Q27-30

David Macdonald is best-known for his work with water-color painting; His work has been included in over 36 exhibitions.

He is also renowned as an art teacher with work in a summer water-color painting intensive program for high school students.

W: David, how did you start making art?

M: Initially it was a way to create some private space. As the 3^rd in a family of 9 children, I always shared a bedroom with at least 3 of my brothers. I would help my parents unpack the grocery; then unfold the paper bags so that I could use the inside as drawing paper. Through hours of drawing, I was able to crate my own little world. I was introduced to water-color painting during my second year in college. And ever since then, I was fascinated by it.

W: What is the source of your ideas?

M: Anything can become a conscious or unconscious inspiration. I can get lost in the country or in the city streets or in the supermarket. Even the shapes and colors of the vegetables give all sorts of ideas. On a more scholarly level, I was influenced by Chinese and Japanese painters during college.

W: Is there any advice you’d like to give to our students?

M: An artist has to believe in him or herself. The dedication, courage and energy my students bring to the classroom are more important than anything I can offer. If you want to stand above the crowd, your passion for your art must be manifest through your willingness to work harder than anyone else. The students who succeed see their art as a way of life, and not simply as a way of earning a living. My job as a teacher is to help my students realize their potential and bring eloquence to their unique voice.

Q27: What is the topic of the interview?

Q28: How did the man start to learn water-color painting?

Q29: Why did the man talk about the vegetables in the supermarket?

Q30: Which of the following is not true about successful art students?