Artist Interview: Marco Suarez.

Here is an artist whose work inspires me.  I really enjoy his digital collage work.  Please read further to get to know the artist Marco Suarez.

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

I was interested in art ever since I can remember. When I was very young, I would ask my older sisters to draw for me so I could watch them. Then I would try and mimic what they did.



Bird Collage I.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

I don't know if I have a favorite style. I enjoy most any style of art. As far as creating, I'm drawn more toward photography and printmaking than I am oil painting or drawing. Some people enjoy art because they appreciate the technical ability of the artist. I appreciate that. But more so, I'm interested in the emotional response. How does this make me feel? And do I like how it makes me feel? But I am a huge fan of the Pop Art era. Artists like Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Roy Lichtenstein.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Big cities and nature.

I travel quite a bit. And my wife and I love to explore cities. I love finding little cafes, shops, or restaurants. I love how you can create an atmosphere in a cafe or shop that generates a particular emotion. I'm very interested in how you respond emotionally to a space. So I'll try and find little details that explain why I'm responding a certain way to a space, take note of them, and try and replicate them in my work to capture and repeat that emotional response.

The same is true of nature. Milton Glaser said that you never really see until you draw. So I'm trying to train my eye to see the details I would only ever see if I was drawing something. I took a walk through a redwood forest recently and just wanted to sit and stare at a tree trunk all day. I think most artists are inspired by nature. It's kind of the ultimate inspiration.

Empire 2.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

This is obviously always changing, but my circle prints start with a photograph. I love doing things like renting a car, picking a direction, and just driving. I love getting lost. Recently I did this in California and wound up finding some of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. So I take the photos with my DSLR, go home or back to the hotel, and start playing with them. I do most of my work digitally. It's funny how artists either accept digital work or hate it. I see it as just another tool. I'm sure people were also intimidated by photography when it became an art form.

I generally don't know where a piece is going to go. I just start playing. Like I said, I'm interested in the emotional response, so I allow the photo to tell me how it wants to feel, then I try and push more into that.

But sometimes I start with the emotion and pick the photograph to fit that. For instance, I was greatly inspired by U2's song Get on Your Boots and created the piece called Empire. I picked the photo, colors, textures, etc to fit the way I was feeling.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

This is probably different than most artists since I don't do this full-time. So my artwork is relegated to late nights and weekends. It's the way I unwind from the stresses of working for a start-up. I generally start around 7 or 8pm and work late. Everyone's in bed, it's quiet and it's just me, my headphones, and a cup of good coffee. I do my best thinking and work from 10pm to midnight. Not really a sustainable model.

Glowing Forest.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

I have a couple circle prints I made from photographs I took of the smokey mountains. I had someone tell me they grew up in Tennessee mountains and moved away while they were still young. But these images captured exactly how they remembered the mountains. Like a memory. And that nailed it for me. When we remember things in our mind we attach the way we felt to them. And that alters the image. It makes it more intense and magical than the reality. And some people have a hard time remembering those images. They're distorted in their mind. And when people see my work, it makes that image clear again. That gets me so excited.

Heat.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

I absolutely love branding. My philosophy of branding is identical to art. How can I make a person feel? I love it. I'm also a musician. I play guitar. Occasionally write songs. Compose music. I love making coffee. We moved into a new house to fit our growing family and my wife and I are having a blast decorating it. Basically, I don't care what I do just as long as I can create. So, creativity is my hobby I guess.

North Shore.

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

I work for a start-up called Zaarly as their lead designer. It's a full-time and sometimes more job. I currently am a man without an art studio. A year ago I moved out of my studio and in with a coworking group where I lack the space for a true studio though I occasionally take over some table space to create some textures or something. But since most of my work is digital, this is manageable.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

Whatever I'm currently creating. The two that have sold the best is Painted Tree and Coast. Those are some of my favorites because of how people fall in love with them. But I'm most excited about what I'm creating right now, which currently from photographs I took in California.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Learn business and take advantage of technology. I know amazing artists that work at Starbucks because they just don't get how to market themselves. And get a mentor! A mentor is critical.

Painted Tree.

