As it happens with many artists, Adele Yonchak did not set out to become a professional artist. She has always been the creative type, but it wasn’t until her senior year of high school when she dropped Physics and picked up an additional art class that she really fell into art. Adele’s work draws you in through the beautiful landscapes and rich and unique texture. We were so excited to sit down with Adele to get to know a little more about her professionally and personally. We learned she is not only a talented artist but also a pretty cool southern gal.
What is currently on your nightstand?
I am a big reader and always have a few books on my nightstand. I currently have Present Over Perfectby Shauna Neiquist which I own and The Two-Family Houseby Lynda Cohen Loigman checked out from the library. My other nightstand staple is my sleep mask ☺
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
My biggest artistic influence is Nicolas de Stael, the Russian abstract landscape painter from the 1940s. I love his use of slabs of color and texture in his representational landscape work.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I had a great childhood. The middle of three girls I was always into or up to something. We moved 3 times while growing up which I think made me adaptable and open to new experiences.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Definitely my medium-sized palette knife. I could live without a paintbrush but not without my palette knife.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My favorite room in my house is my living room because of the space we spend the most time. It’s not the biggest room but flows from our kitchen and despite having a playroom, my children would much rather play where we are. It’s light and comfortable and my favorite books and pieces of art all live in this space as well.
What is your biggest score online?
I love a good deal and recently scored a pair of beautiful marble based buffet lamps online after searching for some for almost a year.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
I love the idea of a collective because someone has already selected the artists and certain pieces to narrow down the infinite choices available online. You know you are choosing from quality work from a trusted source. I would recommend taking your time buying your first art pieces and waiting to find pieces you love. You would much rather fill your space slowly with forever pieces that might cost a little more than with generic prints that you will want to replace sooner rather than later.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I would love to return to the Musee d’Orsay in Paris and spend the day there. I was able to see one of my all-time favorite pieces, “Landscape with Tower” by Wassily Kandinsky when I was there while studying abroad and would love to go back and explore again!
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Cloister Hotel in Sea Island, Georgia. My husband and I met while working down there in the summer during college and got engaged there 4 years later. It’s such a beautiful place and will always be special to us.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
I am not a makeup girl and cannot pull off red so I would say an everyday pink. We all need a little color but I’m someone who buys and wears things that are as versatile as possible, able to be dressed up or down.
I can never get on a plane without….
A book. A real one. No e-reader for me.
Who inspired you to jump into the world of art?
I had an amazing art teacher in high school that was so enthusiastic it was contagious and she really made me feel like I was where I belonged.
What do you do to relax?
I have two (soon to be three) young children so relaxation can be hard to come by, but I definitely relax in my studio. I have this awesome little space in our carport that is just mine and can get me away from the crazy. Exercise and reading are other things that help me refuel and keep my brain working.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
I am always inspired when I get away from home. When I am able to get to the mountains or beach and take in the landscapes I don’t get a chance to see on a daily basis.
What is your idea of a date night?
Dinner and a movie or dancing all night? A really good dinner and drinks are always my ideal date night. Getting away from the house, good food I don’t have to cook and quality time with my husband.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
I am not one to get super attached to my work. While there are pieces I’ve done that I love, I’m always OK for someone else to have and enjoy them. My favorite pieces are the ones that capture client’s happy places or special memories. When I am able to create pieces that are truly meaningful and I know they will be treasured forever. That is pretty amazing.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy what you love, not what you think you should.
