Today we’d like to introduce you to Terra Novak.
Hi Terra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a very creative household inspired by my mother who is also an artist. I was very fortunate to attend Laguna College of Art and Design in 2013, where I studied very traditional styles of realistic figure drawing and portraiture. My love for art only grew by attending school, meeting so many inspiring artists and art instructors, I knew that I wanted to create and teach art for the rest of my professional career. I have continued to do just that and am currently an art instructor at Colorado Colleges, Fine Art Centers, Bemis School of Art.
My personal artwork is highly emphasized on the love for my surroundings, people, animals and things that inspire me. Like so many other Colorado artists I am humbled by nature and beauty all around and use my artwork to connect with that. Through lighting, color and subject matter I want to evoke emotion so that the viewer may appreciate them as well. I often paint on wood board leaving the wood grain exposed to complement the subject matter in a natural way.
Being a mother of three young kids has rocked my world in the most fascinating and chaotic way possible. I am humbled by the strength of mothers and caretakers that I have met through the journey of raising children and my artwork will often portray female figures, strong and unfazed by the sometimes-uncontrolled environment that surrounds them.
In addition to my personal portfolio, I have worked with amazing clients and taken on many commission pieces throughout the years. I take private and group lessons remotely. I have worked on murals for local businesses in Colorado Springs and Castle Rock. I have shown for local art festivals, shout-out to Morrison, CO’s Ciderfest for allowing me to show at their event for seven years and special thank you to Robin Hextrum for being such a great mentor.
“Art has the power to transport us to different worlds and evoke emotions that words sometimes fail to express.” Mary Cassatt
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles of being a working artist, and a mother is having the time to devote to my kids, while continuing to grow and develop as an artist. Without the support of my family and husband I would not be able to achieve my professional goals and I am so grateful for that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist I am proud of how versatile I have become. Even though my favorite medium and where I feel I shine is with oil paint, I have taken on so many projects threw out my career that I am very confident in tackling almost any project in any medium. Experimenting has become a huge ally for me so that I know how to work in different ways, not only for myself but also for my students.
As for subject matter, personally I feel that I connect most with portraiture. I have been told that I can capture likeness and emotion very well.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
David Kassan is one of my favorite contemporary artists. I find myself following his tutorials quit often.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://terranovakfineart.com
- Instagram: terranovakfineart
- Facebook: Terra Novak Fine Art
Image Credits
Alyson Novak