11. Describe your work space.

Since I don't have a formal studio I'll describe where I pick to work. Like I said earlier, I'm interested in how spaces make you feel. So I'll find a place like home, coffee shop, park, wherever that energizes and inspires me. Since I work mostly on my laptop, that makes this easy.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

Um, everything. It's hard. Most people don't see art as having a function. They hang it on a wall or set it on a shelf. So people are hesitant to spend money on something they don't see having a function. And for a long time I didn't sell much. But I started to hit a stride and get some recognition on Etsy with my circle prints. People really started to take notice because of how they connected with them. That's when things changed.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

I see art falling into 1 of 2 camps: decorative art and high art. Decorative is generally cheaper and people purchase it to help decorate a room. Once their tastes change, the art gets ditched. Then there's high art. This is generally more expensive and people buy it as an investment. They're interested in the artist's career and look at it as part of their permanent collection. And they generally create a stronger deeper bond with the artwork. I want to see my work and my career fall into the high art category.

Thanks!

Marco

--------------

Thank you Marco for letting us get to know you a bit better.  You can also find Marco here:

Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcosuarez/

Website:  http://marcosuarez.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/marcosuarez

Blog:  http://marcosuarez.com/blog/

Gotta Make Something Soon.

I saw this diy on Design*Sponge the other day and it really got my creative spark going.  I like the map idea, but how cool would it be if your shoved the slats together first and painted an original work of art like a neat portrait or landscape before your separated it slightly.

Via Design*Sponge.

Or even better, get a print of one of your favorite works of art blown up extra large and paste it to the boards before separating them.  I think my photograph "Holding" would be a great candidate for a slatted format.  You'd still see the image, but it would be slightly abstracted.  

"Holding" by Me.

An old advertisement would look nifty segmented like that too.  Such as this label from LABELSTONE on Etsy.

Bronco Buster Crate Label via LABELSTONE on Etsy.

Craigslist Cravings: A Couch to Paint.

I'm wanting to find a couch like this one:

Via Craigslist.

And paint it so it looks like this one from Design*Sponge.

Via Design*Sponge.

I'm thinking perhaps a mossy green.

Artist Interview: Doubleparlour.

Here is an interview I think you'll enjoy.  Their art is very unique and I've been a fan for quite a while.  Please allow me to introduce you to the artists behind Doubleparlour:  Cassandra and Ernie.

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

Cassandra began drawing at a young age...some of her early works involved a fair amount of unicorns and glitter. Ernie's art career began later in life, although he has always had a creative outlet. He started playing guitar as a teenager. He was a musician, pastry chef and then an artist.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

We appreciate many styles and genres ....however, we are mostly drawn to low brow art, vinyl art toy designs and graphic novel/comic book illustrations. Those genres suit our own style of work and inspire our creative process.



Florene & Talbert.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Our ideas come from quite random ideas....that layer of nonsense or mystery just underneath the normality of everyday life activities.

Oh Deer.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

We both start our projects with a concept in mind, then usually sketch the idea/form/composition, look for references if needed....then start the project and let it evolve. Usually we create our pieces individually, and rely on each other for suggestions and honest feedback. However, we do occasionally collaborate on illustrations and sculpture projects.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

Cassandra drags herself out of bed at an early hour to head to her full-time job. She works on art projects and the business aspects of doubleparlour on evenings and weekends. Ernie wakes up early as well and walks across our flat to the "studio". The "studio" is starting to take over the rest of the house!

Our days are filled with creating art for galleries, fairs/conventions, commissions, and our on-line shop. There is also the business aspects that has to be attended to....emails, updating the blog, website and social media sites, packing and shipping, ordering supplies, and taxes.

the lonesome accordionist.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

The mood, emotional quality, inventiveness, composition, elements, and the skill involved to create the piece.

countryandwestern.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

Collecting art, graphic novels, vinyl records and antiques. Also, we enjoy wondering around the city, sleeping in, dinner parties, road trips, hanging out with family and NPR.

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

Ernie is a full time artist, Cassandra works in the educational department at a hospital.

Open Season.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

The next piece! Some we get more attached to than other.....especially when the mood or figure's expression is captured perfectly.....or the piece was challenging to pull of based on the limitations of the materials.

the hunter.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Make art that feeds your passion to create. Take time to explore materials and constantly strive to improve your skills.

Murky Water 07.

