ABOUT TERI LEVINE

Teri Levine has been painting for more than 15 years. She uses oils and acrylics as her medium. Her abstract, landscape and still life works use beautiful contrasting colors and shapes that exude excitement and interest from the viewer.

Her style is an eclectic blend of cubism, abstract, and realism yet the colors and themes of her paintings are consistent. She concentrates in oil and acrylic and also has collage works in three-dimensional.

An Atlanta resident for more than 40 years, Teri's art education includes classes at the Spruill Arts Center, Chastain Arts Center, and the Atlanta College of Art. She holds a master's degree in psychology.

The works of Teri Levine have been featured at Fine Line Gallery, Art Trend Now in Tsuen Wan Hong Kong, and ASI Space International.

A JACK INTERVIEW WITH TERI LEVINE

What was your first experience with art?

I was the kid that doodled on notebooks, drawing caricatures and cartoons or anything else of interest – usually when I was bored! Eventually I started drawing still-life and people. I didn’t start painting until I was in my mid-twenties. Bob Ross was my guru!

What is your favorite medium & why?

Each medium has its pluses and minuses but generally I prefer to use oils. The colors are rich and vibrant, and I can glaze them to create different consistencies. They don’t dry as quickly as acrylics and are great for very detailed work.

What style are you most drawn to? Does it ever change & if so, why?

I love neutral paintings with splashes of color that create a focal point. Many of the paintings I create are influenced by the works of Picasso and Dega, yet I’m also drawn to Gauguin’s landscapes. Mostly, I love abstracts that tell a story or portray an image from an interesting standpoint. My style does change as I grow as an artist, as does my taste in art in general.

Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?

This is a career change. I was an editor in a former life and most recently a clinical psychologist.

Have you ever taken classes/courses?

I’ve taken many classes; everything from color theory to drawing to portraiture at local schools and art centers.

What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?

I want my art to help beautify the world.

Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?

I think it’s terrible. Studies have shown that creating art and playing music raises IQ scores, improves focus, and releases neurotransmitters that heighten awareness. Unfortunately, most school administrators think it’s more important to fund “concrete” programs such as science and math over more “abstract” learning.

Where is your favorite place to create?

I usually paint in my art studio, which is full of light, but I have painted on location at times.

Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?

The inspiration.

How has your work changed over time?

I started drawing realistic landscapes, using a lot of detail, and now I paint more freely and with larger brushes.

If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?

It would depend on the piece!

Do you have a favorite piece you've done?

A painting called “Finch with Apples.” It took me 4 months to complete but all the details seemed to flow well together.

Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?

Not when I’ve had 3 cups of coffee!