. To this day, I hold strong to the belief, that each creator of their craft utilizes at least one of these elements when it comes art.
2. What kinds of art do you do? What medium or craft did you start with?
Mixed media.
I enjoy it all. I don't try to limit myself to just one style, product, or technique. I try to be open minded, have the wiliness to explore, except improvement as a learning tool, and have a strong passion towards the skill- this allows for achievement or simply having fun! I took up an interest with ART by drawing, crafting, and hand-sewing at a very young age. It stuck to my soul, has been my best friend when I've needed company, and I carry it along with me everywhere I go. ART and I have a very long history together, my companion for life. Both intellectually and spiritually.
3. You are packing an art travel bag with your Top Five go-to items. Tell us what you choose.
Moleskine journal
Durwent watercolor pencils
Several stamps & ink pad
Water-fill paintbrush
Charcoal pencil
My pages in my journals are usually prepped with paint, stencils designs, or pasted collage elements... Ready to go!!
4. What is your latest product discovery?
It isn't really a product discovery, My latest discovery is realizing how much I enjoy cutting out my own stencil patterns.
5. Tell us about your work space.
My art studio is literally wall to wall with everything that inspires me. I don't think there is an inch of space that doesn't serve a purpose, hold order to art supplies, or give sentimental meaning to me.
6. What is one thing you MUST have when you create? (drink, snack, music, lighting, etc)
Natural lighting, painter's paper roll, and a few rags for spills. Things can get messy and I choose never to worry about the mess during the process of creating.
7. What do you wish you were better at?
Disciplining myself to stick to the task at hand. I will literally have anywhere between 4 to 6 art projects going at the same time. Each has their own little station, draft/project tutorial, a supply list, and due date.
8. What color(s) are you loving right now?
Colors that I am drawn towards are neon pink, turquoise, golden yellow and black- (which we all know is not a color to the color spectrum of art)
9. What is your favorite pen?
My go to pen is the uni-ball signo retractable pen (black)
10. Photograph your favorite pair of shoes.
Boots!! Got to have my boots. I will wear them year around. Do or die... Battle to the end. I will admit, sometimes the sun will win and that is allowed.
We want you to read even more about this talented artist, so head over to her blog HERE where you can find all sorts of inspiration and artsy stuff!