11. Describe your work space.

Hmmm...messy most of the time. Our flat actually contains a double parlour (two living rooms separated by a wall with sliding pocket doors)....this is what inspired our name. We use the front living room as our main studio space. Inside that space are paintings and sculptures on the walls, a large calendar to keep us organized with deadlines.......pens, paints, pencils, magic sculpt, polymer clay, wood, paper, tools, screen printing equipment, flea market finds (for mixed media projects), taxidermy eyes, and a lizard named Otis.

Studio Workspace.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

Not setbacks....just the expected stress that comes from trying to make a living from art. It takes awhile to get your work out there and noticed. I would say though....it has been an exciting journey so far!

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

Just to perfect our craft as much as possible.....to continue challenging ourselves to create better and constantly evolving work.

Also found...
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doubleparlour/118138051585586?v=wall
Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/doubleparlour/
Blog:  http://doubleparlour.com/cheapmeats/
Website:  http://www.doubleparlour.com/
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/doubleparlour

Craigslist Cravings: Sexy Couch.

Now, you'll have to envision this baby with some lipstick on.  I'm thinking reupholstered in a dark grey twill and putting one row of buttons in the back cushion (which it may already have, but I can't tell.  It could be so sleek and handsome, and for $100 it's quite the steal.  Ugh, it makes me sick when I come across something this good and don't have the ability to scoop it up and rescue it.  I'm telling you, this couch would look perfect in our living room after it gets new drywall and floors.  Sigh.  Anybody want to buy it and store it for a few months for me?

Image via Indy Craigslist.

Image via Indy Craigslist.

This style is so hot right now, I've seen new-made-to-look-old sectionals like this go for 6-8k+, which I know I'll never spend on a piece of furniture, so that's what makes this beauty look so appealing to me.

Via The Orbit In (which I'd love to stay at someday).

This would be a wonderful fabric to reupholster that Craigslist couch in.  Wouldn't that make it sublime?

Artist Interview: Adalberto Ortiz.

I'm a sucker for paintings.  Especially ones with extreme sources of light (think ala Edward Hopper), so when I first came across the Etsy shop http://intothepaint.etsy.com, I was immediately smitten.  The artist, Adalberto Ortiz, was kind enough to answer my interview questions, so let's all get to know him better.

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

You might say I was an "art kid." I had the advantage of growing up in a big city, New York. I went to the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan where art was a big part of the curriculum. I also was fortunate enough to live in a city where I can just take a subway ride to some of the greatest museums in the world. Looking at art on the web or print cannot compare with actually being inches away from it. You react differently to a painting or any art piece depending on its size. That’s also part of the art experience. You can look at an 8 by 8 inch painting of an apple, for instance, and feel one way but if you were to see the same painting at a different scale, say 8 by 8 feet, you would react differently. The meaning changes, the impact is different. The artist is conveying something else at that bigger scale. I remember looking at Picasso’s Guernica when it lived at the Museum of Modern Art (it is now in Spain). It was big, in its own room, surrounded with other smaller studies for the work. You could actually see the artist’s work process through the smaller studies right there in that room.

Dewey Grain Elevator.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

I really have no favorite. I like art for many reasons. Like everyone else, I like to look at art and respond to it emotionally, as when a landscape painting captures the time of day or season so perfectly, with just the right colors and light, that you just feel it in the painting, or a painting of a portrait that reveals what the subject is feeling or thinking. I saw a painting at The Wexner Center for the Arts gallery in Ohio by Luc Tuymans, a large painting of a baby’s face surrounded be a soft white blanket. The painting was called Silence. It just felt very quiet. I also like David Hockney’s painting of a flower in a vase in front of a blue Mt. Fuji (Mt. Fuji and Flowers). The flower looks like it’s rendered in 3d. It just pops out. How did he do that? How can I do that? But, I love to look at art conceptually as well. I like it when art reveals a double meaning. I like texture and composition. I like minimalism in art. I even admire the frame—how clean and perfect–around a painting or a simple white pedestal holding a sculpture. The presentation of art is also part of the joy.

