Mompreneur: Marin Artist Colleen Proppé
Marin mom and artist Colleen Proppé paints Marin County landscapes, as well as cycling scenes and commissioned portraits, all in her signature plein air style. Her work can be viewed in venues and exhibitions throughout the county, and on her website at www.cproppe.com. Colleen took some time to answer some questions about her art, her inspirations, and living in Marin.
Please tell us a little about yourself and your background. How did you get started in painting?
I was born near the University of Connecticut in 1968, where my father was studying for his doctorate in education, and my mother was a nurse. I started drawing and painting when I was 3 years old. My first portrait was of "The Banana Man" on Captain Kangaroo.
We had an easel outside in the summer, and my mom encouraged me with a great appreciation for my work. I imagine it kept me quiet and out of trouble!
Who or what inspires your art the most?
When I first came to Marin in 1992, I was mostly inspired by the beauty of the landscape; the rolling hills and coastal cliffs, pacific oaks and wild iris. Now that I am a parent in Marin County, I am inspired by the huge amount of volunteers in our town, working for our schools and community. I am inspired by the number of people who bike and seek alternative and eco-friendly transportation in Marin, Trips for Kids, and, of course, MALT, Marin Organic, and our farming communities of West Marin.
What subjects do you enjoy painting and why?
We are fortunate to have a group in Marin called "Art on the Farm". This group is open to any artist seeking to paint or photograph on Marin organic farms. This group allows me to get outside and paint on amazing lands in West Marin that I would normally not have access to. I enjoy being painting en plein air, outdoors, when I can. The current show of "Art on the Farm" includes 28 artists is at the Bolinas Gallery this month, until November 30th. I also have returned to some studio work, including a series called "Cycling through Landscapes" in which I painted cyclists and bikes in Marin County. I have so many more ideas for cycling paintings, and I hope to continue this work. I enjoy it because it is different from the typical landscape work I do otherwise. Having a theme is fun for a show, and locals have enjoyed the whimsical aspect of having bikes in the paintings in my recent shows here in Marin County.
Finally, I do commissioned portrait painting of children and families. I can set up a photography sitting, or paint from photos that a family shares with me. I enjoy this work because I meet familes and help them produce something that their family will cherish for years to come. I have a son that is in the Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker production this year, and I am now taking an interest in painting dance poses and ballet scenes. Perhaps next will be my own tribute to Edgar Degas's ballet portraits. My goal is to find my own style and way that is interesting to the viewer. I don't want to look like every other landscape artist in Marin County. I want people to see something different and whimsical when they view my work. Marin, yes... but classical plein air framed in gold, not necessarily. I can do that style, but I don't want to look like all the artists showing next to me. I am on a quest for something more.
Where can people see your art? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Currently, my "Cycling through Landscapes" series is showing at the Marin Coffee Roasters in downtown, San Anselmo. I am also involved in a group show of "Art on the Farm" this month at the Bolinas Gallery, right next to the Bolinas Museum, in downtown Bolinas.
In the Bolinas show, I have for sale some of my photo cards and photo prints; photography taken on Marin Organic farms over the last several years.
What kinds of activities do you and your family enjoy in the Bay Area?
We are a big hiking, mountain biking and camping family—so we definitely take advantage of Marin's outdoors. One of our favorite, but least known places to hike is Sorich Park at the end of San Francisco Boulevard in San Anselmo. There is a tree swing and a rock fort there on a trail called the Dean Nyberg Trail, which is really fun for kids, and we bring our dog there off-leash. The view of Mt. Tam from this hill is amazing... But shhhh... I didn't tell you! : )
What do you love most about living and painting in Marin?
Painting is very meditative and peaceful. When you combine the love of the land, and creating something that can be sold to give back to the land, schools or family and friends, you really feel good about yourself. Even on a bad day, I at least have pride in the work I have created myself and shared the way I wanted to share it, and that can't take the place of any design work I've ever done for corporate businesses. I think all people need to have a part of their lives dedicated to their own craft, whether it be art, music, sewing, knitting, building bikes, cooking, LEGOs, crayons...
We all need to create more, and destroy less. The world would be a better place if everyone had to make something each day. In Marin, we are very fortunate that there is great evidence of this at work. My one hope is that there are more free opportunities for artists to participate. It is very expensive to become a member of the Marin Arts Council and participate in the Open Studios. It is a great expense to have a studio. I believe we really need to offer more free opportunities for people to do art in Marin County. I hope there is a place my kids can go and create someday that doesn't cost a dime. At least "Art on the Farm" is a free group we have in Marin County. I hope it is around for many years to come.
