Katy Fox Interview

By Realism Without Borders

RWB: Tell us a little about you?

Katy Fox: I’m katy fox. I paint in oils. The art I create is based on the human experience and our interaction with nature...

RWB: What made you decide to be a painter?

Fox: It’s something I can do every day and still be challenged by it. I don't think I’ll ever learn exactly how to do it, but it’s so exciting when some things do come together and it successfully communicates what I am feeling... Sharing a painting I have created to someone who feels more because of witnessing it is the most rewarding moment. I mean, mainly because it is fun.

RWB: Is there any particular painting or painter that gave you that first push to pick up a brush?

Fox: Art class was more fun for me than it was for most of my classmates growing up and that was really encouraging. John Singer Sargent has kept the brush in my hand. The passion and excitement I see in Edgar Payne’s work mixed with the skill and confidence of Sargent rock my world and keep me going. RWB: What is your favorite subject to paint?

Fox: I can turn anything into a portrait. I like the effects of weather on man and the things humans have created.

RWB: What is your approach to art?

Fox: Go for it. Remember what excites me and ride with it. Observe others. Diagnose what I respond to and what turns me off about fellow artist’s works and note it, incorporate and enjoy. Don’t get too attached. Each painting is like a great conversation with a friend, but it is important to know that it can be rehashed, reworked and life will take you to other places.

RWB: How do you select what to paint?

Fox: it has to speak to me and I have to trust that I’m interested enough in it to give it justice. In my interpretation. It is important that I have some understanding of what is going on, but mostly it is that I’m excited by it. It has to relate to something in my life.

RWB: What is your normal painting process?

Fox: I need a cup of coffee. And then I sit down and paint from my computer screen often. I like references that are quite imperfect, but I see a story in.

Sometimes they come together quite quickly And sometimes I do a wash of the super darks and work on the composition for a while And do a bunch of layers I don't have a set directive. Sometimes they are alla prima. I usually draw in a few marks with a color I would like to show through later That’s pretty weak.

RWB: what do you think is the most important in your paintings?

Fox: Emotion. There needs to be a story or something that i was thinking while it was created. It’s not very important that my viewer sees that same story, but i need some sort of depth to have a little pride in each of my pieces. RWB: what would you like to paint that have not done yet?

Fox: A mural and ceramic dishes.

RWB: What are your goals?

Fox: to stay excited about what I’m doing. Gallery representation Network and thrive in a community and with other artists and remember there is always something to learn from the people I cross paths with.

RWB: Any advice for young artists?

Fox: hahaha don't be scared. No...How can I give advice when i am just another young artist? Remember that it’s fun....and keep going.

RWB: Anything that you would like to add?

Fox: make friends and connections with people with similar interests and passion as you to pick you up on your bad days and who you can help out on their bad days. We’re in this together.