Check Out Paula Peacock’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Peacock.

Hi Paula, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started painting in 1999 after I was unable to work due to an injury and was searching for a purpose in my life. I had a dream one night that I was a man named Paul Cezanne giving a museum tour of my art to a group of tourists. Mind you, I did not know who Cezanne was. Embarrassingly, the extent of my knowledge of art at that time was knowing who Leonardo DaVinci was!!

I am a self-taught still-life artist working primarily with oil paint. Although I’m not a traditional still-life painter, I’ve always used the Old Masters as part of my inspiration. I sometimes like to add a twist or quirkiness to my art. My life events and life lessons also push me to tell a story through art. I taught art to adults with mental illness for 13 years. I currently teach oil painting to individuals and groups in my art studio and am a Reiki Master Practitioner.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say it’s been a little bit of both, struggle sometimes and clear sailing other times. The journey of any artist is full of insecurities, self-doubts, rejections, and disappointments. But there are also smooth pathways along the way. It takes a lot of courage to put a part of your soul on canvas and then show it to the world. In essence, it’s your innermost self on display for others to judge.

The competition is tremendous. There are a plethora of undiscovered talented artists. All vying for a chance. Covid-19 hurt artists and galleries alike. Most exhibitions are online these days and it has become hard to find a brick-and-mortar gallery that isn’t overwhelmed with applications from artists or one that doesn’t require a monthly fee from the artist.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have tried many media in my art career such as pastels, watercolors, acrylics, handmade paper, mandalas, handmade journals, and pen and ink, I have painted landscapes and abstracts. But, I keep gravitating back to oil paints and still life. It’s like coming home each time. Therefore, still life is my forte and I’m known for the allegorical and unusual aspects hidden in my paintings.

I am most proud of a solo exhibit I had in the Santa Fe Art District called ‘Altered Soul’ depicting the emotions an artist goes through when grieving for a child, I’m proud of exhibiting in Museums, Art Centers, and galleries across the U.S. winning ribbons, 1st place in art competitions and making sales.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Marketing, marketing, and more marketing. It is the downfall of many great artists, myself included, Being of a creative nature it’s difficult for some of us to switch over to the business side of art. Artists would rather be creating. Marketing is a skill that right-brained people have to work hard at.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paulapeacock.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeacockArtStudio/

Image Credits
Ken Sanville