Jessica Durrant might be from Las Vegas originally, but the imaginative painter is now an Atlantan through and through. Her signature style combines clean, minimalist drawings with vivid, not-so-clean watercoloring—both which make us feel inexplicably happy inside. The subjects of Durrant’s pieces vary from geography to fashion to (one of her favorites) travel. We were impressed with her thoughtful, intelligent approach to painting, and with good reason.
CommonCreativ spoke with Durrant to learn more about her creative process and her knack for bringing watercolors to life (figuratively, of course).
CommonCreativ: How did you get into painting?
Jessica Durrant: I’ve been drawing since I was 3, and I learned how to paint in oils when I was 14. I always loved creating and enjoyed going to art classes growing up. I knew that I had a gift at a young age, but I don’t think that I thought about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was too interested in being a kid.
CC: How did you turn creating art into a career?
JD: In a nutshell, a few years back I missed creating and realized I wanted to get better. I had stopped creating when I finished my art degree—I think I just wasn’t ready to create for a living. Once I realized that I wanted to get back into it, I took a little time every day to research, try to get inspired, and just paint. I was lucky to find out about Etsy, and it soon became a way for people all over the world to connect with my work. It’s been a snowball effect for me. Social media, blogs, magazines—they all allow my work to be seen. And that results in allowing me to continue creating for a living.
CC: Any advice for other artists looking to do the same?
JD: When first starting out, we all are a little afraid. You have to trust that you’re doing the right thing. Stop emulating your favorite artists (I did the same ting, and just about everybody does) and find your own voice. You’ll find it if you just put your head down and create. Push out the negative thoughts or comparisons you may have a tendency toward. Artists are resilient people. You’ll get rejected, fail and make mistakes. But if you keep trying and if it’s the life you want—you will get it in the end. If your heart is in the right place, you can be an artist. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
CC: Could you describe your creative process?
JD: My process is a bit spontaneous. I don’t like to be tied down to certain subjects or ideas. I try to keep my mind open to whatever may inspire me that day. I look at images, listen to music, and try to pull from my own life in order to create.
CC: What is it about painting that you find the most fulfilling?
JD: You never know how the painting will turn out—especially with watercolor. I get to create my own world when I paint. It’s the process, and not necessarily the end product, that’s fun.
You can check out more of Jessica Durant’s work over at her portfolio and Etsy shop.
