Mandy Budan

Mandy Budan is an artist who was born in Toronto, Canada. She studied art in high school and in college, and then worked as a graphic designer for a few years. Budan did graphic design to get more experience in art but then later decided that she needed to have more freedom to create her own artwork. She recently got back to creating fine art on a full-time basis. Budan says that she still uses her graphic design experience when she creates her artwork. She has also worked in many other mediums including oils and pastels but she mainly uses acrylic paints. Budan now lives just east of Toronto in Pickering where she continues to create new fine art pieces.

Does the place you live have an effect on your art?

Definitely! There are a lot of walking trails and conservation areas very close to me. I also take many day trips in my gently used police car. Ontario is full of opportunities for beautiful landscapes - gnarly pines on rocky shores, hidden lakes reflecting vibrant fall forests. There is so much to paint here, I'll never get it all.

What is one thing about you that most people don't know?

When I was young and knew everything I was sure painting was dead and digital art was the only way to create. And now that I know nothing I can paint every day!

What styles of art have you tried? Which is your favorite?

I have tried traditional realism, tonalism, non-objective abstract and figurative, before finally coming to rest at a sort of abstract impressionism. I love the controlled placement of paint, working with light and color and a hint of realism.

Is there a style of art you are interested in trying?

I'm sometimes lured by a more physical style - fabric, or glass or some 2-d sculptural media, but I still have so much to learn about my current style that I always come back to it.

What mediums do you use for your art? Why do you like these mediums the best?

I use my graphic design background extensively; I'm very aware of composition and the overall design of a painting. I work with photos and sketches (both digital and painted) before I create a new work. I have tried a few different things like oils, pastel, and wood-block printing but I find acrylic paint gives me the control I need to create the discrete shapes I want.

Have you always worked independently or have you worked with a team since the start of your career in the arts? Which do you prefer?

I always paint independently. I couldn't imagine collaborating on a painting since I'm very sure how I want the painting to look. It's a very personal process trying to put on panel an image that I have in my head.

What is your biggest advice for aspiring and uprising artists?

Perseverance is number one - I think some artists give up too soon. Also I think it's critical that an artist love the process of creating their art, not just the finished product. And not to worry about style, it will come from the perseverance and from the process of creating.

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