Kourtney Antunes
What first Inspired you to try art? and what mediums have you experimented with?
I really had to think back on this one, as creating has always been something I've been drawn too (obsessed with might be a better term here). My first memory of feeling truly inspired was as a child, I had been gifted an old stencil kit which you could transfer onto furniture , paint and seal. I tried it once and that was it, I was hooked. I was painting every piece of furniture in the house. When I ran out of furniture, I moved on to walls. I was blessed with the most incredible mother who, not only offered up her coffee tables and drywall in the name of art, but would spend her very few dollars on paint and brushes. The creative freedom she gave me as a child stirred a lifetime of inspiration.
Was there ever a moment you stopped making art?
There were many moments when I stopped making art, almost every time I made a bad painting to be exact. Every time I made a painting that didn't turn out, I'd completely give up. After many months I'd be inspired to paint again, only to return to the same vicious cycle; paint, fail, quit, repeat. This went on for years until one day it dawned on me, of course I sucked, of course I was failing, I hadn't developed the skills I needed and I hadn't allowed myself the grace to learn. Failure is your best teacher. Once I accepted that I would fail regularly, that is was part of the process, I would never quit again.
Have you gone to art school or are you self taught?
While I never went to art school, nor taken an art class, I have learned a lot from other artists, thru their books, blogs and youtube tutorials. I learned all my foundations of art through books; Foundations of drawing, Anatomy, Composition, Impressionism, anything I could get my hands on. Observing other art and artists inspired countless rounds of trial and error, which is where I gain the majority of my experience.
What is the most challenging part of being an artist?
I used to think, if I learned all my foundations and discovered my style as an artist, the rest would fall into place. Boy was I wrong. Perhaps it's my lack of experience in this department, but selling yourself as an artist is tough. The art world is indeed its own world. One that requires its own dedication and experience. While slightly terrified, I look forward to working through this journey.
What drives the inspiration in your paintings?
I've always had a deep infatuation with mother nature. The natural world makes my heart sing and the creatures that live within it captivate my imagination. From zoo trips to hiking, wild life rehabilitation to humane societies, I'm truly obsessed. In some strange way, painting animals feels like another way to connect with them.
How would you describe your art style?
Thats a great question, I'm not entirely sure how I would categorize my art style. I'd say it's inspired by impressionism while still having a lot of detail.
What would you recommend to new artist trying to start a career?
Keep showing up. Show up every day. Show up to your studio and show up to your office. Be willing to to give it all you have, then be ready to pivot when that is not working out. Dip your toe in every puddle until you find your ocean.
Metaphors aside, here are some factors in contribute to my success
Social media - 95% of my sales happen here. Even collectors I have met in person end up circling back to my social media to make their final decision
Point of sale - make it easy for collectors to purchase you art. direct sale from your website, etsy, instagram, square space. you can't sell it if they have no way to buy it.
Price - this goes against the grain for most people but; there is was you think you art is worth and there is what people are willing to pay. Somewhere in the middle is what your price should be. Your time as an artist is valuable, but its worth nothing at all if the painting never sells. Increase your pricing with the momentum of your sales. -
Prints - 80% of my sales are art prints. They are an important part of art sales.
What is currently your favourite art supply?
Kensington Art supply my favourite shop. They have an incredible selection of soft pastels (my medium) as well as anything else a professional artist of any medium could dream of. They are incredibly knowledgeable, offer many classes and a professional artists discount.
What advice do you have for developing artist?
Believe in yourself. Teach yourself the foundations. Give yourself grace. Make room for failure. Show up for yourself, every single day.
Website: Kourtneyhope.ca
Instagram: @the_art_of_kourtney_hope