In the Studio with artist Philippe Fernandez

This week we'll talk with artist Philippe Fernandez and visit another world through his paintings...



Please introduce yourself and give us a little background on your art…
My name is Philippe Fernandez, and I am a full time self-taught artist. I consider myself to be a Passionate, fairy tale artist. With a great love for landscapes, trees, and creators of the night. I love fantasy art with a Gothic, primitive, peaceful somewhat unsettling feel. I mostly work with acrylics, either on canvas or watercolor paper. I paint strictly for the art of fairy tales, and love it.


What did you want to be when you grew up?
A lawyer, doctor, or working in business. I have always been more of a office professional type. However when it comes to my career, my talent has always over come everything else. So here I am a full time artist now, I would NEVER have guessed it in a million years. ( I discovered my talent as a visual artist by accident in late 2007)

By accident? So how did you discover your talent?
Winter of 2007 my family and I decided on having a “primitive holiday” themed Christmas. Which involved making all the cards and wrapping paper from scratch. I had the best time of my life! And found out in the creative process that I could actually paint. For the fun of it, I decideded to start listing a few of my paintings on eBay, and found that I coud actually make a living doing something I love and from the convenience of my own home. I’ve been painting and selling online ever since.

What inspires you to create? Your artistic influences? And how do you stay motivated?
I think painting in it’s self is really my only true influence! I can be totally in the dumps and have zero inspiration. But as soon as I put paint to a canvas, and start mixing some random colors together, I begin to see shadows form and take shape. Just then I’ll become inspired to finish that shape that magically appeared. Before I know it, I’ll have a completed painting with no thought to it at all. Painting in it’s self amazes, excites, and inspires me every signal day.


Describe a typical day at your studio…
Painting, painting and more painting! If I am not painting I am taking photos and updating, managing all my websites. Not to mention advertising, packing, and shipping.


On the business side… how do you let the world know about your art?
I have a face book fan page which I update my fans on a daily basses. I also use twitter, myspace, etsy, and eBay, (only to name a few) If you Google my name you’ll get the idea. However I must admit that 100% of my clientele is internet based. I have yet to explore the real world.


How do you balance being an artist with the rest of life?
I have not yet found a balance. I think I tend to slow down and take time off when the weather is too hot or too cold. I don’t enjoy working in harsh conditions.


What else are you passionate about besides art? Any hobbies?
I love to collect silver and gold coins, rare plants, and garbage pail kids.


Where do you like to go to discover new art?
Online! I have yet to explore a real gallery or museum. I know it’s important for all artists to be involved in the art community. But I am still working on that balance that I so desperately need.

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Thanks to Philippe for sharing his work and letting us take a peek inside his studio.

You can see more of Philippe's work at:
Etsy: Fairy Tale Art By Philippe Fernandez
Blog: www.fairytalebuzz.com