Friday Art Feature – Monika Ptok-Byard

Happy, Happy Friday to everyone!

We’ve finally had some rain and cooler weather here.  It’s wonderful!  I’m loving every minute of it.  I’m also loving this week’s interview.

This week’s Featured Artist is

Monika Ptok-Byard

Artist Monika Ptok-Byard
Did you always want to be an artist?  If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
For as long as I could remember I’ve always wanted to be an Artist, it’s such a huge part of me and makes me so happy, I truly love my job! 
Hmmm, I would say a Paleontologist, I LOVE dinosaurs and digging for things.
I would like to dabble in trying to paint dinosaurs in the future perhaps, maybe the best of both worlds?
Green Man by Monika Ptok-Byard
You do quite a few art shows, faery festivals and cons.  How did you get started doing them?  Do you have any coming up in the near future? 
I honestly don’t remember how I started doing them, it’s been so long ago it feels like I just magically got there.  I do however remember my first show. It was an art festival and I had some pretty bad scans of my work made into prints and they were hung up with hemp and clothing pegs, I knew nothing of high quality scans and prints back then as the internet wasn’t as big so it was a huge learning curve for me. I was thrilled to have people buying my work and supporting me! I got hooked! After that I think it’s just by other fellow artists, vendors and customers telling me about shows, I’m willing to try everything, it’s fun.
I just finished doing a Faery show this passed weekend but I have one more to do this year which will be a Medieval Festival then its off to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy and paint while I can. I’m very much looking forward to the future with my little guy next year at the shows!
In Dreams by Monika Ptok-Byard
I am always curious about how artists’ websites get their names.  Why did you name your’s Faebyl Art?
I loved reading Fables as a kid and I love Faeries so you put them together and you get Faebyl, it’s also been my online name for years and it just stuck.
Hyleoroi by Monika Ptok-Byard
Your fairies and other images are beautiful.  How do you paint such gorgeous faces?  Do you use reference models/photographs?
I LOVE painting faces, ever since I was little I loved doing portraits. I want to give my subjects a soul. I love eyes and the emotions and stories they tell.
I have never used stock photos until recently, I think it was  Enchanted Visions that got me started out. Of all of my works I have 4 from stock photos, I’m sure there will be more because they are amazing to use. 
Most paintings are done from my head and then using myself in mirrors to get anatomy right, though all the practice I got from doing so many portraits of friends and family when I was young helps.
Lady of The Forest by Monika Ptok-Byard
Describe your art studio/workspace.
Right now I work in a room in my house, it looks out to a large pond and forest, it’s gorgeous! I have 4 huge windows which give me a ton of natural light and a bunch of artwork from friends to inspire me. Unfortunately I’m only there for another month as we are moving into the city. I will have a studio there and  just as much inspiration, I’m very excited for the future!
Mushroom Charms made by Monika Ptok-Byard
Mushroom Ornaments made by Monika Ptok-Byard
Which artists do you think have had the most influence on you?
That’s a hard one because all of my artist friends inspire me, they are all so talented!!
Goblin King by Monika Ptok-Byard
If I were to look back as a kid, it would be Albrecht Dürer I adore his work! I got to see my favorite painting from him last year! that was amazing!. I also love Gustav Klimt and of course Brian Froud.
Auri by Monika Ptok-Byard
What do you enjoy doing when you are not painting?
Camping! love camping and hiking, just being outside. 
Cooking and veggie gardening. I also found a love for making my own skin and body care items.
Want to see more of Monika’s art, visit her store or follow her?
Faebyl Art Website:  http://www.faebylart.com 
Thank you Monika, for taking the time to do this interview.  I’ve enjoyed seeing your art and getting to know you.  Please feel free to grab the badge below for your website or blog.   It’s also available on the side bar with the code already done for you.



Drop by every Friday to meet more fabulous artists.  Next week I’ll be featuring artist, Nicole Cadet.

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