Meredith Frauzel: Tonalist Paintings
My first interview is with Meredith Frauzel, a painter from Austin, Texas, who paints gorgeous, vibrant landscapes using tonalist techniques . I've been following Meredith for awhile now, and I'm so excited to learn more about her journey.
Hi Meredith! Tell me a bit about yourself and your background.
I live with my husband and dog Nigel in Austin, Texas but I’m a transplant from Canada where I grew up in Nova Scotia. Art has always been in my life although it was only 3 years ago that I began to explore it seriously.
When did your creative journey begin?
My career for many, many years was as a makeup artist, so brushes seem like a natural extension of my hand. I wasn’t particularly good at painting when I took an art class in university and was always comparing myself to the best artist in the class. That mindset really caused me to put down my brushes for 30 plus years.
When I left the workforce three years ago I remember hearing my father’s voice loud and clear in my ear telling me not to forget my art. He had always been a big supporter of mine which was kind of exceptional as he was a very practical man who made his living as a fishing Captain. Anyway, I’m not someone who can ignore such blatant messages so I immediately ordered some acrylics, brushes and small canvases online. I chose acrylics for the lack of smell and quick drying, and they worked well for awhile but as I naturally gravitated towards glazing, it was only a matter of time before I switched to oils.
What led you to paint landscapes?
Initially most of my subjects were birds, and honestly the thought of painting a landscape gave me such anxiety. Then one day my brother texted me with a request for a landscape of the brook behind our former childhood home. This was no simple request as it had all the elements and I had no clue how to paint water and reflections and trees. So I went online and my friend had recommended Michael James Smith videos. I watched them over and over. Blocking in with acrylics and refining and defining with oils became my process. I finished the painting and it was my first commission! That one request gave me the courage and determination to paint landscapes and I’ve never looked back. The only thing that has changed is my entire process.
I notice that many of your paintings consist of layers of color. Can you tell me a bit about your process?
Now, after working out a composition either by sketching on paper or using transparent paint to do a detailed “drawing” directly on my surface, I glaze several layers so this under painting will come through when I switch to more translucent and opaque paint. Liquin is my medium of choice as I work and my goal is to really not touch opaque paint colors until the end. This ensures there is a glow to the work as the eye unconsciously picks up the tonal painting underneath. After studying with Deborah Paris, a tonalism painter I admired , I have definitely been moving towards the contemporary tonalism style with the exception that I love, love painting details!!!
When did you join Instagram, and how has it impacted you as an artist?
Joining Instagram three years ago has actually changed my life. It introduced me to an art world I didn’t know existed. It gave me the opportunity to see first hand the process of so many talented artists.
Who are your biggest influencers?
I mentioned Deborah, but I really admire so many, including Donald Journey, Renato Muccillo (who is probably my biggest influence) Andrew Tishler, and artists that are at the same stage as I am. There is a sense of community.
What advice would you give to young artists?
I would always caution anyone who naturally compares themselves to others to really watch how social media is affecting your mood and ability to create and to take breaks if necessary. Thankfully for me as I’ve become older, those nagging thoughts and insecurities have pretty much left and I really just paint to explore and improve the quality of work I’m putting out there. I truly believe that if I continue to paint consistently that there is only one way to go and that is up!
So to young artists I say this; do the work, don’t compare your work to anyone else, explore constantly, learn to draw, take classes from artists you admire and realize that it will take time. There are no shortcuts to greatness!
Follow Meredith on Instagram at : meredithfrazuelart
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/MeredithFrauzelArt