Varla Bishop- March 2026

How and where did your art practice begin?

I’ve been drawn to art since I was a little girl. I loved to draw like most children. Growing up I took art classes in middle and high school. I simply enjoyed creating. My grandmother was very encouraging that I continue with my art. In fact, she wanted me to be an art teacher. However, I had other dreams for myself. I loved art, but I always felt I was meant to go into law enforcement. And so, I did. I went to college to get a degree in Police Scie

nce. I would eventually be hired by the Wisconsin State Patrol where I had a 30-year career. When I retired, I returned to art. My husband was very supportive and encouraged me to take classes about painting. I started out taking workshops through the technical college in watercolor. I read of ton of “how to” books on painting techniques and watched countless videos. I also painted every day. I had found a new passion in this second chapter of my life. My studio is in the basement, but I call it “the place where magic happens.” It is not a normal basement.

Where do you draw inspiration?

It is hard to describe what draws inspiration. It is more a feeling. It must be unique in some way. Maybe it’s the pose, or the background or the image draws an emotion. I love doing portraits, but I don’t want the subjects to be posing. I like the active or

unsuspected pose. I take many pictures at gatherings always looking for that one photo that speaks to me. I am usually open to trying new techniques in my paintings. I struggle doing any form of abstracts. Maybe it’s due to all the years in law enforcement. Painting in the lines and realism is a side effect of that career choice. Not sure. So, realism is primarily the style in which I paint. I follow a photographer of birds on social media named Zach Vaughan. He has given me permission to paint from his photographs. His photos of birds are sharp and beautiful in color. I also have family and friends that have creative eyes and they allow me to go through their photos letting me find my next inspiration. I do not struggle finding inspiration, only time to paint.

How do you plan your pieces and how do you decide....

Planning a piece I don’t always do as well as I would like, but I am getting better. What I see in my mind’s eye doesn’t always translate well. So now I print the images out and arrange them on canvas or paper until it is the size and position that makes sense. I have been known to paint an entire piece over if it doesn’t look right. When is it done?

Well, I let the piece sit for a while and look at it before I feel it is really done. Taking a picture also helps show any weak points that the eye misses. I do have a close friend who is an artist that will give me honest feedback. I greatly appreciate that, but once it is signed. It is done.

What draws you to a specific/preferred medium?

I returned to art doing watercolor. A challenging medium. I did like watercolor but will admit that I primarily do acrylic. It is more forgiving when mistakes are made. But watercolor is my preference when doing portraits. I have joined a sketch group where everyone does watercolor, so I am trying to get back into that medium. It is a constant challenge.

Who were your mentors or what resources did you use to learn your medium?

I read a lot of different books on both watercolor and acrylic painting. I have a dear

friend who gives me countless tips on how to paint better with acrylic. My favorite

portrait artist is Mary Whyte. She offers videos classes on watercoloring which are

incredible. I love how she does the backgrounds of her subjects and how many of her subjects are African American. I also love Emily Carr a Canadian artist who was

inspired to paint vanishing cultures. She was one of the few artists that painted the

totem poles which would be cut down and burn by early settlers. I look for artists that capture rich ethnic cultures.

What result can a finished piece or your process yield that make you feel

rewarded?

With each painting I paint I always try to capture the essence of the subject. I often do commissions where the subject is deceased or their loving pet has died. I look for all the little details in that photo that makes the viewer know that this is their person, this is their pet. I know that when I paint, I feel from the photo their presence. When I present that painting to the client and they start to cry or give me hugs and thank me repeatedly I know I did good. I know I touched them. That is the best feeling in the world, and I want to capture that feeling again and again. I feel that this ability to make others happy with a painting is why I paint. I am so glad I could do this for them.

How do community art spaces like Art Hub enhance your ability to make, distribute, and celebrate art?

What I enjoy about the Art Hub is that it is owned and operated by a woman. I heard her give a presentation on how her vision became reality. Very inspiring. I believe in women supporting other women whenever we can. I went to school in Cambridge and this type of business is just what the community needs. I have taken classes and attended discussion sessions with other artists. To network with fellow artists always inspires my soul. I feel a sense of community. Who doesn’t enjoy talking art? The studio is inviting and showcases a variety of artists and styles. They are always looking to support local artists and sometimes that is all you need to take the first step of selling. I am glad I found this hidden gem, and I only hope it continues to flourish.