On the monthly paintouts, how do you decide what to paint? What draws your eye to a particular scene?

I decide to paint whatever ordinary scene could be rendered dramatically. Either a scene with strong color, something quirky, or dramatic lighting. My eyes are drawn to strong negative/positive masses, counter light, reflections of mass or clouds in water.

How do you feel about critiques? Feedback? Or do you prefer to problem solve on your own? What are the three most important things you look for when critiquing a painting? Why?

Critiques can be very helpful. Good approaches to a painting in its initial stages should be awarded with praise, negative comments should be constructive. The best feedback is when the immediate reaction is spontaneously appreciative. There may be no problem to solve! When I personally critique a painting, I look for composition, use of color, and value.

Describe how you title your artwork. Does it help to market a painting if the title is a familiar location to your buyer? (Bonus: what has been your favorite title ?)

I title artwork with generic titles i.e. "Water Passage, Memories, Shelter, Summermoons, Galloways, Quiet Waters, Morning Stream". If location is known to buyer, it helps sale but image can also trigger response if location looks familiar.

Though most of us prefer working outdoors, do you prefer a studio where you live or maintaining a separate space? Why?

I enjoy my home studio and my studio at the TFAC. I can set my own hours at home and the studio is removed from the general traffic flow in the house. At the studio/gallery I have good daylight, and it is fun to attend to the public that walks through daily. It is also very ego-stroking to hear nice things said about one's art on the walls.

Who or what got you interested in plein air painting?

WSLP and the challenge of plein air painting competitions.

When did you first want to become an artist? (And when did you realize you were one?) Did you draw or paint as a child? What were your subjects?

I wanted to become an artist when I was eight years old.

Did you draw or paint as a child? What were your subjects?

I drew as a child and compliments recognizing my possible talent were very important, propelling me in this direction. I was given private lessons for a few years. I would draw people, objects and elephants.

Are there any other artists in your family? (including all the arts)

My grandfather, Berend A. Bongers (1866-1949) was a painter and supported his large family with sales of his work as well as teaching at HS level. He was Director of Pulchri Studio in the Hague and a member of "Arti et Amicitiae" in Amsterdam. His style was late "Hague School." Other artists in the family include a nephew (mostly portraits and still life), and a second cousin who was a graphic artist, recently honored with a retrospective in a museum relating to his work for Amnesty International. My grandmother was an opera singer.

What exhibition have you attended recently that inspired you? Why? Tell us about the show.

Rousseau and Constable at the National Gallery of Art. Rousseau has a naive quality that is refreshing with many surprises. Constable impressed me with the large sketched canvases as a warm up to his final paintings. I wish to know how he created the light flecks!

If you could travel anywhere to paint, where would you go and what would you like to paint?

I'd travel to France or Italy where the light is superb and where there is subject matter around each corner taken. The variety of the landscape is extraordinary and the colors exciting.

Any advice for those contemplating life as an artist?

Believe in yourself - if you don't, no one else will. Set yourself goals as you go along, they can be small goals and approach them one step at a time. My goals in the past were....get accepted in the Art League shows, apply to and be awarded with a solo show, apply to and be accepted at a prestigious gallery (or two), apply to and be juried into national competitions, apply to and be accepted as a member of a prestigious organization. Or set a goal to break the record of last year's sales. It is also important to appreciate colleagues and to enjoy their successes even though their art is not what you would create. Everyone has something to share, so join supportive organizations, and learn the business of art asap. Be curious!