Thirteen years ago a young student queried Stewart MacFarlane about his inspirations...

Jesse Jennings is now a talented photographer currently living in Australia, but 13 years ago she was a bright 7th grade student at Sidney Gutierrez Middle School. Here is the Q&A exchange between Jesse and RAiR Stewart MacFarlane....with an extra bit of information at the end:

Dear Mr. MacFarlane,

Hello, I'm Jesse Jennings. I go to SGMS and I live a 7th grade life.

1. What is your inspiration(s) for your artwork?

The inspiration for my work came early on for me. I was about 12 to 14 when I became very interested in painting. I loved looking at famous artists who showed their life and their world, using paint on canvas or board. I was inspired to see that using such simple materials in a skillful way, an artist could tell a story, or arouse emotion. I was inspired at an early age by Vincent Van Gogh and Toulouse Lautrec.

2. What qualities do you look for in your models?

When I seek out a model, I look for someone who may firstly be interested in art and who may enjoy sitting for an artist. I look for someone who has a strong presence. I look for someone who has some of the qualities of an actor.

3. Is there a meaning or something you are trying to tell people in your paintings?

I am not trying to tell people anything in particular in my paintings. I am probably taking myself on a bit of a mystery exploration, with the stories in the paintings. I aim for the paintings to firstly entertain me. If they do that, then they may entertain, or interest, others.

4. What are your favorite scenes/people to paint?

I like to paint a very wide variety of scenes and of people. A wide range keeps me challenged and interested enough to carry on. I like to paint people of different races, ages and experiences. I am mostly interested in the world of 'the present' and its effect on the people in it. I like my paintings to look as though they are painted in the current time we live in. I like to use the things that are used in our current time (mobile phones, etc.). I am currently painting a series of night paintings, as I enjoy the drama of night light.

5. Do you paint the people first and decide what scenery will look best behind them or vice-versa?

Most often, I find a scene first that attracts me, or that seems dramatic to me. For example, I saw the background for the 'Manhattan' painting when I was visiting my friend in Manhattan. I painted a small version of the background in Manhattan, from my friend's balcony. I saw the background for 'The Fair' painting when I went to the Roswell Fair. After I work with the background for a while, I then think about what type of person would be best for that scene.

I hope that answers your questions, Jesse. I have many paintings on my website and have written about a lot of them, if you need more information.

www.stewartmacfarlane.com

Thank you,

Jesse

FOOTNOTE (i.e., extra tidbit):

Jesse Jennings was painted by Stewart MacFarlane in this artwork entitled "Popular Girls" 2008, oil on canvas, 183x183 cm. She is holding the paper mache bunny. The girl to her left is Sienna Fleming, and the girl on the right is Lily MacFarlane. The photo was taken in Stewart's studio at the RAiR Berrendo Road facility in 2008.

Be ˈKyu̇r-ē-əs! — October