Meet Alison Corteen | Contemporary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Corteen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, what are you inspired by?
It may seem like a cliché, but I really am inspired by my surroundings. Walking around, certain sights just give me flashes of inspiration and I end up with many ideas for sketches and paintings.

I am constantly amazed by the world we live in and I am inspired by the wonders around us. I am excited by the extreme landscapes that surround me in Southern California. One moment I am in awe of the beauty of a winter sunset over the Pacific and the next day I find myself astounded by the ugly grandeur of the LA freeways and interchanges. This has motivated me to paint both types of landscapes.

I find myself inclined to paint a beautiful butterfly one day and a stinking dumpster the next. This is because I see beauty in many varied or unusual objects and landscapes. The subject matter may be conventional or unconventional but I want to convey the feelings of delight, fascination or awe I feel when I’m out walking, driving or running.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have painted all my life, but since moving to the United States and Redondo Beach 5 years ago I have been painting more seriously. There are many talented artists in California and the South Bay area and the wonderful artist community here gave me the inspiration to turn my hobby into a business.

The biggest challenge faced by artists is actually marketing and selling their art. It is always hard to get your art shown. As an artist, I put a lot of my heart and soul into my paintings and they can feel extremely personal to me. My background is in sales but it is a whole different ball game selling your own artwork! When people don’t buy it, it can feel like a personal slight. Artists have to develop a thick skin to cope with the inevitable rejections.

I have been very fortunate to find collectors of my art both locally and across the world and I have exhibited my paintings in several art shows including exhibitions at Shockboxx and Resin Galleries in Hermosa. I have a solo art exhibition coming up at Cherry Co. in Redondo Beach Riviera where I will be exhibiting my bright and fauvist landscapes. My artwork reflects the Californian landscape where I use unusual and unexpected colors and angles. My paintings are a bright and beautiful addition to your walls.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As we originally come from Scotland, we often have friends come to stay. The itinerary we plan always depends on our friend’s personality and/or if they have children. With visitors from the UK, they always enjoy time at the beach – the weather in the LA area so often lovely and sunny and it’s fun to go paddle boarding or surfing. We also like to take friends up to Palos Verdes to enjoy some of the hikes along the cliff tops and down to the coves. The Terranea resort is a great place to stop for a lunch with a view.
It’s always enjoyable to wander around the Redondo Beach Riviera and look at all the charming boutiques and shops including the wonderful Cherry Co. Art Gallery and shop. They have great bars and restaurants and it’s lovely to sit and enjoy dinner outside on a warm summer evening.
For a bit more high octane excitement with the children we take a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland and go on all the rides.
We also recommend cycling along the coastal path and visiting other coastal towns such as Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Each city has it’s own vibe and is fun to wander around. Further along the coastal path is Venice Beach where we enjoy the shops and restaurants along Abbot Kinney. Venice is really lively and there is always things to see.
For a bit of art and culture we like to go to LACMA and then enjoy some food from one of the many food trucks parked outside or head along to Chinatown to get some delicious food.
Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is another great place to go with children. They have fascinating displays and beautiful sea creatures to see and touch.
If my friends are feeling energetic we also like to hike up to the Hollywood sign for great photo opportunities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful art community and family. I must certainly give a shout out to my husband and daughter for their constant support and encouragement;
Terri Burris as my art instructor and mentor at South Bay Art Department for her belief in my talent and as an inspiration in business;
Samantha LeDuc as a fellow artist for her constant encouragement;
South Bay Artist Collective for their fantastic art opportunities and ideas.

Website: www.alisoncorteen.com

Instagram: alisoncorteen

Facebook: alisoncorteen

Image Credits
Nomad Photo Studio