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Well, you really don’t generate ideas.  They are discovered, mostly. I don’t look for a subject to paint. I don’t say “I'm going to paint a still life of a flower in a vase today.” Now, you might start off with your still life arrangement, but it’s unimportant. It is how the compositing sits within the picture frame, or the negative background shapes, or just the light that is important. Those are the elements that matter to me. The subject can be anything. You don’t wait for inspiration. Once you start doing–applying paint to a surface, if you are a painter, you will begin to see, discover. Anything, any object or scene can be rediscovered as art. Once you start applying paint to your canvas, the painting starts talking to you, it will suggest what to do next. In other words, you give to it and it will give back to you. One hopes for something unexpected, accidental, and surprising to occur in order to harness and shape it into something interesting as art. If I am painting an image of a house, I am really looking at the negative spaces, the surroundings, and trying to make those shapes interesting. Perhaps that is what’s important in the painting, the background, or maybe some object in the corner of the painting will draw my attention. You don’t need to paint the sky blue. It can be any color: red, black. You might purposely simplify parts of your painting in order to draw attention to something else on your canvas. In other words, nothing needs to be what it appears. In my painting (Red House) for example, there is a strong white horizontal line across the canvas. That is an element of the house, the fascia but, at the same time, because I’ve made it so prominent and flat, it attracts attention as just an abstract shape dividing the surface.

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

I carry a small notebook around to dash down ideas, thumbnail sketches. I also take digital pictures of anything that captures my interest and that I want to use as inspiration or to paint from. If I have an idea, say for a painting, I usually upload my image, however rough, to my computer. There I manipulate it. I introduce new elements, rearrange parts, eliminate areas, and simplify. I try out different compositions and color. With smaller works I sometimes make a print on canvas or paper with my home printer and start painting right over the print.  When you paint over your print it will sometimes pick up the ink pigments, resulting in unexpended color bleeds. This could be interesting. However, I often apply fixative to prevent this so that I have more control over my colors. I also desaturate the print so that it is just barely visible. Once I’m well into my painting, I take a digital image of it and upload it to my computer. There I try out different color values before going back to the actual work. I agonize over the work a lot especially when I need to get the perfect color and value. The computer makes this easier. I really dread mixing colors and don’t like to spend time gridding my canvas to transfer an image to it. Another way I work is totally on the computer. I sometimes use a 3d modeling program to create a still life or interior painting. I construct my subjects in 3d environment, arrange the elements in space, and digitally light it. I can endlessly rearrange things, light it in many different ways and use my software camera tools to compose a pleasant composition. I can use multiple camera angles and lighting to explore possibilities. I can also play with color and values endlessly. My paintings (Open Sky and Ofrenza) were created totally by this method.

Page Corner Print No. 1.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

Well, I don’t paint every day, but I do a lot of thinking about art. I will do several works in a short period of time. I’m always looking to see what in my environment, as I proceed through my day, I can use as a creative spark or idea for my next work. My series of magazine page corners (Page Corner #1­–#6) were inspired by looking through magazines. I noticed how earmarked magazine pages, when folded over, reveal the page underneath. I noticed that, together, the folded image and the partial graphic under created an interesting abstract single image.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

I gravitate toward other people’s work because I often want to create art the way they do. I wish I had done it first. I am envious. I like to discover how other artists solve problems. I’m intrigued by how some artists take an idea and interpret it as art. I admire how some painters can use their skill with a brush to depict everyday objects, light, or garments so economically perfect. Think of John Singer Sargent for example.

Coca-Cola.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

I have an interest in theatre. I studied set design at NYU and have been involved in theatrical productions as a designer. I like building things. I am interested in 3d art and design. I also have a strong interest in architecture and product design.

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

Right now this is my job and interest. I’ve done graphic design and done commercial work designing TV newsroom and studios in the past. I am always open to doing commercial design work. I’ve done several book cover designs as a freelancer.

Page Corner Print No. 3.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

There is no favorite piece. If I had to choose it would be the one I’m currently working on. I lose interest in my older work. I often see things in hindsight that I could have done better. Sometimes, however, a friend or viewer will see something in one of my paintings that I never intended or planned. For example, I have a painting of an interior (Moonlight through Window) with a window and moonlight reflected on a wall. The light on the wall is painted with metallic silver paint. My son observed that when viewed straight on, you can see the metallic moonlight clearly on the wall, but when viewed from the side, the light disappears. The metallic paint color blends with the wall color. That was a pleasant surprise and added more interest to the painting.

