What prompted you to become an artist? What is your background ?
Since my early childhood the arts have been my passion. I explored several art forms, drawing, ballet, singing, photography and its development. I would have liked to study fine arts at university, but my parents didn't want to, so I went for something else. I attended a first oil painting course (a 3 month session) around the age of 45 and there my passion took over. I painted portraits for about ten years until I gave myself the gift on my 60th birthday of enrolling at the Academy of Fine Arts in Montreal. I studied graphite drawing, charcoal drawing, painting composition and oil painting. I have now been a teacher and painter for 3 years and I am perfectly fulfilled and happy to finally be able to devote myself entirely to my passion for painting. Although I also devote time to another passion which is singing. I have been a member of a standard jazz group as a singer for several years and this fills me with joy.
What are the 3 things that differentiate you from other artists?
The variety of my subjects, the personal composition of my colors, the desaturated colors.
Where does your inspiration come from?
In love with a subject. When an image, a landscape or colors make me vibrate I immediately want to paint these subjects. The beauty of a subject that makes me say 'Wow' how beautiful resonates in me like a vibration that inspires me to reproduce it in my own way. To explore shapes, colors, review the composition a few times. It's like a challenge every time life, nature throws at me. A call.
Tell us about the conception of your works, do you have a long preparatory work or is it quite spontaneous?
I am quite spontaneous. I naturally study my subject and the composition that I will make of it, but I quickly tackle the execution of my work.
What do you want to show through your work?
The beauty of life through landscapes, humans. I like to paint scenes of life. A photo of a trip to Compostela, a sunrise that I caught on a beautiful winter morning, a child fishing at the edge of a lake for example.
Do you have a favorite format? Why ?
I like medium-sized formats like a 24 in. x 36 in. for example. These formats give me more space to express myself and I always imagine them occupying a prominent place in a decoration where they can become the central point.
What difficulties do you encounter in your work?
The uniformity of subjects for an exhibition.
How do you work? At home, in a shared workshop, in your own workshop?
I have my studio at home.
Does the work of an artist lead you to travel a lot?
A bit across Quebec.
What was the best moment of your career?
When I attended MBB King's concert and brought my painting of his portrait and was lucky enough to have it autographed. The moment he looked at it looking surprised and satisfied and the moment he looked me in the eyes and handed it to me signed. As a Mr. King fan this moment of connection was magical. To be seen and recognized by him is priceless to me.
How do you see your work in ten years?
Recognized in the world of visual art and my paintings exhibited in several galleries despite the fact that my works are varied and have no links between them.
What are you currently working on? Are you planning an exhibition soon?
I would like to exhibit my paintings and find a gallery that accepts various subjects.
If you could have created a masterpiece of art history, which one would you choose? Why ?
The water lily pond, green harmony. I love this painting which gives us the impression of being there or at least of wanting to bask in this place so calm, relaxing and inspiring.
If you could invite a famous artist for dinner (dead or alive), which one would you choose? Why ?
Monet. I would like to discuss with him his technique, his choice of colors, his vision of his subjects.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli