A First Look at the 2012 Artsquest Poster and Artist Robin Wiesneth

Miramar beach resident Robin Wiesneth's acrylic painting titled "Elvis Flies for K9 Air" was selected from among 200 submitted images to represent the 2012 ArtsQuest Fine Arts and Music Festival. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), the 24th annual event will be held over Mother's Day Weekend, May 11-13, and features activities for the entire family in downtown Seaside. Wiesneth's artwork will be featured on posters, t-shirts, and other marketing pieces promoting the event.

"There were many talented artists' submissions, making it a very difficult choice," said Jennifer Steele, executive director of the CAA. "Since this year's event is focusing on a broad family appeal, the committee thought this fun, whimsical design best portrayed the 2012 event. Walton County is home to some extremely talented artists, and we are proud to feature Robin in our regional and national promotion of ArtsQuest."Wiesneth is a self-taught artist that has been experimenting with acrylics on canvas for about four years. With a vivid imagination, she often paints fanciful and quirky scenes that appear realistic. She's frequently commissioned to paint portraits of dogs and other pets.

"No request is too crazy," says Wiesneth. "My commissioned work ranges from traditional portraits to silly imaginary settings. I'm thrilled that the CAA committee saw something in Elvis and thought that he'd make a great 'poster dog' for ArtsQuest. More than anything, I love to create art that makes people smile."

Wiesneth's artwork can be seen hanging in retail locations, including "The Doggy Bag" and "The Cat Clinic of Destin." She is also the featured artist at the "Bad Girls Art Gallery" in Fort Walton Beach and her work was recently featured on the cover of the Beachcomber.

What jobs have you had other than being an artist?
Before discovering art I was a hard working computer geek.  I especially enjoyed teaching people how to use computers and software and I still do consulting in that field.  I enjoy helping artists learn how to use Social Media to promote their artwork.

Name something you love and why?
Animals, especially dogs and cats.  They are wonderful, loving companions!

What is your favorite or most interesting place?
Sailing on the west coast of Scotland - the scenery is breathtaking and the people are wonderful.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Paint a subject you love and make a series out of it.  If someone loves your work they will want to see similar works.

What is your favorite medium and why?
Acrylic paint.  With today's technology you can make it behave like almost anything: oil, watercolor, even encaustic. I also work fast and like to finish a piece in a few days; acrylics are a perfect match for my style and pace of painting.