#PowerArtists Interview with Multimedia Painter, Robin Pedrero

Welcome to the #PowerArtist Series of interviews. Each week, FineArtTips.com highlights an inspirational artist who deftly juggles his or her creating, art business and social media skills. Robin Maria Pedrero is doing just that. She is talented artist with a strong social media following. I met Robin on Twitter and have become a fan of her rhythmic and translucent multimedia paintings of nature. Her work makes me happy…

“PowerArtists are the social media ‘rockstars’ of the art world! Not only are they talented creatives, but they understand how to harness the power of social media and use it to promote their art careers. #PowerArtists are inspiring and freely share their knowledge with others.”

Robin Maria Pedrero is an American artist listed in Florida International Magazine’s 2009, Florida Artists Hall of Fame. As an award winning artist and elected signature member of the Pastel Society of America her work is in galleries, museum permanent collection, film, and collections worldwide.
Pedrero’s art is a visual journey, where she captures the spirit and energy of life in rhythmic colors. She responds to what catches her eyes and heart personifying nature, evoking moods of transition, joy and serenity.

1. Describe a typical day in the life of a #PowerArtist.

My day begins somewhere between 5 and 7am. I exercise then usually get right to work on the business aspects of my art:

I turn on my computer, check my calendar, respond to emails, Facebook and twitter from my studio or with TV on in living room.
I tackle my to do’s which vary according to events and commitments; packaging, shipping, marketing, interviews, graphic design, blogging, Etsy, website, preparation, creating and of course schlepping.
I prefer to paint in natural light, with northern and western windows in my home studio so I create any time from 7 am to 8 pm.
I play an eclectic mix of music on my ipod shuffle and I dance with paint.
When the Florida weather is cool I open the windows.
I work in my home studio and when working on a series of very large canvases I’ve been known to take over the house, our screened in porch and the yard as well.

2. Give an example of how you use social media to promote your art career.

I enjoy the interaction of communicating with my art collectors, friends and fans via social network media, it’s like bringing them into the studio and process with me as I create yet at my whim and uninterrupted. Throughout painting and my activities I share in progress photos, tutorials and inspirations on Twitter, Facebook and my blog. I share quite a bit.

An artist’s lifestyle can be pretty solitary in the studio and social networking enables me to work all day yet communicate with the “outside world”. I have expanded my territory and sphere of influence via social network media garnishing new venues, art collectors, friends, and invaluable opportunities.

3. If you could meet any artist: past, present, or future, who would it be and why?

One? As I contemplate who to choose the contradictions in my selections vary in respect to art created, business savvy and attraction to thought process. Picasso who reconstructed not only art but art business with diversity of mediums, and distinctive styles is the first to pop into my mind. Yet my feminist side wants to pluck that initial answer and go fly to the Venice Biennale to meet Yoko, while on the way I dream of Monet, Cassatt, Michelangelo, Dali, Bouguereau, Calder, and Kushner. I especially admire the tenacity and artwork of women artists like Nevelson, Neel and O’Keeffe who paved the way for today’s women artists.

continuum by Pedrero — “Continuum” ©2011 Robin Pedrero

4. If your art could be displayed anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

The Met. It’s the MET!

5. What sage advice would you give an artist who is just starting out in his/her career?

Enjoy what you do. Make art. Stay skilled. Document and back up; art, collectors, experience. Use the best quality supplies. Educate yourself continually; find mentors, experiment, read, study, and work hard.

Pink Poppies 1000 — “Pink Poppies in Paradise” ©Robin Pedrero

6. As a #PowerArtist, what do you do to ‘give back’ or ‘pay it forward’ to your community.

I mentor and teach from morning till evening with individuals working in art and business one day each week. I donate 10% of my earnings to charity. I participate in fundraisers for both arts related entities and other causes like the Norway Library fundraiser and The Museum for Florida Artists. My heart goes out to those who are caught in the horrific acts of human trafficking and I donate to various organizations who take action to help victims.
I also believe that my art makes a difference, that it brings joy and nurtures those who are attracted to it.

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My gratitude goes out to Robin for sharing her magical art and inspirational #PowerArtist story with us here. Like I stated above, Robin’s artwork makes me happy, and we can all use a little bit of extra happiness these days! Be sure and check out Robin’s websites and social media links below. She would love to meet you there…