Airport Boulevard, Los Angeles
Today we meet Trish Beckham, an artist who discovered her love of art in her teens and is now one of the newest artists to call the walls of the Shain Gallery home. Through her cityscapes which are created with a palette knife versus a brush, Trish gives you a glimpse of the city, from the moody blues of early evening in LA to the tranquility of her seascapes where she recreates the fluid movements of the water.
In this interview Trish shares about how the palette knife changes the overall feel of her work, a sneak peek at the piece that she’s currently working on and what she enjoys most of meeting collectors of her work.
When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?
When I was 18, I took a painting class with my mom – for fun and I loved it!!! We painted the usual beginner subjects and styles. I did a lot of black and whites. I had my first appreciation of value. Between classes, I would sit in my mother’s garden and paint the flowers and plants. It was zen.
Your primary medium is oil. What drew you to this particular medium over acrylics?
I enjoy the extended open time to manipulate the paint. Layers can be worked back into and edges can be softened.
Early Evening on the Boulevard
How does using a palette knife versus brush change the overall texture and feel of your work?
For me, the knife pushes me to be more expressive and gestural. I take more risk. I can get closer to what I want to see. Composition is easier to focus on and detail becomes less important.
Your pieces feature scenes in and around LA, seascapes and more. What inspires you the most about Los Angeles?
I grew up in southern California, in the Mojave Desert. When I’m painting LA I’m back in the city again!! All of the memories and excitement go right into the work I’m creating. In fact, I am transported with every painting whether it be – city, sea or landscape.
Lemons
Do you paint from memory or photos for your cityscapes?
I start with a real place and then deviate as the process leads me. I am not necessarily tied in to all the details, but I aim to capture what it felt like to be there.
Tell me about the piece that you are currently working on.
I just started a street piece of a Ford Torino. I love the classic cars!! They have such beautiful lines and proportions. My dad instilled in me a love of great cars. All of the road trips, car shows, and time spent working with my dad in the garage keeps me excited to paint anything connected with driving down the street.
Los Angeles On the Way to Home Depot
Out of all of the pieces you’ve painted, do you have a personal favorite?
Several. I usually keep one from every phase of learning. And, I’m still learning from them.
What is the best part about meeting collectors of your work?
Wow. They’re such wonderful people! Collectors are usually open minded, well traveled, interesting and they have such great stories! It’s so meaningful to me to hear why a particular painting speaks to them and how they still enjoy it years later. It’s a joy to know that my paintings provoke memories, feelings and happy times.
Your work is currently featured at the Shain Gallery. What do you enjoy the most about working with Sybil and the gallery girls?
They are so enthusiastic, professional, knowledgable, and nice!! They are so a rich part of their community – I love to see what they’re up to. It’s a genuine pleasure to be included in their world!
The Sea
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