Who I was, who I am

This drawing by my nine year old self was just one of the many uncomfortable treasures I dug up while I was in France last month, helping my mother get rid of her parents’ things.
Why I talk about art / Pourquoi je parle de l’art

The people who don’t talk about art tend to be vocal about their non-verbalizing stance so I can’t help but make a rebuttal. Les gens qui n’aiment pas parler de l’art ont tendance à être loquaces sur leur silence et c’est pour ça que je me sens obligée de parler de pourquoi je parle de l’art.
Following paintings: Mary Anne and Katie

This is my third in a series of videos of chats I have with subjects of my paintings.
Taking someone to small claims court as an artist

A few years ago, I took some people to small claims court. This was the first time I’d done so and I haven’t done it since, so I’m by no means an expert on the process. That said, I did discover a few interesting things along the way.
Portraiture is hard. / Le portrait est difficile.

That’s why most artists avoid it. Voilà pourquoi la plupart d’artistes evite ce genre.
Becoming peer

When professors fear their former students, there’s something wrong with the system.
Making a choice / Faire le choix

An essential part of being human is feeling like you have choices, even if the choices aren’t always good. Le choix fait partie essentielle de l’expérience humaine. Et c’est le cas même si les choix qui vous sont présentés ne sont pas toujours bons.
On saying no and saying anything at all

A few years ago, back when I was still living with my brother, our house was attacked. The culprit was some kid with a stencil and some spray paint, and I’m glad to say his assault didn’t go unanswered.
Chicken butt

I’m in France again, visiting my childhood and trying to unravel the eternal mystery of my hybrid heritage.
Scarcity and abundance / La rareté et l’abondance

I prefer to think like a Chinese dragon instead of like a Western dragon. Je préfère penser comme un dragon chinois au lieu de comme un dragon occidental.
Grateful

Altogether, 2011 has been a pretty good year.
A little bit in love / Un petit peu amoureuse

Painting portraits is a loving act. Peindre des portraits est un acte d’amour.

My name is Gwenn Seemel. I live in Portland, Oregon, USA. I’m a full-time artist and I’ve sold my soul to the genre of portraiture. I blog in French as well as in English. More...
Je m’appelle Gwenn Seemel, et j’habite aux États-Unis. Je suis artiste peintre. Je crée des vidéoblogs et des articles en français et en anglais. En savoir plus...
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