Friday Feature Artist // Jennifer Mercede

I came across Jennifer's fantastic work on flickr about six months ago. She lives in Portland, Oregon, USA and is an established artist. She does stunning work that are childlike and busy, yet sophisticated and organised. Her art tends to follow a colour scheme for each one which brings the whole piece together and makes every aspect work in harmony.

Her main work is abstract but she also creates creatures. Her work is some of the most beautiful I have seen and I would love to own one of her paintings one day [or at least a print].

She uses a lot of words and uneven repetitive shapes. The materials she uses for each piece vary but usually consist of Acrylic Paint, Ball Point Pen, Marker, Watercolor Crayon, Colored Pencil.

Jennifer was nice enough to to a little interview with me about her work. I hope you enjoy an inside peek to this wonderful artist :)

Where does your inspiration come from?
I am inspired by bright colours, certain colour combinations make my heart smile. I love spending time alone and getting into a zone.

What are your favourite materials?
I like spray paint, and Caran d'Ache watercolour crayons.

Can you take us through your creative process from the start to finish of a piece?
The process varies depending on if I am creating an abstract or an animal piece or a commissioned piece, etc. However, the basics look a little like this:
1] scribble scribble scribble (with markers, crayons, pen, paint, etc) just make a mess. I put some information down onto the canvas.
2] Start to steer the painting in a specific direction by zoning in on different areas... (finding spots I like and doodling more)
3] Scribble more!
4] Making sure to stay connected to myself. I work hard to make sure that I feel relaxed and free. I like to get into a zoned out space. Like the space you go to while you are doodling on the phone; that is where I always strive to be.
5] Decide the painting is finished. That's the secret part :)

When your not creating, what do you like to do?
I love to swim and I love to sing. I would like to spend more time doing both! I also love to sleep. The three S's :)

Do you have any advice for an aspiring artist/painter?

I encourage all inspiring artists that want to make a living doing so, to take a business class!

Is there anything about being a full-time artist that has been difficult for you?

It can be challenging for sure. I'd say time management can be tricky.  Some days my fellow artist friends and I fantasize about having a regular job, even delivering pizzas would have a start and an end :) though it wouldn't be nearly as satisfying!

Can you tell us three unusual facts about yourself?
1] I fear being called weird.
2] my favourite colour right now is mint! (Not so unusual, i know)
3] I have a really hard time making decisions.

[Giraffe 1]   [Giraffe 2]   [Giraffe 3]

Where can you find Jennifer?
Flickr
Facebook
Website
Etsy

Have a fantastic Friday everyone - this post has inspired me so much and I can't wait to get home and grab some paint! :)

Rhiannon xxx