Artist Angela Fehr - AIC Interview

Canadian watercolor artist Angela Fehr is an art instructor and teaches art online and locally in British Columbia.
"I’ve created art since I was very young. Most teens reach a stage where they grow very self-critical, and it’s then that they will either quit creating, or push harder to find solutions. My dissatisfaction with my artistic ability as a teen drove me to my first watercolour class, and from there my passion for watercolour was born".

Question:
When did you realize you had the need to create and develop your skills?
Answer:
I’ve created art since I was very young. Most teens reach a stage where they grow very self-critical, and it’s then that they will either quit creating, or push harder to find solutions. My dissatisfaction with my artistic ability as a teen drove me to my first watercolour class, and from there my passion for watercolour was born.

Question:
How do you know when your art is complete?
Answer:
I never know in the moment if a painting is complete or not; watercolourists have a tendency to fuss over details, so I try to only paint as long as I feel loose & relaxed, then take breaks to refresh my insight and give me a fresh perspective on the painting. If it makes me happy, it’s done!

Question:
Where do you gather your inspiration from?
Answer:
I love painting my experiences, not the highs of euphoria, but the quiet peace of enjoying simple beauty in the Peace River region where I live in northern British Columbia, and the fulfilling abundance of time spent with family. Nature reflects personal truth in so many ways, and I love impressing senses of peace and joy into my work.

Question:
Where do you typically create art?
Answer:
My husband is a carpenter, and together we created a vintage style studio on our acreage. It’s full of creative details and was a labour of love that makes me so happy to work in!

Question:
Right now, what is your medium of choice and what is your favourite subject matter?
Answer:
I’m primarily a watercolourist, and I am inspired by painting nature, while adding my own abstract twist.

Question:
All artists at all stages of their career want to try something new, what other medium or subject matter do you see yourself experimenting with?
Answer:
I’ve been teaching art at my children’s school, and it has been so fun to experiment with different mediums with the students! My favourite recent project was block printing, and I find mono-printing so fascinatingly creative.

Question:
Continuing education, do you partake and if so what did you learn?
Answer:
I rarely have time to take classes, but when I do, I look for watercolour masters whose style is different than mine. It’s always exciting to try something new!

Question:
Have you ever taught a class or done an artist talk? If so, what did you talk about or teach? Can people sign up for your workshops and how?
Answer:
I teach full time via my online classes at https://learn.angelafehr.com It’s important to me to help students stay encouraged as they learn to manage watercolour, so a big part of my message to is to trust the process and know that every painting session is making you a better painter. I’m excited to be teaching in Ireland at a dream destination workshop in September 2018.

Question:
Have you ever painted en plein air? What was the biggest hurdle for you? Environmental challenges, wildlife, people, weather?
Answer:
I enjoy painting en plein air, but in the north the weather doesn’t always cooperate. It’s definitely harder, as there are many more distractions, but the lessons learned are invaluable.

Question:
Do you do commissions? If so, what is your process?
Answer:
No, commissions are not something I offer.

Question:
What is your favourite art related quote?
Answer:
Vincent Van Gogh - There is nothing more artistic than to love people. I love that teaching gives me the opportunity to engage with and love people, creating community and it just makes my love of painting come full circle.

Question:
Do you have a favourite artist and what do you like about their art? Have you ever met them?
Answer:
Jean Haines is a watercolourist from the UK. Her loose style is brimful with a passion for watercolour, and gorgeous looseness. She really trusts her viewers to see the beauty in art that some might consider “messy” or “unfinished.” I was able to take a workshop with Jean in 2016 which was delightful.

Question:
Did they inspire you to pursue a career as a professional artist?
Answer:
I was already pursuing art professionally, but when I discovered her about 5 years ago, it marked a turning point in my art. Through Jean’s work, I realized it was okay to paint solely to please myself, to pour into my art my love for watercolour and trust my audience to understand and love the result.

Question:
What is most challenging to you when starting a new project?
Answer:
There’s always a fear of the unknown, not being sure I know what I’m doing. But lately, that fear is far overshadowed by the thrill of not knowing what is going to happen, but trusting it will be magical!

Question:
What advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Answer:
Take time to learn. Relax into the process of growing your skills. In growing your career, it’s like climbing a mountain. Take one step at a time, do a little every day, and be patient. You will see results, even if you can’t see the top of the mountain from where you are standing.

Question:
What keeps you going forward with your art in this very competitive industry?
Answer:
The fact that I’ve gotten this far already. I had no idea that I would be able to be a full time artist when I started, and to see how much I have achieved, simply by setting small goals and working toward them is a huge motivator as I set new goals and keep moving forward.

Question:
In your studio, right now, what is your most important tool that you would be lost without?
Answer:
My camera, my palette full of paint, my favourite watercolour papers. My favourite brush.

Question:
What is your favourite piece of work you have created, thus far?
Answer:
Today it’s a river landscape that holds sentimental meaning; it’s a hill near my grandparents’ home that has been the route of many family outings. Tomorrow it might be something newly created that gives me a special thrill.

Question:
What is the most well received piece of art you have created?
Answer:
My “Silver Valley Sentinel” watercolour is a portrait of a frosty aspen tree, also from near my grandparents’ home. It received People’s Choice when I exhibited it with the Peace River Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists last year.

Question:
Do you have a favourite gallery or museum that you visit?
Answer:
I have to mention the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, here in my hometown of Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The Gallery has supported me, shown my work, and cheered me on for over 20 years. Housed in a retired grain elevator, it’s a landmark building and a beautiful place to exhibit art.