For watercolor artist Peggi Habets, drawing and painting have been a part of her life since childhood. After studying graphic design in college and working as a designer and art director for 15 years, Peggi decided to return to her original passion—fine art.
Disquiet, watercolor
“I started studying with several well-known painters and discovered, to my delight, that watercolor is an exciting medium to work with,” says Peggi.
While Peggi also loves working with dry media like charcoal and pencil, her medium of choice is watercolor. “Watercolor has a fluidity and spontaneity that I have not found with any other medium,” Peggi says.
Her favorite subject to draw and paint is the figure, for its endless possibilities of composition, style, mood and concept. “It’s the one subject that everyone can relate to.”
Peggi’s book, Watercolor Made Easy: Portraits was published in May, and her work is also featured in the new release The Art of Drawing & Painting Portraits.
For Peggi, her family has always been extremely supportive of her art and is a big reason she is doing what she loves today. Like most artists, she also finds inspiration in painters of the past, including John Singer Sergant and Anders Zorn. “I am also inspired by contemporary artists Mary Whyte, Dean Mitchell, and Guan Weixing,” says Peggi.
When Peggi first started painting, she explored a variety of styles, methods, and materials. “I used brighter colors and didn’t think much about temperature, value, or edges.” But as she grew as a painter and her interest in realism increased, she found herself drawn to a more subdued, less arbitrary application of color.
“Currently, I’m using a limited palette of 8-12 colors that are neutral in nature,” says Peggi of her ever-evolving approach to color.
Little Guardian, watercolor
To stay motived when artist’s block hits, Peggi keeps a book filled with ongoing painting ideas. “Anytime I feel ‘stuck,’ I leaf through the book and plan at least one new painting,” she says. In addition, Peggi continually looks to the works of others for inspiration. “I have a wonderful group of women painter friends that I meet with regularly to plan exhibitions, exchange ideas, or just to compare notes. We continually keep each other motivated and inspired,” says Peggi.
Outside of the studio, Peggi spends free time with her husband and three teenage sons, camping, kayaking, and traveling. “To prepare for the rigorous balancing act of raising a family and working in the studio each day, I include exercise and meditation as part of my daily morning routine.”
For artists who are just starting out, Peggi suggests studying and practice, as well as finding mentors and instructors to learn from. “Ask lots of questions, exhibit your art, get involved with your local artist groups, and work very, very hard. Success does not happen overnight, but it is attainable!”
To view more of Peggi's art, visit www.habets-studio.com.
Artwork Copyright Peggi Habets