“Growing up in the country north of Baton Rouge in the Felicianas, art was all around me. I knew art was going to be a huge part of my life as soon as I opened my first set of crayons and realized I could capture that sunset or draw all the beautiful trees surrounding me. Most children enjoy coloring and creating “masterpieces” but I was hooked from my very first sketch. I signed up for every art class available from kindergarten through high school and, eventually, graduated with a degree in Fine Art specializing in drawing and painting from LSU in 2001. After college I focused primarily on black and white charcoals portraits but realized I missed the creativity that comes with painting. People often tell me I have a very vibrant personality and I enjoy bringing that out in my paintings.”

“After spending years in a solitary studio, I realized I had to find a way to combine my love of art, painting, and people and pARTy at Your Place was born. Teaching art to adults and children and seeing them discover their own talent and creativity has been immensely rewarding. I love it when I get an email saying that a student has just returned from a shopping trip to purchase all the supplies a budding artist might need. Many of my students don’t think they are creative until they put brush to canvas, then, they are hooked! Many of my clients are repeat customers who can’t wait to try a new subject or introduce their own family and friends to the joys of painting as well. Having seen how my own children took to painting on canvas I had to

have a pARTy that was entirely for children. Once these little artists are finished they beam as they have created their own art.”

“pARTy at Your Place is not a paint-by-numbers operation – participants pick all their own colors and can draw their own subjects. My job is to guide and encourage my students to find their inner artist. Small class sizes in people’s homes ensures a relaxed and intimate atmosphere which releases people from their inhibitions and allows them the freedom to enjoy the experience. Being able to connect with each student during class is very important. Answering questions or even demonstrating how to hold a brush, helps in the process for these non-artists to feel comfortable around these materials they have no experience with. Once you leave my class you will feel very confident and proud of your masterpiece.”

“Painting will always be my first love (just don’t tell my husband).” – Courney Yoes

If you would like to learn more about Courtney and/or book a pARTy at Your Place, visit her website at www.yoes.com or facebook.com/partyatyourplacela.

Christina was born and raised in Metairie, La. She attended high school at Dominican in New Orleans, La. She attended college at LSU and also studied in Copenhagen, Denmark. She began painting in high school and has gone on to follow her passion of painting for 10 years now. “My first memory of painting on canvas was a copy of a Jordi Labanda illustration. I got started painting in high school elective art classes. I started drawing and sketching in pencil and charcoal, then progressed to oils.” Christina says.

Manny, with FASTLane of Zachary, had a chance to interview Christina on an array of different topics. Here is the Q&A of their conversation:

Manny: ”Who got you interested in painting?”

Christina: “I wouldn’t say any one person in particular started me painting. It was more of a progression from drawing in pencils, charcoal, and other media. I was just interested in trying new things really.”

Manny: ”Are there any other people in your family artist?”

Christina: “Actually, yes. My cousin Louis Braquet is a phenomenal painter. My brother and father also graduated in architecture so they can
sketch and draw as well.”

Manny: “What have you done to become a better artist?”

Christina: ”I have studied the works of other painters and artists and most importantly I have continued to try new techniques and media to expand my style and creativity.”

Manny: “How do you prepare to begin a piece of art?”

Christina: “I have to be in the right mood to paint. I can’t be rushed or be
on a ‘’schedule’’. I often leave the afternoon open with no other
obligations so I can solely paint until I am satisfied.”

Manny: “Where do you get your ideas?”

Christina: “I get my ideas from all aspects of life. Colors really inspire me as well as mixing new color combinations together. I’ll see a piece of clothing in a color I am drawn to at the moment and have to recreate it in oil!”

Manny: “What art or artist inspires you?”

Christina: “Meredith Pardue truly inspires me. Her work is so beautiful. Her colors are truly inspiring as well. I have often used her work in my career as an interior designer.”

Manny: “What is the easiest part of beginning a piece of art?”

Christina: “Having a color or colors that inspire me.”

Manny: “What is the hardest part of beginning a piece of art?”

Christina: “Trying to find time!”

Manny: “If things aren’t going well, how do you solve the problem?”

Christina: “I take a step back and leave the room and then come back in and look at the piece from a distance. This usually tells me what the painting needs
or how it has to be changed.”

Manny: “When do you know when you are finished with a piece?”

Christina: “This is very difficult! I usually know when I am finished when I
can’t think of any other color or stroke that will add to the painting.”

Manny: “How does art make you feel?”

Christina: “Accomplished. Soothed.”

Manny: “Do you belong to any groups, teams, associations?”

Christina: “Unrelated to art but yes. I am a member of the Baton Rouge Junior League and was one of this year’s decorations chairs for the LASM Gala.(Louisiana Arts and Sciences Museum).”

Manny: “Where do you sell/display your artwork?”

Christina: “My artwork is currently displayed at The Foyer and Yogalates II in
Baton Rouge, Simply Southern in Mandeville, and Shaun Smith Home in New
Orleans.”

Manny: “Any advice for beginners?”

Christina: “Keep trying if you aren’t happy with your initial results.”

Manny: “Looking back what is your favorite piece of artwork and why?”

Christina: “I really love the piece that was accepted to hang in the 2011 Art Melt! It was my most challenging painting and really means a lot to me! It’s for sale and hanging at The Foyer!”

Many thanks to Christina for allowing us to interview her and share a view samples of her work.