Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Le Duc.
Samantha, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised on the east coast of England in a very small village. I moved to America in 1992 and have lived in the South Bay for the last 8 years — California dreaming all the way. Art has always been there for me. Ever since the day my eccentric art teacher looked at a painting, turned her head sideways, and gave me a big smile (a great compliment going to an English school back then.) I continued sketching while working and raising three beautiful daughters. It was a hobby I picked up from time to time but never truly focused on. A few years ago, we became empty nesters and I finally had the time to pick up my pencils and brushes again. To my delight, I remembered how much I loved it! Fortunately, I now get to do this full time and am thrilled by the response I’ve received. My artistic style can be very eclectic, ranging from whimsical illustrations to bold abstracts. At the moment I tend to get on a theme and stay there for a while and then move on to another one. Art is personal to every individual and trying to figure out my style is part of the process. I am enjoying the discovery as well as sharing my artistic journey.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I work between watercolors and acrylics, spending most of my time in acrylics at the moment. Art for me comes from ideas that I jot down, which I often come back to. While sometimes the ideas stay on the paper and or end up in the trash, sometimes they appear on canvas where they may not be completely the same. My inspiration comes from many things. I adore the ballerina’s movement as you can see in my “Dancing in Abstract Series”. I also love vintage Hollywood as portrayed in some Marilyn Monroe pieces and Charlie Chaplin. Abstracts to me have a great feeling. When I put the paint on the canvas, I enjoy seeing what comes from it and what I interpret. The most interesting part of abstracts is what another person sees in my work. In all, Art feels good to me. I think that is why I dabble in so many genres at the moment. It is not that I can’t make up my own mind where I want to settle, but because when I imagine something it could appear in any form. I am sure I will eventually settle to one style but for now I will flirt back and forth. If people look at my art and just feel good looking at it, that’s what I want them to get from it. Enjoyment.
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
I think one of the hardest things for an artist starting is getting to show your art. Making no income then having to pay entrance fees for art to be even considered. This is of course how galleries survive but as an up and coming artist it can be difficult. I have found a couple of amazing galleries that are reasonable priced and very supportive, Shockboxx gallery in Hermosa and Beyond the Lines Gallery in the fashion district. I think as an artist it is very helpful to get to know gallery curators and support them as much as they support you. Research and make sure where you are entering is really your kind of genre so you don’t put your money out there and it’s the wrong fit.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Shockboxx Gallery
Marine Rescue Show
Off with Their Heads Show
C Note Show
Addiction Show
Miniature Show
Beyond the Lines Gallery
Opening Weekend Show
12 x 12 and smaller show coming up in June
I have a website SundayRestStudio.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 102 Vista Del Mar Apt F
Redondo Beach CA 90277 - Website: Sundayreststudio.com
- Phone: 760 680 3317
- Email: sleduc02@gmail.com
- Instagram: @samantha.leduc
Image Credit:
Samantha Le Duc
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Lisa Pedersen
May 22, 2018 at 04:00
Her work is stunning!!!