Tracey Chaykin
“Our planet is the perfect example of creativity!
The colors, varied environments, and life living on this planet are inspiring and drive my desire to create moments to share the awe and beauty that is all around us!” – Tracey Chaykin.
“Colorful Eats” Colored Pencil, 11″x14″ by Tracey Chaykin – Star of the Week.
WAS THERE A PIVOTAL MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH AS AN ARTIST?
“I’ve always had a passion for Art and drawing for as long as I can remember. But, even back then, I was always attracted to and intrigued by nature. I’ve rediscovered this passion now that my children are grown.
About seven years ago, in researching Art materials, I found organizations and individuals with the same passion and ideals as myself, focusing on nature and promoting its preservation for the future, and I was off and running!
It was exactly what I needed to fuel my energy and talent toward this worthy cause now and into the future.”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
“My work is realistic based. I strive to focus on minute details, which is why colored pencils are my go-to medium.
I’m still in the experimental stage playing with other mediums to incorporate in fun ways with colored pencils.
Sometimes this is applied to the backgrounds with pencils used on the core subject matter to maintain realism. Other times, I will use different mediums as underpaintings with my pencils over the top to reinforce the details and add depth.”
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
“The goal is always to share the different types of life that exist all around us and that all life, no matter how big or small, deserves to be seen and survive on this planet along with us.”
Tracey Chaykin – Star of the Week
“Hopeful” Colored Pencil and Gold Leaf, 5″ x 7″ by Tracey Chaykin.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK FITS WITHIN SOCIETY IN OUR PRESENT TIMES?
“In today’s society, climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction, now more than ever, our Artwork is important whether it’s making a statement, providing an opportunity to raise funding for a cause, or just bringing awareness and knowledge.
This is where my Art fits in, and I couldn’t be prouder of being a part of these opportunities.”
WHEN LOOKING BACK, WHAT ARTWORKS COME TO MINDA THAT MOST RELATE TO YOUR LIFE STORY?
“This an interesting question for me as my work tends to be focused on everything other than myself. I’ve yet to even create a self-portrait! Lol.
If I had to make any comparison, my Artworks would support my constant love of nature, which has existed my whole life.
Some of my favorite pieces are my Snow Leopard (On the Prowl), Bobcat (Dillion), Veggie Still Life (Colorful Eats), and most recently, a Chickadee (Winter Break).
Honestly, I love them all.”
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
“Cynthia Knox – Cynthia is a fabulous teacher in person and writing. Early in my rediscovered career, I learned much about technique and application from her tutorials.
Alan Woollett – is a well-known and extraordinary Bird Artist from the UK. I gravitate to doing a lot of birds and have been lucky enough to attend an in-person workshop with him.
Viviana Puello – a constant inspiration that fuels my energy to keep moving forward and achieve more.
Her commitment to providing the best platform for artists to achieve their goals is unparalleled.”
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“My subjects are often not decided based on any project I’m looking into. This could be for the Artists, Biologists Unite for Nature, Birdwhisperer Project, Duck Stamp competitions, and sometimes my ideas.
Once a subject is chosen, the hunt begins to find that reference that speaks to my heart.
Once a reference is found, I study it and think about all the materials at my disposal to decide on the best, maybe fun, way I can produce the end result.
This is the stage where I’ll decide if colored pencils alone or mixed media will suit the subject best.
Then, depending on my time constraints, I will transfer the image to my surface or draw it freehand.
Then the fun begins!”
“Winter Break” Colored Pencil, PanPastel, Acrylic Paint & Micro Glitter , 8.5″x 6″, by Tracey Chaykin – Star of the Week.
WHAT VISUAL REFERENCES DO YOU DRAW UPON IN YOUR WORK?
“Most projects I participate in provide albums of photos to choose from.
In other cases, we are given a list of animals and choose what we want to work on.
I usually use Shutterstock to find references for those projects if I cannot attain my own.
However, I take many photos when opportunities present and will also use them.”
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS?
“There are many upcoming projects on the horizon.
We have a new project for Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature (ABUN) for World Albatross Day for ACAP – Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.
I will be scouring the album of references provided by the Conservation group to support this project.
In addition, the Federal Duck Stamp will publish the details for this year’s project soon and will choose a subject for this as well.
Lots and lots of opportunities.”
