Design Instincts with Cynthia Oswald
An interview with artist, designer, and educator Cynthia Oswald. Full interview available in issue No. 04 of the PXV Art Mag.
What inspired you to begin teaching?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been inspired to sketch and explore the natural world. Children’s books and animated stories always excited me to the possibilities of an art career as a child. But there was a huge gap between what I could envision and my skillsets. That can be really disheartening at any age. But there were pivotal moments of encouragement or leadership that changed the trajectory of my career. Those moments were all created by mentors or teachers who took time to positively influence me. They either taught me a new skill, explained to me what was possible, or encouraged me to keep going. Those moments left a lasting impression with me and I’ve always felt a deep desire to give back in that same way.
How does your knowledge in design influence your watercolor process?
During my Watercolor by Design Skillshare course, I share about 7 basic design principles that influence my watercolor compositions—hierarchy, contrast, repetition, proximity, balance, color and space. In the past, I created fine art from references. In 2020, I started leaning into my design knowledge to compose fine art pieces more from my intuition and personal memories. By creating works using design principles, I’ve been able to stay engaged in the work and create pieces that feel more aligned with me. Any artist or designer can use these principles to influence their next move and be in alignment with their unique style and voice.
What do you hope your students feel at the end of your classes?
I hope that students feel empowered to trust their natural instincts and explore what makes them unique. We all deserve time to practice and celebrate self-expression. I also hope they are able to implement their favorite design principles to help them get unstuck when they are facing the messy middle. But most of all, I hope they feel encouraged, like I have by so many teachers, to continue creating and follow their instincts for the next move!
