ABOUT VALERIA JEAN MARCUS

For me, painting has become a way to express inner feelings with shapes, lines and color. I find interest in painting abstract as much as I do drawing the human form. What remains constant in all that I do, is the attempt to master illusion without making my paintings realistic for the human eye, but to feel a emotion, whether it be joyous or somber.

Sharp brushstrokes are obvious at times, while subtle lines disappear through the use of color. The final conclusion in each painting is often the spectators opininon which inner mood is dominant througout the aesthetic piece of art. Therefore, my art is in a nutshell, abstract with represential elements.

A JACK INTERVIEW WITH VALERIA JEAN MARCUS

What was your first experience with art?

I did my first drawing/mural on my bedroom wall at age (4) four.

What is your favorite medium & why?

Oils because I can mix my own signature colors.

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

Modern Art: because it evolves with each generation with the times of the era

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

I have been a left handed artist since age 4.

Have you ever taken classes/courses?

I was in college prep in High School and also majored in Art for (3) three years: life drawing for seniors and a senior Saturday college program at Moore College of Art & Design prior to earning my BFA degree.

What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?

My feelings. I want my art to stir up emotions in people and the colors to speak to them and make them feel something which only they can feel alone.

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

I think its terrible to eliminate art programs; art rules the world. It helps children with their other subjects, its a outlet for their emotions. We need more of it in every school. Personally, I would have been lost without art from grammar school to college.

Where is your favorite place to create?

I must say I get inspiration from my whole life, indoors and outdoors as well as what is going on in the world and in my personal life.

Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?

The inspiration is always first.

How has your work changed over time?

My work has changed drastically since art college, I have broken all the rules in color and compostion and I am freer in creating art.

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

I would allow them to make their own conclusion; whether they loved the piece or not.

Do you have a favorite piece you've done?

Yes, thus far, 'Between Winter & Spring'.

Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?

Yes.