Get to Know the Artist
Below, I've left you with a little story of how I got started painting. I may occasionally leave some more insights to my creative process or stories from some of my artistic experiences. I hope you enjoy!
Creative Beginnings
I have always enjoyed drawing ever since I could pick up a pencil; and I spent a lot of time doing it too. I remember watching Bob Ross on the edu channel. I found it very interesting and the more I watched, the more I wanted to try it. I remember my mother gently nudging me to try painting, since I liked drawing so much. One time, she finally convinced me to give it a try. I had grown quite accustomed to a pencil. I had already began working through various "how to draw in pencil" books. Painting and brushes were completely foreign to me and I didn't have the slightest clue what to do with them. When my mom asked me if I liked it, I told her, "No, I really don't have any interest in painting". I didn't feel like I could make any thing look good with paint and i didn't even know where to start. But, I loved to draw in pencil. In fact I loved it so much that I used to turn down friends that were trying to hang out because I was trying to finish my drawings. I kept doing that and eventually I felt like I was missing out. In my young mind, it was al or nothing. It was too hard to cut back on drawing, so I decided to quit all together; thinking,"maybe I'll come back to it again one day, who knows".
Well, years went by. I took a couple of art classes in high school and I definitely never stopped being creative. When I was in my mid 20's I owned a small commercial/residential painting business for a few years. I didn't know it at the time, but that business was pivotal in my becoming an artist. Years ago, when my wife and I were just dating, we decided to do our own private little sip and paint in my apartment. I painted a giant tropical flower and I was actually pretty pleased with how my painting came out this time. I had spent the last three years getting used to the medium of paint and in that moment the past three years of painting combined with all the time I spent drawing as a kid and my artistry was reborn. Now I had the itch and I just wanted to keep painting. I created abstract paintings, and portraits; I painted on bottles and practiced graffiti styles. I was learning about street artists like Shepard Fairey and Banksy, as well as local artists like John Hairston Jr. and Matt Hooker. I was about 30 years old and my passion for art and painting just kept growing. Eventually, I realized that if I was going to keep painting that I was going to have to start making some money. I believe I sold my first piece on Craigslist. It was a painted window I had gotten from an old house being renovated off of West Blvd. in Charlotte NC. Next, I did a small festival and began participating in exhibits at "Gallery 22", a small gallery/bar in the Plaza MIdwood neighborhood. Since then, I've done a number of exhibits, murals, and commissions. You would be surprised how many people want pet art.
I am thankful for each and every one of my clients for helping me live out my dream as an artist! I'm looking forward to many new series, exhibits, and murals in the future. Pleas connect with me int eh contact section, at the bottom of the home page. I would love to hear from you! I will also keep you updated on any new series, events, and special members only coupons!