T.E.S.T. Interview: AbstractFiguresShop

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 108th in our series and is with Tanya of AbstractFiguresShop. 

When did you start painting and why did you choose to paint all of your work using watercolour rather than to other types of paints?

I have started drawing and painting since childhood and was taking art classes on and off. Four years ago I have finished a certificate program at George Brown colleague. While studying I have experimented with a lot of mediums and found that I am attracted to watercolours a lot- to its fluidity and transparent effects.  

What is your process from when you think of an idea to when you complete a painting?

Most of my paintings are custom couple and family portraits. I receive a photo reference or a description from my customers. They also choose dominant colors of the art work and we together finalize other details, like adding flowers, landmarks, special outfit, etc. In brief, I want to show love and joy in my paintings.  

Have you ever completed a painting for a customer that you loved so much you didn't want to mail it out?

I paint in series, for example: mom and babies, couples, women and flowers, etc. One or two paintings from series I leave for myself since it usually have an emotional meaning and reflects my story. Custom works usually capture a meaningful moment from my customer's life and I try to capture it as close as possible to the expectation of the person. For example , the last customer wanted to highlight the shoes of the couple and specific pattern on them. We worked together to make the painting look as best as it can be considering the wishes of the customer. I have incorporated the pattern on the background and made the shoes stand out with the contrasted background.  

What is your favourite part so far about having an Etsy shop?

In addition to the creating process, I love to communicate to my customers and make them happy by creating a unique painting that captures the happiest moment in their lives. Most of my customers purchase custom portraits as wedding, anniversary or birthday gifts.  

It's interesting that you don't paint faces on your subjects, was there a particular reason why?

My style is figurative abstraction which refers to painting the figure in non realistic way. I chose to show the resemblance by painting silhouette like figures and put a focus on a mood of the painting rather than facial features.  

I love that you'd rather focus on mood than facial features. How did you discover your style?

My style is a result of many years of drawing and painting. I always was attracted to abstract painting and classic figure painting, and practice sketching models on ongoing basis. My goal was to combine both and make it unique that it won't repeat anybody else.  



Tanya is offering 20% off towards the order of custom portrait till January 7, 2017. Coupon Code: winterholidays

Interviewed by Rebecca of MunchiesandMusings on December 8, 2016