Evolution of Art interviews Yolanda Saenz-Atkins about her life as an artist!

While setting up the current show at Beanetics Coffee Roasters, I had a chance to ask Yolanda Saenz-Atkins about her experience as an artist. Before beginning to paint, Yolanda was a kindergarten teacher. It's hard to believe, looking at her work, that she's only been painting for four years! Here's a snippet of our conversation... 




How did you begin painting?

I started painting about 4 years ago when I joined an art class held by Nancy Jung. I happened to be in Michaels one day and noticed her art class. I inquired about joining a class and explained to Nancy that I had never painted before but I always had a desire to paint. I had taken an art history class and an elective art class at GMU. Nancy had an opening for a night slot and the rest as they say is history. From day one, I bonded with the art students. They were inviting, creative and made attending class fun. They have encouraged and influenced me to grow and take chances as an artist. 

How did you, Cindi,and Sabiha  come to paint together? What is the biggest influence on  your artwork?

Cindi and Sabiha were already students of Nancy Jung when I joined the class. Through the years, I have enjoyed watching how all of our paintings have evolved. Nancy is key in our journey to become artists. She literally gives us license to paint. There are no barriers as we learn to create. Nancy's class is totally hands-on. She facilitates our learning to paint with oils. And she has expanded our learning into doing batiks and collages.  
The best part of painting in Nancy's class is the group of women who make up our class. We are a diverse group of women who have families, children and grandkids. We come from different cultures (Indian, Pakistani, English, Hispanic, Texans). We make it a point to go out to dinner after our last class and have fun putting closure to 10 weeks of painting together. We can hardly wait for the next session. We all say, "It's therapeutic— our special time to create and bond with a wonderful group of women!" 

Nancy Jung (in front row in the turquiose shirt)
surrounded by the women in her Tuesday class

How have you grown as an artist?

I feel I have grown as an artist and gained confidence in my choices of subject matter. I constantly see painting possibilities in all that I see, whether in my backyard, in my travels ( I visited Ireland recently and have done four paintings from photos of the trip. I just came back from Texas and brought a photo file of Texas missions from San Antonio that I intend to paint). My favorite genre is landscapes. I love the colors in nature, whether spring or fall. Since starting classes, I now see nature's colors differently. For example,  I see Naples yellow, cadmium orange, cadmium yellow, and cobalt blue in the sky. I love taking pictures of clouds, tree textures, sunsets to use as references for future paintings.

Interested in finding out more about Yolanda and her art? Come join us for the Artists' Reception at Beanetics (7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) on Sunday, August 21st, from 2-4pm.

If you are interested in purchasing artwork from A Retrospective of Three Artists, 

please contact Jennifer Judelsohn

 at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com 

or (703)273-0485 

to make arrangements.