#PowerArtists Interview with Wildlife Painter Rebecca Latham

Wildlife artist, Rebecca Latham and I use to show at the same gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, so it has been especially nice catching up with her on Twitter. Rebecca is a young, rare talent who comes from a family legacy of world renowned wildlife artists.

I am so impressed with Rebecca’s love of nature and her attention to detail that is reflected in her beautiful paintings and her tweets! It has been fun watching this artist embrace and ‘rock’ the art world using social media and I am thrilled to introduce her to my readers!

“Power Artists 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.”

Rebecca Latham is known for her detailed realism in watercolor, a style identified as traditional miniature painting, specializing in wildlife as well as nature and occasionally portraits. She is a signature member of numerous fine art societies. Her award winning paintings have been shown internationally in museums, including the Smithsonian, respected galleries, as well as collected in United States, Canada, England, France, Scotland, Australia, and Germany. She supports many wildlife organizations through her work.

Describe a typical day in the life of a #PowerArtist

I get up, grab a cup of coffee, and head to the studio/office. I start off by tuning in some calming classical or instrumental jazz, checking emails and messages and take care of anything pressing. I try to have a to-do list made up the night before so I can easily see what I need to accomplish that day and pending deadlines.
At that point, I usually grab something for breakfast and get settled in front of my easel/drafting table and start working. When working on a painting, I often become very focused or in flow and lose track of time, so I don’t have pre-set breaks. When I do take breaks, they may consist of snapping a photo of my in-progress work, hopping on the Internet to check things, grabbing a bite to eat, and/or taking a nature walk/run, etc.
My day continues like this until I have painting fatigue or some difficulty remaining focused, which is when I jot down any notes I want to recall quickly when I return, and retire for the evening.

Give an example of how you use social media to promote your art business

First off, I’d like to thank Lori for asking me to participate in her series. Her site really does offer a wealth of information to artists, in addition to being a very talented and successful woman in her own right. I’m very pleased to be able to contribute.
I tend to at least have a presence on most social media venues. I know a number of artists and individuals that like to stick to just a few, if it works well for them, that’s great. I like to see the whole sphere of social media web as a group entity of it’s own.
In showing my work online, I am really, basically, placing my artwork (and information about my art) in easy to access locations for my supporters to see. Those individuals are very busy, and gravitate toward a network (twitter, facebook, etc) that fits their communication style, so by participating in numerous venues of social media, I find that I am able to connect and have my artwork or information available to each of them more easily. Then, of course, those that are particularly drawn to something, can share the item with their friends or colleagues in various ways.

For example… If I create a new work for a show, I may create a blog post (or several on the topic), upload an informational blip on Facebook, links are then posted to my Twitter and LinkedIn, and list the new show in my events for those subscribing by rss. I also love being able to interact with those following my work.

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

Leonardo Da Vinci. Primarily because of his well-rounded balance of artwork and science, the culture he created it in, as well as his intrigue. I would love to listen to his thought process and approach to challenges.

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

That is difficult to say. I enjoy showing in professional venues, various museums and respected galleries. But I also enjoy, sometimes more so, the showing in a smaller location or private collection. Hearing how just viewing my work has impacted them, even brought them to tears, is incredibly humbling. I am at a loss for words in those situations, but so appreciative that something I have created has such meaning for someone else. So, I suppose in a short statement, I simply would want my work shown where it has the most value to it’s viewers, wherever that may be.

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

I’m not sure that I have sage advice, but the most important advice I can give is to work hard. There aren’t really any shortcuts and an ‘overnight success’ rarely stays successful. Follow your heart. Don’t allow others to direct you from your vision. Be persistent.
Whether you are wildly successful or dealt strong blows, both of which can be a hindrance to an artist, don’t be swayed off course from becoming what you want to be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, continually learning, and reaching to expand yourself. Your knowledge gained will translate into all areas of your career and influence your work.

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

Wildlife, nature, and environmental causes are very important to me, as well as several other charities. I regularly donate reproductions of my work, usage rights, as well as original works to support those causes that I believe in. I have really been blessed with opportunity and support on this path as an artist. I’m very grateful to have the ability to pass along the support that I can to those that need it.

*****

Rebecca, thank you for sharing your powerful and inspiring thoughts with us. You are such a dedicated artist and I am so happy for your successes. ~Lori
Please visit Rebecca’s website, blog and social media sites…
http://www.lathamstudios.com/rebeccasblog/blog
http://www.lathamstudios.com
https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalathamart
https://twitter.com/#!/rebeccalatham
http://www.youtube.com/rebeccalatham
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalatham
Check out these helpful books that teach you how to photograph and/or paint wildlife art! Click on them for more information…

Here are a few other articles you might enjoy:
3 Reasons to Start a Creative Blog for Your Business
Turn an Altoid Box into a Mini Watercolor Travel Set
Watercolor Painting Tips & Materials for the Beginner
How to Paint Iridescent Bird Feathers and Make them Glow
Boost Productivity with Short Studio Sessions
How to Overcome 3 Common Barriers to Success as an Artist
7 Creative Ways to Approach an Art Gallery for Representation
…oh, and I hope we meet on Facebook and Twitter! ~Lori