Featured Artist Eleanor Goudreau

Artist Eleanor Goudreau skillfully shares her observations of nature and mankind’s effect on the environment. Learn more about this artist by visiting her website.

 

 

As an artist I was trained mostly in acrylic. In my adult life, however, I have favored pencil as a means to express, as it travels easily with me. It has not been until the last seven years of my life that I have settled enough to be able to set up a studio and experiment again with different mediums. Pencil, however, is still my number one go-to for expression and creativity.

 

 

My subject matter is inspired by nature, although I do work extensively with portraiture to hone my skills and train my eye. I never feel that I am done with my own artistic training. I know I can always improve on creating more realism in my art or seeing my subject matter better. I am attracted to blending nature, human portraiture and animals. Many of my later works deal with nature and the juxtaposition of the human footprint in nature as well as the degradation of nature by humans and our neglect of the environment.

 

 

I live in a very nature driven environment, one that brings constant awareness of its need for preservation, so I use my work to communicate this. My technique sometimes has a childlike feel to it. This is not always intentional, but it can make the artwork more approachable for many age levels. It can also help our younger generation understand the need to be compassionate and aware of one’s surroundings. Environmental messages in my work are very common.

 

 

Another medium I work with is paper cutting. The application of a three-dimensional butterfly or a grasshopper adds so much depth to the final piece. Cutting paper, much like drawing on paper, and enhancing the detail with intricate slices of the knife to try and create a life like subject, is incredibly gratifying. Using font with images on my work is another form of communication I use, much like a poster or book cover. Someday, I would love to be involved in publications, but until then I will continue to create pieces that hopefully inspire thought.

 

 

I work on a commission basis when the opportunity arises. It can be very gratifying working with someone to bring their vision to life on a two-dimensional surface.

 

 

I have also created artwork for educational purposes via pencil and through wall murals. Collaborating with other people is something I really enjoy.

 

 

Although my education is art-related, I don’t consider art as my career. I am considered a professional artist now, but I do not create for profit. Being an artist has opened up opportunities that I did not foresee and I am very grateful for my abilities in that regard. For fifteen years I worked extensively as a costumer in the film industry and now have parlayed into costume design via operatic productions and stage performances. Working with fabric is a huge part of who I am. Paper and fabric are very different and on a creative level, it is really wonderful to be able to go back and forth between the two.

 

 

Art for me is an outlet, a form of expression that allows me to deal with frustrations, joys and challenges. To be able to bring a plain piece of paper to life with a drawing is pure magic.

 

Artist Eleanor Goudreau invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

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