Artyczar
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Hello! It's time for February's Spotlight!
This month we are very excited to present our very own Dennis Perry who you may know simply as "Perry." Who knew Perry was his last name? I sure didn't. But now, see? Now I know just a little more about Dennis already. And you will too by reading our ten-question interview with this most talented artist.
We've asked Dennis to include five images of his favorite works, or ones that best represents him as an artist. Lately, I have seen some very compelling new abstract paintings of his in the Contemporary and Abstract Forum that you might also want to check out.
Well, okay, without further adieu, (or is it "ado?"), let's get to it...
1. Where are you from?
I presently live in Centerville Pa, a rural area about 45 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. I grew up near Oakdale Pa, a small town south of Pittsburgh. It was in the country and our home was across the road from a small farm. It was a great place to spend my childhood.
2. How long have you been creating art?
I went to commercial art school in 1972 so it has been about 50 years. There were breaks from art during that time especially when our children were young and since art was not my profession I could not dedicate as much time to it as I would have liked. I worked in a commercial art studio for 3 years after graduating art school, but I didn't pay enough so I went into engineering as a draftsman.
(Fog, 8"x10" gouache on paper.)
3. What is your main media?
I would have to say soft pastel although I haven't done pastels for a while. I think I have done my best work in pastel. Right now, I'm working in acrylic, and I am having some luck with it.
(Tools, 8"x10" soft pastel on paper.)
4. Who are your artistic influences?
Early on I was influenced by Norman Rockwell. I really loved his illustrations for publications. Later on, Cézanne and Vermeer. More recently it would be Morandi.
(Plane, 16"x20" soft pastel on paper.)
5. What style of art do you like to create?
Right now, I'm enjoying my attempts at abstract. I still like doing representational and I will probably return to it, but you never know, that's what keeps it interesting for me.
(Snow, 18"x26" soft pastel on paper.)
6. How is art important to you?
It's important to me for a number of reasons. It's a challenge and at my age, I'm not ready for the rocking chair and just doing things that are easy is not what I need. It is also enjoyable because you never know what surprises you will run into. Since I'm retired now, I need that sense of accomplishment in my life.
7. Outside of art, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy fishing, golfing, archery, muzzleloader shooting, and bow building. The bow building is kind of an art also. The bows I build are called selfbows. They are made just like the native Americans made them, from one piece of wood.
(Woods, 8"x10" oil on canvas.)
8. What has been your most satisfying accomplishment (art or otherwise)?
I think it would be doing the best I could for my family.
9. If you could give some piece of advice to a new artist starting out, what would it be?
Be patient and don't be too hard on yourself.
10. Do you have a website, and/or social media platforms you would like to promote?
I don't have a website.
(Bonus Question): Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to add that going to art school was my introduction to creating art and it was very helpful to me. School is not necessary to become successful of course but if you are just starting out, I think it is something to consider.
Also, thank you Arty for giving me this opportunity and thanks for this website.
This month we are very excited to present our very own Dennis Perry who you may know simply as "Perry." Who knew Perry was his last name? I sure didn't. But now, see? Now I know just a little more about Dennis already. And you will too by reading our ten-question interview with this most talented artist.
We've asked Dennis to include five images of his favorite works, or ones that best represents him as an artist. Lately, I have seen some very compelling new abstract paintings of his in the Contemporary and Abstract Forum that you might also want to check out.
Well, okay, without further adieu, (or is it "ado?"), let's get to it...
1. Where are you from?
I presently live in Centerville Pa, a rural area about 45 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. I grew up near Oakdale Pa, a small town south of Pittsburgh. It was in the country and our home was across the road from a small farm. It was a great place to spend my childhood.
2. How long have you been creating art?
I went to commercial art school in 1972 so it has been about 50 years. There were breaks from art during that time especially when our children were young and since art was not my profession I could not dedicate as much time to it as I would have liked. I worked in a commercial art studio for 3 years after graduating art school, but I didn't pay enough so I went into engineering as a draftsman.
(Fog, 8"x10" gouache on paper.)
3. What is your main media?
I would have to say soft pastel although I haven't done pastels for a while. I think I have done my best work in pastel. Right now, I'm working in acrylic, and I am having some luck with it.
(Tools, 8"x10" soft pastel on paper.)
4. Who are your artistic influences?
Early on I was influenced by Norman Rockwell. I really loved his illustrations for publications. Later on, Cézanne and Vermeer. More recently it would be Morandi.
(Plane, 16"x20" soft pastel on paper.)
5. What style of art do you like to create?
Right now, I'm enjoying my attempts at abstract. I still like doing representational and I will probably return to it, but you never know, that's what keeps it interesting for me.
(Snow, 18"x26" soft pastel on paper.)
6. How is art important to you?
It's important to me for a number of reasons. It's a challenge and at my age, I'm not ready for the rocking chair and just doing things that are easy is not what I need. It is also enjoyable because you never know what surprises you will run into. Since I'm retired now, I need that sense of accomplishment in my life.
7. Outside of art, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy fishing, golfing, archery, muzzleloader shooting, and bow building. The bow building is kind of an art also. The bows I build are called selfbows. They are made just like the native Americans made them, from one piece of wood.
(Woods, 8"x10" oil on canvas.)
8. What has been your most satisfying accomplishment (art or otherwise)?
I think it would be doing the best I could for my family.
9. If you could give some piece of advice to a new artist starting out, what would it be?
Be patient and don't be too hard on yourself.
10. Do you have a website, and/or social media platforms you would like to promote?
I don't have a website.
(Bonus Question): Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to add that going to art school was my introduction to creating art and it was very helpful to me. School is not necessary to become successful of course but if you are just starting out, I think it is something to consider.
Also, thank you Arty for giving me this opportunity and thanks for this website.
Thanks for giving us such a nice interview, Perry. Your work is beautiful with a style that is all your own. From pastels to oils, there is a sensitivity that I can always relate to and admire. The tools you have painted and the views of your basement show us that the possibilities for interesting subjects are all around us. I'm glad you're not ready for the rocking chair!
Gorgeous painting.
