1. Who are you? Where are you from? Give us a little background on who you are as and artist and what form of art you feel passionate for. ~~~I am Tracey Ellen Frances (Padron).Creator of EFT Studios . 53. Widowed mother of 6 nearly grown children. Born and bred in the Midwest, I have lived around Chicago for most of my life. I fell in love with figurative art at 13 when I discovered Michelangelo. I went on to study to be a medical illustrator thereby cementing a passion for anatomy. That interest fit beautifully with my classical study of the figure. 2. At what point in your life did you start having an interest in art? ~~~My interest in art began when I was 4. I learned to read and write well before kindergarten and making marks on the page that meant something sparked a love of line and drawing. 3. How do you feel your art has progressed over the years? ~~~My studies have taken me in many directions, but my pursuit of draftsmanship has never flagged. It is my lifelong goal to be considered a master draftsman- as well as a damn good painter and sculptor. 4. Would you say that where you are right now, and where you grew up has had a lot of influence on your art? ~~~Unfortunately, yes. I feel it has been limiting as a figurative artist in the Midwest. If I painted landscapes and barns, I'd be fine. Drawing the figure...the NUDE...is especially taboo in this region of the country. Where I also paint/draw landscapes and love barns, that subject matter does not fill me with the same passion. 5. What is your favorite memory while working on a project? ~~~Anytime a project looms, one can only hope to "catch the wave" s you work. The focus and semi-orgasmic feeling progress with little or no effort. Also surprising yourself and your client is pretty cool, too. 6. What was the most terrifying memory you've had as an artist? ~~~The most terrifying memory? Only the fear that I may not be good enough. THAT is a constant. 7. Where do you draw your inspiration from, to be able to consistently work in multiple mediums? ~~~Inspiration comes every day I have my eyes open. The heart and soul follow. There are times inspiration comes with eyes closed, but the gift of sight offers a never ending source of inspiration. 8.Is there a project you've worked on that's been especially memorable for you in the time you've spent doing your artwork? ~~~Any time I get to pick up a pencil I get tingles. Something about the feel of pencil to paper...or stone...or wood. There was a commission that was especially rewarding. RAM Racing hired me to paint a 6' tall plastic hydrant to look as though it was overflowing with hot chocolate for their Hot Chocolate 5k event. I surprised myself and the client was extremely pleased. 9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ~~~Living on the east coast, Massachusetts or Maine. In a much larger studio so I can teach my drawing workshops to larger groups, as well as work on larger canvases. There will be space to weld and finally do some serious printmaking. 10. Do you think you will ever retire? ~~~There is no such thing when you are an artist. I am Tracey Ellen Frances (Padron). 53. Widowed mother of 6 nearly grown children. Born and bred in the Midwest, I have lived around Chicago for most of my life. I fell in love with figurative art at 13 when I discovered Michelangelo. I went on to study to be a medical illustrator thereby cementing a passion for anatomy. That interest fit beautifully with my classical study of the figure. My interest in art began when I was 4. I learned to read and write well before kindergarten and making marks on the page that meant something sparked a love of line and drawing. My studies have taken me in many directions, but my pursuit of draftsmanship has never flagged. It is my lifelong goal to be considered a master draftsman- as well as a damn good painter and sculptor. Inspiration comes every day I have my eyes open. The heart and soul follow. There are times inspiration comes with eyes closed, but the gift of sight offers a never ending source of inspiration. Any time I get to pick up a pencil I get tingles. Something about the feel of pencil to paper...or stone...or wood. There was a commission that was especially rewarding. RAM Racing hired me to paint a 6' tall plastic hydrant to look as though it was overflowing with hot chocolate for their Hot Chocolate 5k event. I surprised myself and the client was extremely pleased.