We had the good fortune of connecting with Marian Hirsch and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Marian, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Artists do not sit around and wait for inspiration; we continually work to hone our skills. Painting, drawing, color, composition – all require diligent daily practice. When something really does excite the creative passion, we have to be ‘game’ ready to put that onto paper or canvas. That takes tenacity and perseverence.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Clean, clear color in all of my work – whether pastel, watercolor, gouache or oil – is something I am noted for. I love being outside and so the landscape has provided continual inspiration. My curiosity in how things grow keeps me engaged in working with plants – especially the flowering ones. I starting freelancing about a year and a half out of college – and have been freelance ever since –transitioning from production art, to full time illustration for the greeting card and gift wrap industry, to fine art. Teaching has been added to the mix the last few years and has enriched my art and provided joy in sharing my skills. Each passage into a new phase was accomplished by dedication to doing my very best in all levels. I went into art as a profession and I did not want to do anything else. I am often asked when I decided to become an artist and my standard reply is that I was born one. No choice in that.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Providing that Covid19 is not an issue and things have returned to normal, which everyone is hoping for: Visit to the art museums and fine art galleries is a must. Lunch at the Kimbell in Fort Worth is always something to look forward to. Also on the agenda is one of the juried shows I participate in. Our Pastel Society of the Southwest showcases our art in a juried exhibition in Grapevine at the Visitors and Convention Bureau during the month of October. The main street of Grapevine has many wonderful places to eat as well as charming architecture and delightful shops. If my friend was visiting in September, then the juried exhibition of Southwestern Watercolor Society would be included. This year, the Blue House Two Gallery in Allen is displaying our work. The Watters Creek shopping complex is filled with amazing restaurants, shops and bars. Dinners with other artists would certainly be in the mix. A visit to the Dallas Arboretum for their astounding floral displays is always a treat.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed with encouragement and support from family, teachers, colleagues and organizations all along the way. The Dallas metroplex has a number of art organizations that have aided in my artistic path. Pastel Society of the Southwest, of which I am a signature member, has supplied technical information and colleague support for many years. In addition, Southwestern Watercolor Society has given me the opportunity to see nationally known watercolor artists demonstrate. The friendships and connections made through these groups have lasted over a long time and enriched my life. My webmaster at Dallasart has given my artwork a national platform over the last 20 years.
Website: http://marianhirsch.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/Marian Hirsch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marian-Hirsch-Artist-182289255236672/?ref=hl