We were lucky to catch up with Terra Leone recently and have shared our conversation below.
Terra, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Continually being creative for me is in essence just following my curiosity. I started seriously studying Digital and Traditional Art in 2018. Before that I did metal smithing and jewelry design work. Drawing and color combinations were very familiar ideas to me. It gave me a foundation to build upon. I think digital work is much faster and forgiving than traditional art. It allowed me to work through ideas and compositions quickly and effectively and thus training my hand eye coordination while learning the technical skills involved. Painting in acrylics and oils is a whole other beast. I knew that digital art was not going to teach me color theory in an effective manner. So when branching out to acrylics and then oils, learning how to color match and mix my colors was a challenge. But it is that curiosity that keeps me involved to be creative and try new things.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
After moving to Castle Rock in 2020 and realizing I had a lot time on my hands, I applied for the Castle Rocks Public Art Commision and was a member from 2021- 2022. Becoming familiar with the artists and groups in the area was helpful for my growth as an artist.
While I’m working almost primarily in oils these days, I still design and paint murals for private homes, create digital logos for businesses, and currently I am working with the non profit Tri Arts Project to raise funds to set up a building where classes can be held for artists to learn and grow in the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado. I am in a very privileged position where I have the time and space to explore my skills and I would love if more people could have that opportunity. Art is such an amazing tool that helps so many people in a myriad of ways.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My three top skills for artists would be One. Learn how to learn. Youtube and Google are your friends. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable with that new idea or skill. You are not going to understand everything, and you are not going to do everything well the first time around. But when you are constantly nudging at the end of your comfort; thats where the growth happens.
Two. Know when to rest. Stretching too far or too hard outside of your comfort zone can lead to frustration and burnout. If you are burnt out its much harder to get back into that flow state where you want to work on something. I have learned when I need to stop working on something and I take a break. Be it have a meal, sleep on it, or leave it for a week or two. Art is a deeply personal journey and I believe it should be enjoyed and not suffered through.
Three. Follow your dopamine. Those breadcrumbs will show you the fastest and most enjoyable route to learning the skills that are best for you. Every Artist is different and there is no one path for everyone. I think the best analogy would be a plant that grows in the direction of the sunlight, or roots will grow where the water is.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Being a professional artist requires unique reference photos so I have a favorite photographer that I work with. That gives me access to incredibly talented and beautiful models for my work. I have worked with Dr. Anthony Earl for years and he is very professional and extremely skilled. His website is http:/liverbirds.com. His instagram is @purpleantco. Collaborations or commission inquiries that do not involve being a model should be sent to terraleone10@gmail.com. I am very open to interesting ideas and unusual collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: houseofgreentree.com
- Instagram: @terra_leone
- Other: TikTok; @theterraleone
Image Credits
Dr. Anthony Earl Terra Leone