Red House.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Don’t quit your day job. If you’re truly interested in being an artist, just stick with it. Over time, you really need to create a lot of work and have a distinctive style or concept that defines your work, if you want to exhibit professionally. I would highly recommend Jackie Battenfield’s The Artist’s Guide to read.

11. Describe your work space.

My current workspace is really unsuitable for creating art. Ideally, if you like to draw or paint at a desk you should be standing. And the desk should be high enough for that. While I like painting big, I have focused lately on doing smaller pieces. You can generate more art quickly and can develop your techniques faster. So I am using a desk that is totally unsuitable. Ideally, if I had a perfect studio, I would just staple my board/canvas to a wall or place on the floor and go at it. I think one has to have an unencumbered space to move around freely. Make a mess!

White Farm House.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

Yes. Unless you’re independently wealthy most artists have to make a living, somehow. I had to get a “real” job, leaving little time to paint. So choose your work and lifestyle carefully to allow enough time to do art. That said, no matter how much you love art, people and family are more important.

Studio Space with Messy Desk (my desk looks very similar).

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

I like conceptual art. I like to paint bigger and use more unusual and unconventional subjects and material. I am drawn toward a more minimalist style of work. I am currently working on a series of 3d conceptual artwork (Surrender). I am taking several simple identical wooden chairs and creating a series of 3d conceptual artwork by altering, repurposing them in interesting and unique way (Artifact). Of course, it would be nice to be able to make a living with your art.

You can also find him:

Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/_ortiz/sets/

Art Website:  http://cargocollective.com/ortiz

Theatre Website:  http://www.coroflot.com/ortizdesign

Thank you so much for letting us into your creative process.  I really enjoyed your answers, especially about what draws you to other people's work because my answer would be very similar yours.  I wish you all the best with your future work, and I hope this little blip brings lots of new viewers to your work.

2012: Another Year, More Goals.

"Pleasant Dreams" by Me.  Available in my shop.

I should start out by saying I'm a dreamer, that's a given, but I honestly believe that if you think you can or can't either way you're right.   Last year was incredible for me, and as I finish up this first month of the new year I must say I think this year is going to be even better.

Here is a short list of goals for the coming year.

• Get off the property more.  I want to make it to more auctions, yardsales, and explore as much as possible.
• Take my camera and business cards with me everywhere.  This is a habit I need to work on.
• Have floors, walls, and ceilings in the bottom story of our house finished.
• Take Joe on lots of hikes, picnics, and to swim at the lake as often as I can.
• Reach my fitness goals.
• Keep making more and more of our foods from scratch.
• Contact one of my favorite blogs and ask if they'd like to feature my work.
• Keep doing artist interviews to learn more about the people I admire.
• Have a garden even better than last year's.
• Reach 500 sales by the end of the year.
• Create more original works of art.
• Volunteer my time more.
• Check out all the local farmer's markets.
• Go to more than just our local fair this summer.
• Read more.
• Watch tv less.
• Listen to more NPR podcasts.
• Write more.
• Notice the little things.

I could keep going, but I think you get the gist of it.

What are you hoping to accomplish this year?

Artist Interview: Charlie Mcgloughlin.

I hold a special place in my heart for architecture.  An old farmhouse can make me swoon.  So, naturally I'm drawn to art that features architecture.  Here is one artist who does a grand job at capturing architecture in his landscapes.  He's let me interview him, so here are some questions and answers by the artist behind http://kingbonk.etsy.com:

1. Were you always an art kid, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

I've been making art ever since I was a kid.  My dad was an architect and he set up a small drafting board next to his big one so I could draw while he worked.  I remember I designed houses, and airplanes, and other contraptions and showed him what I did.  He was very encouraging.  He even told me a few houses (that he designed) were actually from my drawings.  I was so proud.   And he gave me the greatest advice I ever got about drawing: "get a pen, and be bold."

Barn, 9:30 AM.

