Artist Spotlight - Robin Farmer

-Who are you? What do you do? 

I am a watercolorist, Alaskan born and raised, whose creativity has been nurtured by Alaska's landscapes throughout my life. Initially drawn to watercolor's expressive spontaneity and stubbornness, I have continued to develop my creative vision and deepen my relationship to the medium by following my inspiration throughout Alaska.

My collaborative relationship with watercolor conjured the spirit of a landscape, and invokes a universal nostalgia that inspires reciprocity and a deeper connection to nature. I seek the quiet, nuanced beauty of simplicity and softness that is often overlooking and under-appreciated amongst the grandiose and obvious. My work is a reflection of the infinite, intangible, and ethereal qualities of the natural world

-Who/what inspires you? 
I am inspired by the incredible works of Sidney Laurence, David Rosenthal, Byron Birdsall, and most importantly, Mother Nature.

-What is your favorite moment in the process?
I love looking at a landscape, dissecting the colors and shadows that my eye sees and imagining what subtle washes of color I could use to capture the scene and the feeling of being in that moment. In the final stages of a piece, painting the last few layers of washes and the little details brings it to life and transports me back to experiencing the landscape.

-What is a trick of your trade or a piece of advice for artists in your medium(s)? 
Watercolor is, unfortunately, one of those mediums where the quality of the materials and tools can make the medium more or less difficult depending on your skill level, which can really add up in cost. Natural hair brushes (kolinsky sable, or squirrel hair for a more affordable option) hold more water than synthetic, for example, and quality paper allows pigment to flow more evenly vs inexpensive paper that tends to look splotchy. Don't underestimate what you can do with just one or two good brushes and three colors!

-What’s next?
December First Friday at Dos Manos in Anchorage
June First Friday at Resurrect Art in Seward
My longer term goals and daydreams include building a studio and hosting workshops

-Where can we find you?
Instagram: @robinfarmer
Website: robinfarmer.com
Facebook: Robin Farmer Art

I have work available in Fairbanks at Lichen Living, Venue, 2 Street Gallery, and The Bear Gallery
In Anchorage at Dos Manos, Alaska Botanical Garden, and Hoarding Marmot
In Seward at Resurrect Art
In Homer at Fleet & Flagship
And of course in Juneau at Kindred Post!

Thanks for reading!