Cathy Fontechia creates representational art that concentrates on space and the abstract flow of line.
Join us as we have…
A conversation with Cathy Fontechia
“Quiet
Corner”
How long have you created art?
I have been
drawing and painting since the age of 5, when I was taught how to print my name.
Actually I thought learning how to write was a form of drawing and just kept
going from there, drawing and copying everything I could see. My studies were
not formal but I did attend the Art Institute of Chicago with a student
scholarship from my grade school and earned yearly renewals for several years,
attended many work shops and read many books.
What
motivates you to create?
The way form occupies the
space it is in. I love the abstract flow of the lines more than the true realism
of the subject. I create art to express a feeling of movement or to express a
mood and sometimes to express an opinion that I feel strongly about. It's like
something that I have to do. This in return gives me great pleasure when it is
accepted by those who view it. When starting a rendering I am very much aware of
what I want it to do when viewed.
“Never
in God’s Name”
You work in 2 dimensional art as well as 3 dimensional art. What drives you to both forms?
Both 2D and 3D are means of expression. Line is the most important means of interpreting in any medium followed by color and together they are very powerful, it can also be understood in any language. I take advantage of this in whatever form of artwork I am working. Sculpting aids drawing and drawing aids sculpting, as simple as that. (Now all I need are longer days).
You work many projects at the same time. Does this cause problems?
Keeping up many projects only means that one subject can be interpreted in many forms. No problem, when working a subject in several mediums at the same time each one enhances the other. Try it, you'll like.
Note that each subject needs it's very own interpretation; therefore it also needs its own form. Most of my work, in any medium, leans toward abstraction to some extent.
“Canopy
of Oaks”
Why did you start working with oil pastels?
Oil pastels
were a choice for the working person who did not want all of the set up and
clean up time it took to work with oil paints and what a great choice it was. I
fell in love with the numerous ways oil pastels could be used and manipulated.
Who inspires you?
At this point
in time I am inspired by Harley Brown. He uses soft pastel but his work is
great and his books are excellent. Helen VanWyk was my inspiration when painting
in
oils. I'm afraid no one will take Harley's place for quite a while.
“French
Window Shadows II”
Your paintings have a lot of detail, how long does a painting typically take you?
I have never thought of
my paintings as being detailed, amazing. You threw me with that one. Time is
not one of my most important goals. I work on painting and work on a
sculpture on and off for weeks. This gives me a fresh eye each time I go back to
the drawing board. I never use realism because I want a subject to be a
painting not a photo or mirrored image. (Cameras can do that).
What techniques do you prefer to use in Oil Pastel?
For techniques, I use
-wash for underpaintings, then apply pastel or
-wet the support and apply pastel, or
-apply pastel then use brush with mineral spirits or
-wet the pastel stick and apply heavy amounts to look like an oil painting.
I use mineral spirits for all of these and the painting itself determines which method to use.
Blend a lot, don't blend a lot, use heavy, don't use heavy, subject is once again the deciding factor.
“Silver
Pitcher & Roses”
I use Holbein Pastels mostly, colors are the same as traditional oil paints. Excellent coverage and not too oily. I use the less expensive of the Holbein brand for washes and underpaintings.
Mi-Teintes
paper by Canson and Wallis sanded paper are the only surface supports I
use. Mi-Teintes can be wet and not warp. Wallis holds a lot of pastel and is
great for
Heavy pastel use, not so for light work. Color and texture are very
important. I never work on white, always wash it with color first.
What is your advice for someone starting with oil pastels?
This is my opening for recommending demonstrations and workshops.
Most Important: Learn what the medium can do before starting a serious rendering. Oil pastel is very versatile. Get to know it first.
“Tranquility”