We interviewed Australian artist Samantha McMahon (@personallypennedandpainted) to learn all about how she creates and her passion for art. As both a creator and a teacher, Samantha is full of useful insights when it comes to watercolour, calligraphy, and creating in general! Read on to get inspired ✨
What creative project were you nervous about starting that turned out better than you imagined?
Easily my Certificate for the completion of my Engrossers Script Calligraphy Course. We were tasked with writing our own body of script as the final project after a 12-month-long study. It had to be written in ink, and we were only sent one Copy of the certificate from the USA which had to be returned and signed off after completion. There was absolutely no room for errors (and I can be a bad speller when I’m concentrating on letter formation!).
Otherwise, my first attempt at a botanical piece. I am a self-taught watercolour “hobbyist” so attending a class and being around ‘real artists’ was very nerve-wracking for me. In the end, my piece was not too bad, and the people I met along the way were amazing (and apparently had the same fears!).
What’s an art medium you’d love to explore more?
Pencils. I lashed out and purchased a lovely set of pencils, thinking surely it has to be easier than watercolours. I’ve dabbled but haven’t really taken the time to get to know them, or what’s achievable. I’m a ‘no mess’ type of girl, so the thought of oils, acrylics or pastels makes me cringe a little. It’s not so much a medium, but I’m quite intrigued by journaling and sketching, and hope to spend more time on that in the future.
What was the trickiest part of hosting a watercolour workshop?
I started off doing workshops in other people’s homes. That was a bit of a nightmare because you’d be surprised how much equipment, and supplies are needed. I think people were also a bit thrown by how tricky watercolour is to master, so the time limitation was also difficult. I now hold the workshops at home over several weeks, and it’s all a lot easier. I think the participants get a lot more out of it this way too.
How do you overcome art block?
Whenever I am scrolling on my phone, or out somewhere and I see something that I’d like to try, I snap a pic or take a screenshot. The minute I feel a bit lost for ideas, I only have to scroll back through my photos and there is more choice than you could ever imagine…. block gone.
If you had no time frame, what would you love to create?
Time is never really my issue; I have plenty of time. It’s my patience (or lack thereof!). I like to finish things I start straight away. If I could overcome that, I’d really love to do a super large-scale botanical piece, incorporating my love of watercolours and calligraphy, and perhaps write it in French to combine all my passions.
What’s your go-to mid-week meal?
I hate cooking, so anything on the menu at the local pub would be my go-to. If I had to cook though, probably a quick curry or some Mexican.
How did you build the courage to share your art (we’re so glad you did!)?
That was a struggle in the beginning. My Insta page was set to private, and I would only share it with my husband and two sons. I think it was one of my two sons who said, ‘just go public, if people don’t like it, they just won’t follow you’. A couple of my close friends were also my biggest supporters and nudged me to be more ‘out there’. I think they all fuelled a fire because now I post everything…the good, the bad and the downright ugly sometimes.
Where does your mind drift to when you paint?
Hmmmm, my mind doesn’t really drift at all when I paint. In fact, I am usually so focused on the painting that hours fly by, and I’d probably miss it if there was an earthquake and the house fell down around me! It’s also my therapy, it can take my mind off anything that is bothering me at the time.
What’s your favourite time of day?
In no particular order…coffee in bed in the morning (especially if my husband brings it to me!); anytime I get time to sit and paint or practice my calligraphy; and when either of my two adult sons (who live away) call or visit.
What would you say to a beginner wanting to learn how to improve at art?
My current students know that I’m big on saying ‘you will always think the person’s work who is sitting beside you is so much better than your own… well guess what, they think that of yours too’. Just keep going and remember to occasionally look at it with fresh eyes after you walk away for a while. My Calligraphy teacher always reminded us that practice makes progress, not perfection. So, I guess I’d say just keep on practising.
Samantha has inspired us to just have a go and believe that we can create! Remember you’re your own harshest critic, so try to be kind to yourself and just enjoy the process. If you decide to grab some Watercolours or Inks and make something at home, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!
See more of @personallypennedandpainted by browsing our Gallery where she is featured. To join our Creative Community, scroll to the bottom of our website and pop in your email. This will keep you up to date with more featured artists, ideas, tips, and tricks so you stay inspired and keep creating!