2. What style of art is your favorite and why?

I like all kinds, I dont have a particular style which is a favorite.  I tend to gravitate to any art that tries to convey a sense of the sublime or the uncanny.  Abstract Expressionist artists are always very exciting to me when they perform their work with precision.  See Rothko, Barnett Newman. My friend Douglas Witmer does work I like a lot in that genre.  I am not a land artist, but I think De Maria's "Lightning Field" is a major inspiration for me.  That work alone is a work of grand genius.   I love old prints.  Here in Philadelphia we have the Philadelphia Print Shop and they have a wonderful (and expensive) collection of great old prints.  I love the precision and faded colors, and the "imprint" nature of the process.  my own art has a bit of both genres -- the large fields of color with the architectural details and faded colors like sepia.  

3. What do you use for inspiration, or how do you generate ideas?

Big skies are important.  I may make small scale paintings but the ideas -- and the space -- I am trying to convey is epic.    Abstract expressionism, with the large fields of vibrant color, are important inspirations to me.  I love the sense of human construction trying to reach up into the big, limitless sky.  It says something about human aspiration and perhaps hubris.  I see my landscapes as mainly abstract expressionist paintings in which details of human structures and details from nature strive to compete and be noticed.  The bird paintings are another thing altogether ... although i do try to convey the birds as small heroes, so I guess the epic is there too.  

4. Walk us through your creative process from idea to finished project.

I usually am struck by a landscape i see while travelling.  I dont like dwelling on a painting, so i work very quickly.  Watercolor forces you to make quick decisions and improvise -- I love that.  My main strength is my sketching ability  -- I could always just DRAW -- so I like the paintings to have a sketchy, immediate quality.  Watercolor, at least the way I have learned to use it, is perfect for this, as is oil pastel. Dry pastel is too messy. This is also a result of my life situation ... I work a full time job so all my painting has to be done right after dinner and before bed, which means I have to be able to get the materials and paints out, get the idea on paper, and put it away for safekeeping all within an hour or two.  If I take longer than 12 total hours on a painting I give up and paint the entire thing black and start over.  

I usually start off with two colors I want to work with as a base and create an abstract-impressionist-like painting with different horizontal blocks of color acting as an underpainting.  From there the details, ostensibly the "subject" of the painting, is laid over that in successive layers. 

House on the Hill.

5. What is a typical day in your life?

Work all day and play all night.  On the way to work, think about how I am going to play that night.

6. What do you think draws you to other people's work?

This is the great mystery of art and I have no idea.  I said I have favorite styles but that doesnt mean I dont love something in every style.  I think, above all, attention to detail, whether it be a conceptual detail or an actual detail of a painting.  It really depends. That -- as I said -- I am always drawn to the uncanny or sublime.  Thus, the work of Magritte, Agnes Martin, Guston, and Bacon are all equally inspiring to me.  

Lighthouse ala Little Red.

7. What are your interests/hobbies?

I joke that the money I make from painting funds my real hobby, which is model railroading. When I run out of money for painting and model railroading, my cheap hobby is writing music.  

8. Is this your full time job, or do you have a job out-of-studio?

I have a job. I am a registered architect, and I currently work for a major railroad in Construction Management.  

Western Tanager.

9. What is your favorite piece you've ever made and why?

The last one I did.  Right now, this painting called "Antenna Farm" on my website.  It gets to that "sublime" thing I was talking about.  Also, I really am happy with "Western Tanager", another one on my website.  I love that its so heroic looking.  Im thinking of having that picture blown up to 20x30 as a joke ... big bird!!!

The Fall Trees.

10. What advice would you give to an artist just starting out in the business world?

Art and business are only friends when they have the same goal, which is rare.  I dont really have any advice on this as my art is really not my business.  I find the phrase "art business" an oxymoron at best, and a sinister euphemism at worst.

11. Describe your work space.

I have this drawer which holds all my supplies.  When I am working, I annex the dining room table after dinner.  I put it all away in the drawer at bedtime. 

Drawers where he tucks his work away every night.

12. Did you face any setbacks on your path to being an artist?

I face the constant issue of there only being 24 hours in a day.  And of course I need to have a "real job" to make ends meet nowadays, so that leaves less time for creation.   But I get along ok.  So, no. 

Workspace and Drawers.  Very neat and tidy.

13. What milestones, goals, or achievements are you striving for right now?

Do more birds.  I think they are fun to do. And I think that in my own way I imbue part of my personality into them.  

Thanks so much Charlie, for chatting with us so that we could get to know you a bit better.

You can also find his work on Facebook:  Here.